Shrinking It Down: Mental Health Made Simple

Gene Beresin, MD, MA and Khadijah Booth Watkins, MD, MPH
  • 4.6 (10)
  • MENTAL HEALTH
  • UPDATED MONTHLY

"Shrinking It Down" highlights the fact that youth mental health is anything but simple! Child & adolescent psychiatrists Dr. Gene Beresin and Dr. Khadijah Booth Watkins help parents and other caring adults to navigate tough questions about child and teen mental health. From depression and learning disorders, to digital media and societal concerns, Shrinking It Down covers it all. Tune in the THIRD Thursday of every month. Subscribe wherever you stream. About Us: The Clay Center for Young Healthy Minds at Massachusetts General Hospital is a multi-media educational resource to help adults support the mental, emotional, and behavioral well-being of young people through innovative education. Visit us online at mghclaycenter.org. This podcast is for educational purposes only. The Clay Center does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any health-related questions you may have. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. Talking with Your Kids about the War in Iran

    MAR 19

    Talking with Your Kids about the War in Iran

    When the world feels uncertain and headlines hit close to home, how can parents help their children feel safe? In this episode, of Shrinking it Down: Mental Health Made Simple, Gene and Khadijah explore how families can support children during times of political conflict, such as the current War in Iran. They break down how children and teens at different developmental stages process stress, from preschoolers who may regress to teens grappling with more complex emotions and questions. Tune in for advice and real-life strategies for supporting kids through uncertainty.   Media ListHelping Kids of All Ages in the Face of Terrorism or War (MGH Clay Center)Expert tips on how to talk to teens about war in Iran (WCVB)Breaking News and Kids (MGH Clay Center)Self-Care Resources - Videos, Toolkit, More (MGH Clay Center) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    34 min
  2. Teen Romance in the Digital Era

    FEB 19

    Teen Romance in the Digital Era

    In this Valetine's Day special of Shrinking it Down, Gene and Khadijah explore how teen romance is being reshaped in the digital age. From texting and social media to AI chatbots, they unpack the ways technology is transforming how teens connect, communicate, and even break up. While some online spaces can create a sense of closeness and constant connection, they also bring new challenges such as comparison culture, ghosting, and difficulty navigating face-to-face relationships.  Tune in for practical guidance on the importance of modeling healthy relationships, staying informed about their children's digital worlds, and when to worry about a breakup.  Media ListExploring the World of AI Therapy (MGH Clay Center)How Teens Incorporate Online Platforms and Digital Devices Into Their Romantic Relationships (Pew Research Center)Hit Send, No Wait: The Dangers Of A Hyper-Personal Online Life (MGH Clay Center)Social Media & Body Image (Shrinking it Down)Teens, Technology and Romantic Relationship (Pew Research Center)The Power of Peer Support (Shrinking it Down)Conflict Resolution Course (MGH Clay Center)Ways to Help Your Lonely Teenager (MGH Clay Center) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    38 min
  3. Anxiety in the Family: Helping One Child Without Leaving Others Behind

    12/18/2025

    Anxiety in the Family: Helping One Child Without Leaving Others Behind

    In this special episode of Shrinking it Down: Mental Health Made Simple, Gene and Khadijah explore how parents can talk openly with children about a sibling’s anxiety. Joined by co-founder of InStride Health, Dr. Kat Boger, they discuss age-appropriate explanations, reducing stigma, supporting siblings’ emotional needs, and avoiding unhelpful family accommodations. They offer practical, compassionate guidance for helping the whole family build resilience together. Tune in for important and practical advice on supporting your child with anxiety! Media ListAbout (InStride Health)Anxiety Disorders (MGH Clay Center)Talking to Kids About a Sibling's Mental Illness (MGH Clay Center)Growing Up With a Sibling With a Disability (MGH Clay Center)No Kings Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    42 min
  4. Finding Gratitude in a Time of Fear, Anger, and Uncertainty

    11/20/2025

    Finding Gratitude in a Time of Fear, Anger, and Uncertainty

    Thanksgiving is approaching fast; a time of gratitude, reflection, and gathering. But this year feels different. With fear, anger, and uncertainty dominating our world, it’s hard to ask: How are we supposed to give thanks right now?   In this holiday episode of Shrinking it Down: Mental Health Made Simple, Gene and Khadijah discuss the importance of staying grateful when the world feels chaotic. They talk about the benefits of gratitude on well-being and resilience and the importance of community, learning from the past, and respecting different viewpoints. Tune in for strategies to help your family build gratitude this holiday season through open conversations, stories, and creative expression!  Media ListIlluminated Collage (MGH Clay Center)Conflict Resolution Course (MGH Clay Center) The Art of Civil Conversations: 9 Parent Strategies (MGH Clay Center)Five Parenting Tips for Civility and Coping With the Political Climate (MGH Clay Center)  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    25 min
  5. Exploring the World of AI Therapy

