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When our children ask us the big questions, such as “Why?” or “What are we going to do?” after a flood, earthquake or hurricane has destroyed their home, community or disrupted daily life, adults can get stuck thinking that they must provide an explanation for the unexplainable.

It is no surprise that many people feel anxious – we live at a time when ‘breaking news’ occurs multiple times a day. These 3 questions can serve as a useful guide as we try to manage the high anxiety and general roller coaster of emotions that affect us during momentous election periods.

What we don’t often think about is how stress and anxiety can significantly increase during an election year and affect everyone’s mental health. Learn more about how to manage this stress and anxiety.

ADAA Blog Post by Ashley Smith, PhD - Research shows that the more present we are, the happier we tend to be, even when the present moment isn’t pleasant or enjoyable. Rumination is a sneaky mental habit that zaps us of joy. This is where gratitude can be particularly helpful.

Disastrous news gets delivered in a highly emotional way – often on purpose – and while having strong feelings for the victims of war, floods, earthquakes, mass shootings or horrific accidents is justified, we also have to be logical and in tune with our own emotional processes when interpreting the news.

“Our first concern must be to assure that the advance of medical knowledge leaves none behind.”  A conversation with ADAA#2023 Conference Keynote Luci Baines Johnson

It is easy to experience holiday season FOMO and imagine everyone else is out there celebrating with friends and family, delighting in their picture perfect moments while you are just getting through your days. Check out these action steps you can take to experience YOUR best life.

While it’s pretty common to have periods of feeling down, sad, or blue, especially this time of year, sometimes it’s more serious than that. Depression is real, and it’s important to recognize it and get proper treatment.

Gratitude may be especially helpful for kids and teens who suffer from symptoms of anxiety and depression, given its ability to improve symptoms associated with both of these categories of mental health disorders.