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…
A few years ago, I was asked this question by someone at a talk I was giving about the mental health impact on youth with a serious chronic illness: “Who is the quarterback of each person’s health care?…Should someone be in charge, connecting all the dots…” The answer to this question is The Patient’s Medical…
Harm Reduction is a difficult topic to explain to people: parents, educators, lawmakers don’t always understand why I can be satisfied with a youth lowering their drug use when they really need to stop their drug use. Harm reduction can sound like a clinician is giving in – the second to last step before giving…
“Does pot count?” The girl asking this question looks like a pixie dressed all in black, with metal stud bracelets and black eyeliner. I’m running a group and, as part of it, there is a questionnaire about drug use. I am looking steadily at this girl, and I must look puzzled, because she continues. “I…
I must ask unusual questions in the course of my work. Asking teens why they use marijuana is one of the questions that gets some thought-provoking answers. Here are some of them: “What kind of question is that?” “I don’t know.” “You know – to relax.” “It’s just something to do while hanging out.” “I…