Two years ago, Lily Heath, psychometrist in Akron Children’s Neurobehavioral Health, found herself at a crossroads. As she prepared to graduate from The University of Akron with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and criminology, she realized the career she had chosen was not right for her. “I thought I wanted to become a police […]
When does anxiety cross the line to become a disorder?
You are on a diving board looking below at the deep end of the pool. You are about to deliver a speech. It’s the first day of a new job. Everyone experiences anxiety from time to time. But when does that anxiety cross the line to become an anxiety disorder? Dr. Laura Markley, who is […]
Stress and anxiety: How can I help my child cope?
Stress is a natural part of life. Everyone feels stress at times—even kids—and occasional anxiety is a normal reaction to the stress we feel. Kids may be stressed or worried about school or grades, juggling responsibilities and activities, problems with friends, or moving schools. They might even feel stress at home with the loss of […]
8 tips for a great start to the school year
After a summer of sleeping in and doing things on their own time, going back to school can be a rude awakening for your teen. Whether they’re an anxious freshman or a confident senior, heading back to school is a time of transition – from new teachers and classes to a new routine and social […]
How to talk to your children when news is scary
Recent natural disasters, mass shootings and international conflicts in the news can have a profound effect on kids. Mental health experts at Akron Children’s offer these tips to help parents handle these difficult conversations and provide reassurance.
Family says counseling, open communication key to strong mental health
For Cohen Pierce, it was triggered by the transition to middle school. For his younger sister Lila, it was most apparent the morning of test days. The “its” in both cases were mental health concerns. Cohen’s depression manifested as changes in his personality. He went from his normal happy-go-lucky self to feeling down and negative […]