Healthy Habits: Escalating Trends - Holiday Depression in Teens and Children - Signs to Watch for as the Holidays Near

The Washington Post recently reported that the number of U.S. teens who felt useless and joyless surged 33 percent in large national surveys. Teen suicide attempts increased 23 percent. Even more troubling, the number of 13-to-18-year-olds who committed suicide jumped 31 percent.  Dr. Mary Beth Boylan of The Watson Institute is offering advice, as well as warning, things to look out for as signs that your child may be anxious or depressed - which can of particular concern during the holidays.

Mary Beth Boylan, Ph.D. is the Clinical Director and Co-Program Director – the Watson Institute Friendship Academy; Clinical Director, Psychological Services. She joined the Watson Institute in 2006, overseeing the clinical program at Friendship Academy, as well as the organization’s psychological services agency-wide. Dr. Boylan has over 30 years of experience working with these populations and can comment on the changing trends in treatment, as well as the importance of addressing these issues in the long-term, along with their societal impact.   Her areas of expertise are at-risk teens, trauma, trauma-informed care, ADHD, cognitive and dialectical behavioral therapy and anxiety.  Dr. Boylan has over 30 years of experience as a clinician and therapist, working as a therapist and counselor, as well as administrator overseeing programs for children and adolescent outpatient and educational programs.   She has extensive experience as a researcher, instructor, and as a speaker, as well. 

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Founded in 1917 and celebrating its Centennial year, the Watson Institute helps children with special needs achieve their fullest potential in all aspects of their lives. This mission is achieved through educational and support services to more than 1300 children annually from across Western Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Ohio through our continuum of services.  Watson strives to provide programs that serve the needs of children with autism spectrum disorders, cerebral palsy, neurological impairments, other developmental delays and serious emotional disturbances. 

The Watson Institute is honoring its centennial anniversary of service in 2017, marked by a year-long celebration of events and activities hosted within our schools and within our community.  To learn more about the Watson Institute and about upcoming events, please visit www.thewatsoninstitute. org