1/27/2023 12:30:18 PM
You’re invited to a free webinar with Shonda M. Craft, Ph.D., LMFT, from noon to 1 p.m., Feb. 1. Dr. Craft will be sharing her expertise and experience on youth and social connection.
Belonging and social connectedness is essential for well-being. Dr. Craft will help adults guide those valuable connections and provide insight into avoiding connections that cause harm.
“This is a great conversation for parents and others to understand a little bit more about healthy social connection and have a chance to ask questions about kid and teen development and mental health,” said Landyn Prescott-Miles, manager of the state’s Employee Assistance Program
In addition to serving as Dean of the College of Health and Wellness Professions at St. Cloud State University, Dr. Craft has her own practice in the Twin Cities.
Minnesotans are living with more anxiety and mental health problems than ever before – and children and teens are no exception. Even before Covid-19 changed everything, anxiety among youth was on the rise. About 13% of Minnesota Advantage Health Plan enrollees ages 12 to 17 received care for general anxiety in 2021. That’s up 40% from 2016. Results of the 2022 Minnesota Student Survey released in December showed students reporting greater struggles with mental health, such as depression and anxiety, than at any other time in the history of the survey that dates to 1989.
Nationally, data show the same challenge. The National Institutes of Health reports nearly one in three people between ages 13 and 18 will experience an anxiety disorder. It’s important to recognize the signs of anxiety and get help for kids who are struggling. The American Academy of Pediatrics says the signs of anxiety in kids can include:SEGIP
