ADAA Mental Health Blogs for the Public

Artificial Intelligence (AI) can be a powerful tool, but it can also pose a risk for youth. A recent health report from APA urges adults to stay alert and to guide teens in using AI wisely, prioritizing real relationships and mental health.

ADAA members Drs Burch and Ortiz explain how independence-focused therapy empowers kids through choice-driven challenges, fostering confidence, problem-solving, and resilience, while simultaneously relieving parental stress and reducing child anxiety.

Supporting someone with PTSD can feel overwhelming. ADAA member Michelle Fernando, PhD, offers clear, compassionate steps to help you recognize the signs, encourage treatment, and be a steady, supportive presence without losing yourself in the process.

Jealousy is a common feeling in romantic relationships. Retroactive jealousy (RJ) is a type of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) symptoms that involves frequent, distressing thoughts about a partner’s past romantic relationships or sexual experiences. This blog explores what RJ is, how it shows up in relationships, and points to effective ways it can be managed—offering valuable insight for anyone who wants to better understand this complex experience.

Losing a loved one to suicide is one of the most painful and complex experiences a person can endure. The grief that follows can feel overwhelming, and the emotions you may experience can be confusing. This article offers guidance on coping with grief, understanding the emotions that often accompany suicide loss, and finding support as you begin the healing process.

How do you tell a 19-year-old who just lost a parent and failed an exam that their pain is not a curse? Our job—whether we are teachers, parents, helpers, or just people who care—is to help young people learn new ways to see their pain. As African thinker Kwame Gyekye once said, our old beliefs aren’t “crazy”—they are based on what people knew at the time.