Boys and Mental Health: Combating Anxiety and Depression in the Digital Era with Lisa Mustard

The Therapy Show with Lisa Mustard: Continuing Education for Mental Health Counselors, Marriage and Family Therapists, Social Workers and Psychologists | NBCC Approved Provider

In my latest episode, I explore the critical issue of boys' mental health, drawing inspiration from Jonathan Haidt's research. (Find the article here.) I delve into the significant shift from physical to digital activities since the 1970s and its impact on the mental and social development of young boys and men. I discuss the challenges posed by the digital world, including video games and smartphones, and emphasize the importance of balancing this with real-world interactions. I highlight the role of parents in modeling healthy behaviors and setting standards for technology use, physical activity, and emotional expression.

I give practical advice for parents to support their sons, including encouraging physical activities, understanding different learning styles, and fostering social connections. I stress the importance of teaching boys to express their emotions healthily and building resilience through problem-solving and independence. Additionally, I remind parents to be vigilant about signs of anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues in their sons.

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I conclude the episode with a reminder about the importance of addressing personal mental health issues for the benefit of our children. I encourage my listeners to seek professional support and underscore the role of parents in shaping their children's mental health.

The Therapy Show with Lisa Mustard is sponsored by TherapyNotes! Try TherapyNotes for 2 months, absolutely free. Click here: www.lisamustard.com/therapynotes or enter promo code “Lisa” at www.TherapyNotes.com.

This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. I know there are a lot of uncertainties happening in the world right now. And when it comes to worrying about the future or even dwelling too long in the past, it can take a toll on your present day. It can affect your relationships, your work, your health habits and it can be a good idea to talk with a counselor to sort through your thoughts, feelings and actions. And if you’re thinking now is the time to get started with therapy, consider BetterHelp. BetterHelp provides affordable, private online counseling and will match you with a professional, licensed therapist. You can get therapy in four ways: exchanging messages with your therapist, chatting live with your therapist, speaking over the phone with your therapist or video conferencing with your therapist

You can use different ways at different times as you wish, based on your needs, availability, and convenience. BetterHelp’s licensed therapists specialize in a wide range of issues, including anxiety, trauma, relationship issues, stress, depression and much more. Join over 2,800,000 people who decided to get help and get happy with BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/lisamustard and get 10% off your first month.

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Mental Health Resources and Support:

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support via phone or chat for people in distress, resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals. Includes information on finding your local crisis center. Phone: 988 Website: http://suicidepreventionlifeline.org

SAMHSA’s National Helpline is a free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service (in English and Spanish) for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders.SAMHSA’s National Helpline | SAMHSA

It’s important to stress that these episodes are not meant to take the place of any work you’re doing with your therapist or doctor. In fact, please run these ideas by your counselor or doctor before you act on them to make sure you are ready for them or even fit for the suggestions. I can’t stress this enough, each person is unique and their situation is unique so please talk to your dr before starting anything new I may be suggesting.

The Therapy Show with Lisa Mustard, and the information provided by Lisa Mustard, is solely intended for informational and entertainment purposes and is not a substitute for advice, diagnosis, or treatment regarding medical or mental health conditions. Although Lisa Mustard is a licensed marriage and family therapist, the views expressed on this site or any related content should not be taken for medical or psychiatric advice. Always consult your physician before making any decisions related to your physical or mental health.

Connect with me on LinkedIn, Instagram or through my website: Contact | Lisa Mustard.