From social media to marijuana, anxiety, isolation and therapy, many topics arise for today’s parents and guardians when it comes to kids’ mental health. The Whatcom County affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, NAMI, has gathered all those “hot topics” together to inform an online discussion on Thursday, Sept. 26 about child and teen mental health.
The 2023 state Healthy Youth Survey, representing more than 217,000 Washington students in grades 6 through 12, indicates improved health behaviors and mental health along with increased social support compared to the 2021 survey. However, 30% of 10th graders report persistent depressive feelings and nearly 15% reported contemplating suicide. LGBTQ+ students and those reporting a disability still experience higher levels of mental health issues.
Dr. Laura Kastner and Dr. James Harle, two local experts on youth psychology, will lead the Hot Topics conversation, which will include substance abuse, school avoidance, evidence based treatment, responsible social media use and high reported anxiety rates among kids. The free discussion will begin at 6:30 p.m. on Zoom. Registration is open here.
Kastner is a clinical professor in both the psychology department and the department of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at the University of Washington, and has written five books on child development and parenting. Harle founded Sendan Center, a child and adolescent behavioral health clinic providing comprehensive diagnosis and treatment, in Bellingham in 2011.
The Hot Topics discussion won’t be the only opportunity to engage on mental health issues. On Saturday, Oct. 12, NAMI Whatcom will host its annual Stigma Stomp at Bloedel Donovan Park, a fun run and walk that raises funds and awareness for mental health. Registration for the event is now open.
Julia Tellman writes about civic issues and anything else that happens to cross her desk; contact her at juliatellman@cascadiadaily.com.
