School is out and, for many teens, the pressure of academic performance is gone. Just last week, one of my colleagues noted that there were fewer referrals and many youth were planning monthly instead of weekly sessions. It seems as if summer means a break from mental illness as well as from school. As well…
This year I will celebrate my 45th anniversary of graduating from medical school. My class and the university I attended hold reunions on a 5-year cycle. I have attended all past reunions, 5th, 10th, 15th, 20th, 25th…you get the idea… My friends, my husband, my children are surprised when I say that I will likely…
My weeks in the middle of October are crowded with patients – often patients I am not supposed to see since they are over 18 and my program does not extend beyond 18 years. These patients, however, know me and I know them. They turn first to someone they know, and I have told them…
Recently I read that many people are not using their vacation time during the pandemic even though some time off would have been a benefit for their health. I hope that you are not one of those individuals. I hope you are reading this on your vacation. If you are not on vacation, then maybe…
“Dr. Beck, have you got a summer reading list ready yet?” When I was asked this question last week, I was taken aback. I had completely forgotten to get a book list together before the summer started. Last summer, one of the more popular handouts I prepared were some reading lists for youth. I made…
For many youth and their families, it is a few years since they’ve gotten together with their relatives. If you are thinking of something to do that is good for mental health, why not consider a family visit? My happiest summer memories are of visiting relatives with my parents and brother and sisters and, in…
