Mental Health Minute

September 2007 

Front Range Psychological Associates 526 Briggs Street P.O. Box 1154 Erie, Colorado 80516 303-828-3080 - office 303-828-5126 - fax In This Issue Social Skills Group - Just for Girls! National Family Day - 9/24 Upcoming Events Depression in Teens Workplace Stress Join our mailing list and receive our monthly newsletter as well as reminders about upcoming events! Social Skills Group - Just For Girls!!! We have had so much interest (and so much fun!) in our social skills groups this summer, we have decided to offer another group starting in September.  The group will focus on making friends, managing conflict, positive communication, as well as other important social skills.  The group will be a time when girls can practice skills they have learned, make new friends, and get constructive feedback from Drs. Engel & Smith as well as their peers.  We will play games, role play, discuss concerns, and have a great time! This group is a wonderful opportunity for newcomers, and is also perfect for those girls who have participated in past groups. The content will be similar, but we will have all new activities, and more of a chance to share specific concerns and practice our new skills with the group. WHO: Girls ages 7-12 WHEN:  6 Monday afternoons September 10, 17, 24 October 1, 15, 22 4:00 - 5:15 pm WHERE: FRPA Office 526 Briggs Street Suite A Erie  80516 WHY: To improve social skills in a positive, supportive setting.  Our goal is that with improved skills, girls will gain confidence in their interactions with peers and adults, make friends more easily, and keep the friends they have, by managing conflict in an appropriate, productive way. Contact FRPA at 303-828-3080 for more information, and to register for the Fall session.  Please feel free to forward this information to a friend! Join Our List National Family Day Monday September 24th In 2001, President Bush declared the fourth Monday of September to be National Family Day, A Day to Eat Dinner with Your Children. His example was followed by a host of state governers as well as local officials in communities across the country.  The purpose of National Family Day is: 1. To raise national awareness about impact of over-scheduling on families and children. 2. To encourage families to examine their day-to-day schedules and choose what matters most. 3. To actively involve America's parents, educators, coaches, legislators, religious leaders, and other community leaders in a on-going dialogue about ways our communities can foster a balance between family time, unscheduled activities, and outside enrichment activities. This event was originally organized by child psychiatrist, Dr. Alvin Rosenfeld, author of "The Over-Scheduled Child," in an effort to encourage families to slow down and realize the value of healthy family ritual.  It is promoted on a national level by the Center Against Substance Abuse at Columbia University. Their interest and involvement is based on research indicating that teenages who eat dinner with their families are less likely to smoke, drink, or take illegal drugs (1999). Write down September 24th on your calendars and enjoy an evening of fun with your family! Upcoming Events Dr. Smith will be providing information about Mind/Body Health at the Society for the Advancement of Multiculturalism and Diversity Conference on Sept. 28th at the Auraria Campus in Denver. For more information about this exciting conference, check out: www.coloradopsych.org FRPA is a sponsor for this year's Oktoberfest in Erie. Come out and enjoy the fun on October 6th in Old Town Erie. The T.I.E.S. that Bind Seminar, presented by Fiona Cattermole, MSW - Sept. 12th at the Vista Ridge Golf Club in Erie. Contact Fiona at www.finexex.com for more information.

Happy September! We are hopeful that some beautiful, cool autumn weather is on the way! FRPA has a number of exciting things coming up this Fall. Our Social Skills Group - Just for Girls starts on September 10th. We are looking forward to a fun, productive group this session. Call soon to reserve your spot! Is there a group you would like to see us offer? If so, please contact us and let you know your ideas. We are setting our Fall and Winter schedules now - and we want to include you! Depression Is Your Teenager Depressed? We all know that teenagers can be moody and irritable at times.  This is a normal, healthy, developmental phase that most teenagers eventually grow out of.  But, with academic stress, busy schedules, hormonal changes, and peer pressure, your teenager may also be at risk for periods of sadness or depression.  In fact, it is estimated that 20% of teens experience depression, regardless of their gender, family income, social background, or racial identity.  How will you know if you should be concerned?  Here are some signs to look for · Changes in eating patterns or weight · Changes in sleep patterns · Unusual moodiness or irritability · Withdrawal from friends or activities they previously enjoyed · Sadness, tearfulness, or hopelessness · Lack of energy, enthusiasm, or motivation · Indecision, forgetfulness, or poor concentration · Substance abuse · Poor performance in school · Low self-esteem or guilt · Extreme sensitivity to rejection or failure · Frequent complaints of physical illnesses, such as headaches · Problems with authority · Thoughts of suicide · Incidents in which they harm themselves If you suspect that teenager may have depression, seek professional help.  Your teen should be assessed by a mental health professional.  If he/she talks about suicide or engages in self-destructive behaviors, bring them to a local emergency room at any hospital, or call 9-1-1 immediately.  Professionals will be available and can assist you, and assessyour child for depression.  Managing Stress