    10/16/2025

    Exploring the World of AI Therapy

    Artificial intelligence (AI) is slowly becoming a major part of our society. Everday more and more people begin to rely on AI for a variety of tasks in their daily routines. While most people use AI for innocuous reasons such as answering basic questions like a search engine would, today we’re here to discuss one of the more harmful uses of AI: AI therapy chatbots aimed at our youths. In this episode of Shrinking it Down: Mental Health Made Simple, Gene and Khadijah are joined by forensic psychiatrist Dr. Andy Clark to discuss the growing role of AI chatbots in mental health support. From lacking empathy and clinical judgement to dangerously endorsing harmful behaviors, we explore the promises and pitfalls of AI Therapy for our young people. Tune in to learn more! Media List:Andrew Clark, M.D.The Risks of Kids Getting AI Therapy from a Chatbot (TIME)Adventures in AI Therapy: A Child Psychiatrist Goes Undercover (MGH Clay Center)The Ability of AI Therapy Bots to Set Limits With Distressed Adolescents: Simulation-Based Comparison Study (PubMed)Harry Harlow Monkey Experiments (Simply Psychology)Illinois Bans AI Therapy (National Law Review)The Rithm Project Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    40 min
  6. Facing the Loss of a Child to Suicide - A Father's Account

    09/10/2025

    Facing the Loss of a Child to Suicide - A Father's Account

    Today is World Suicide Prevention Day: a time to bring global attention to the urgent public health crisis of suicide and to reaffirm our collective commitment to prevention through compassion, connection, and community. In this special episode of Shrinking it Down: Mental Health Made Simple, Gene and Khadijah are joined by Dr. Tony Rostain for a deeply moving conversation about love, loss and healing. Dr. Rostain shares the story of the tragic loss of his son, Julian to suicide - a bright, talented young man who battled anxiety and depression, which were greatly intensified by the isolation he experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic. Through his story, Dr. Rostain helps Gene and Khadijah explore the healing power of community, love and remembrance while also reflecting on what helped him process the grief and continue his work in mental health. Media ListWorld Suicide Prevention Day 2025 (World Health Organization)Anthony L. Rostain, MD, MA (Cooper University)Sara Rian BooksJulian Memorial – Remembering Julian RostainPack Up Your Sorrows - Richard & Mimi Farina (YouTube)I Love You Dad: Words A Father Will Never Hear Again (MGH Clay Center)Loving the Gone (Amazon)Home | AFSP (American Foundation for Suicide Prevention)The Jed Foundation (JED)Resources for People who Think About Suicide (National Institute on Mental Illness)Preventing Suicide (CDC) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    52 min
  7. ADHD: The Transition to Adulthood

    08/15/2025

    ADHD: The Transition to Adulthood

    Welcome back to a new season of Shrinking it Down: Mental Health Made Simple! For our back-to-school season opener, we are joined by Dr. Tony Rostain for a deep dive on how ADHD changes from teen to adulthood. They break down the importance of early intervention, the benefits of school accommodations, and why anxiety and other co-occurring conditions can be common in children and teens with ADHD. If you want to understand ADHD better and hear what actually helps, this episode’s for you. Media ListAnthony L. Rostain, MD, MA (Cooper University)The Adult ADHD Tool Kit (Taylor Francis)CHADD - Children and Adults with Attention Deficit DisorderADDA - Attention Deficit Disorder AssociationMake America Healthy Again (MAHA) (Department of Health and Human Services)Including Disability and Belonging in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (MGH Clay Center) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    54 min
  8. Chasing Sunshine: Teen Loneliness & Tips for Beating the Summer Blues

    06/18/2025

    Chasing Sunshine: Teen Loneliness & Tips for Beating the Summer Blues

    While the summer is usually painted as time of fun, freedom, and relaxation, for many teens it can feel like the exact opposite — disconnected, isolating, and emotionally heavy. Without the daily structure of school or regular peer interaction, teens can find themselves feeling invisible, left out, or unsure of where they belong. In the season 8 finale, Gene and Khadijah dive into the impact summer can have on teen loneliness. Tune in for practical tips for parents on how to help their teens stay connected, the power of self-care and creative expression, and ways to keep your teen busy this summer! We wish you a connected and relaxing summer! We’ll see you back here in August to discuss the transition from childhood to adult ADHD with special guest Tony Rostain, MD, MA. Media ListSummertime: Making The Livin’ Easy With Kids (MGH Clay Center)Over-Scheduled, Stressed-Out Families (MGH Clay Center)11 Self-Care Tips for Teens and Young Adults (MGH Clay Center)Homepage (4-H)Why Activism Is Good For Teens — And The Country (MGH Clay Center)The Vital Role and Methods of Mental Health Advocacy (Shrinking it Down) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    34 min
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4.6
out of 5
10 Ratings

About

"Shrinking It Down" highlights the fact that youth mental health is anything but simple! Child & adolescent psychiatrists Dr. Gene Beresin and Dr. Khadijah Booth Watkins help parents and other caring adults to navigate tough questions about child and teen mental health. From depression and learning disorders, to digital media and societal concerns, Shrinking It Down covers it all. Tune in the THIRD Thursday of every month. Subscribe wherever you stream. About Us: The Clay Center for Young Healthy Minds at Massachusetts General Hospital is a multi-media educational resource to help adults support the mental, emotional, and behavioral well-being of young people through innovative education. Visit us online at mghclaycenter.org. This podcast is for educational purposes only. The Clay Center does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any health-related questions you may have. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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