Read this until the end.. And back

Separation Anxiety

With the school year fast approaching, I thought I'd talk about separation anxiety. This occurs when our children are worried about leaving home. When they are small, it may signify a healthy bond between mother/father and child. But it can also become a real problem when your child has a very difficult time letting go and socializing or attending school.  Parents must gently encourage their child to branch out and become their own person. When kids show signs of anxiety or fear, we may naturally try and protect, comfort, and attend to their worries. What we don't realize is that this makes separating more challenging. They  sense their parents worry, which may feed into their own fears. Show strength and love to your children when they prepare for school. Listen to their concerns but give them positive messages about leaving. For very young children, I always recommend giving them something of yours to hold onto like - a little bracelet, a key chain, or a hat etc. Which can give them peace of mind. Comfort them with surprises in their lunch box. Be creative  and always teach by example. Remember a parent's job never ends. Separation anxiety can happen around college time too. Although I'm not sure who is filled with more anxiety, children or their parents! ~Nancy Shertok, MSW, LCSW 

Summer

Days of Summer...

     I am going through a bit of weather shock since my move to Atlanta. Despite the warm days, I still feel a need to bring a sweater at night even though temperatures are usually in the 80's. Living in Milwaukee, near a GREAT lake always kept the evenings cool. It is nice to actually feel warmth and enjoy the long summer months in Georgia. With that said, many of us from the North may suffer from depression due, in part, to the lack of Vitamin D from the sun. So lets all get outside in the sun (with sunscreen) and enjoy the long summer days.

     While we are on the subject, why not try this challenge. Ask yourself the question, "What would I do today if I only had three more days to live in this city?"  Make a bucket list and "just do it." Include new restaurants, places of interest, national parks, farmers markets, sporting events, hikes, music.. the list is endless. Start living today!  Depression is treatable, but it starts with you. Change up your routine to get out of your rut.  Stay active, take walks, workout, smile, explore new sights and meet new people. This is a step in the right direction to improve your mood. If you can't do it alone, please call for help  ~Nancy

Happy July 4th

Hope everyone is enjoying a weekend filled with fun, family, and relaxation. Trying to figure out what to do today, despite the rain. Farmers market, pool time, parades are still questionable for now. Gym time? TV? Reading?