Handling Depression in Teens, Interview with Natalie Mack The Homeschool Highschool Podcast
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This week on the Homeschool Highschool Podcast: Handling Depression in Teens with Natalie Mack.
Handling Depression in Teens, Interview with Natalie Mack
As homeschooling parents, we wear many hats and play multiple roles in our children's lives. One such navigator of life is military wife, homeschooling mom, and business owner, our Cousin Natalie Mack. Natalie talks about the importance of being aware of the unique challenges our teens may face, especially when it comes to mental health. She and Vicki also discuss the impact of military life on teens as well as how to support them in prevention of and in response to handling depression in teens.
About Natalie Mack
Natalie, a retired Navy chaplain spouse, has been adjusting to this new phase of life recently. Four of her five children have graduated from college, and now all that’s left is their 10th grader to homeschool.
But throughout the homeschooling years, this military family has been serving their country. This often required moving at the drop of a hat, so Natalie is used to adapting to new challenges, or big changes, of life.
Alongside homeschooling, she runs a consulting and mentoring business called Natalie Mack, where she focuses on military homeschooling. She also works with HSLDA as the military community outreach coordinator. As you can see, she wears many hats, just like all homeschool moms do!
Military Life and Teen Adjustment
Military families serve their country as a unit, and the adjustments required during frequent moves can be mentally, emotionally, and physically challenging for everyone involved. While some children may embrace change with excitement, others might struggle with the constant adjustments.
Military kids do not always have a choice in these moves, which can lead to bouts of depression or difficulty adjusting. As homeschooling parents, we have the advantage of spending more time with our teens, allowing us to identify potential signs of depressive episodes or adjustment difficulties.
Seasonal Affective Disorder and Teen Depression
Be vigilant in observing any changes in your teenagers' behavior. Depression in teens may manifest as:
* increased isolation
* lack of interest in previously enjoyed activities
* excessive sleep
* irritability
* bouts of anger.
It is crucial to differentiate between normal teenage development and signs of depression.
The winter months, particularly in certain regions, can bring about a condition known as winter blues or seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Teens, in particular, may feel the effects of SAD more intensely due to their hormonal changes.
The lack of sunlight during this time can affect our teens' optic nerves, impacting their emotional well-being. Symptoms of SAD can range from:
* feeling down and lethargic
* to experiencing difficulty concentrating and sleeping excessively.
In order to help them, teach them some coping skills for teenage depression can help, for instance:
* light therapy and
* increased outdoor activity are important interventions t...
This week on the Homeschool Highschool Podcast: Handling Depression in Teens with Natalie Mack.
Handling Depression in Teens, Interview with Natalie Mack
As homeschooling parents, we wear many hats and play multiple roles in our children's lives. One such navigator of life is military wife, homeschooling mom, and business owner, our Cousin Natalie Mack. Natalie talks about the importance of being aware of the unique challenges our teens may face, especially when it comes to mental health. She and Vicki also discuss the impact of military life on teens as well as how to support them in prevention of and in response to handling depression in teens.
About Natalie Mack
Natalie, a retired Navy chaplain spouse, has been adjusting to this new phase of life recently. Four of her five children have graduated from college, and now all that’s left is their 10th grader to homeschool.
But throughout the homeschooling years, this military family has been serving their country. This often required moving at the drop of a hat, so Natalie is used to adapting to new challenges, or big changes, of life.
Alongside homeschooling, she runs a consulting and mentoring business called Natalie Mack, where she focuses on military homeschooling. She also works with HSLDA as the military community outreach coordinator. As you can see, she wears many hats, just like all homeschool moms do!
Military Life and Teen Adjustment
Military families serve their country as a unit, and the adjustments required during frequent moves can be mentally, emotionally, and physically challenging for everyone involved. While some children may embrace change with excitement, others might struggle with the constant adjustments.
Military kids do not always have a choice in these moves, which can lead to bouts of depression or difficulty adjusting. As homeschooling parents, we have the advantage of spending more time with our teens, allowing us to identify potential signs of depressive episodes or adjustment difficulties.
Seasonal Affective Disorder and Teen Depression
Be vigilant in observing any changes in your teenagers' behavior. Depression in teens may manifest as:
* increased isolation
* lack of interest in previously enjoyed activities
* excessive sleep
* irritability
* bouts of anger.
It is crucial to differentiate between normal teenage development and signs of depression.
The winter months, particularly in certain regions, can bring about a condition known as winter blues or seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Teens, in particular, may feel the effects of SAD more intensely due to their hormonal changes.
The lack of sunlight during this time can affect our teens' optic nerves, impacting their emotional well-being. Symptoms of SAD can range from:
* feeling down and lethargic
* to experiencing difficulty concentrating and sleeping excessively.
In order to help them, teach them some coping skills for teenage depression can help, for instance:
* light therapy and
* increased outdoor activity are important interventions t...