Addressing the Teen Depression Epidemic
- Addressing the Teen Depression Epidemic Evergreen Podcasts 50:15
In this episode of the EZ Conversations Podcast, Dr. Scott Kolbaba joins the host to discuss his extensive experience in treating depression, particularly among adolescent girls. Dr. Kolbaba highlights his medical career, working at Northwestern Medicine’s Adolescent Psych Unit, and his journey, which led him to write the book ‘Clara’s Magic Garden.’ The conversation covers the importance of finding purpose as a critical element in treating and preventing depression, the impact of social media, academic pressure, and family dynamics on Mental Health, and practical advice for parents and guardians in supporting their children’s mental well-being. Dr. Kolbaba also shares inspiring stories, such as Kevin Hines’ survival from a suicide attempt, illustrating the potential for recovery and purpose. He emphasizes the role of parents in helping children discover their passions and the need for open communication and support.
Scott Kolbaba, M.D., has been an internal medicine specialist for more than 45 years and is passionate about helping young people cope, survive, and thrive in chaotic modern times.
As a physician in the Northwestern Medicine adolescent psychiatric unit, he has seen the increase in suicide and depression that affects teens post-COVID. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the number of young women who contemplate suicide has doubled since the COVID-19 pandemic. Nearly 57% of U.S. teen girls felt persistently sad or hopeless in 2021 — double that of boys, representing an almost 60% increase and the highest level reported over the last decade. Nearly 30% of teen girls seriously considered attempting suicide.
Find Dr. Kolbaba’s work online: http://ClarasMagicGardenBook.com
Timestamps:
04:22 Introduction and Guest Welcome
04:34 Dr. Scott’s Background and Interests
05:56 The Epidemic of Depression
09:42 Signs and Symptoms of Depression
12:41 Gender Differences in Depression
13:47 Social Media and Its Impact
16:39 Academic and Home Pressures
23:01 Navigating Social Media Challenges
26:04 The Power of Walking and Talking with Kids
26:46 Challenges of Modern Parenting
27:09 Peer Pressure and Screen Time
28:57 The Importance of Purpose in Mental Health
30:17 Finding and Supporting a Child’s Passion
31:14 Personal Anecdotes on Passion and Purpose
32:25 Encouraging Children to Pursue Their Interests
33:23 Kevin Hines’ Story: A Journey to Finding Purpose
36:47 The Role of Parents in Developing Purpose
38:09 Exploring Passions and Overcoming Comparisons
40:49 The Importance of Parental Purpose
41:36 Addressing ADHD and Purpose
42:51 Spiritual Connections and Higher Purpose
45:15 Final Thoughts and Encouragement
46:18 Where to Find More Information
Sponsors of the Podcast:
- BetterHelp: https://betterhelp.com/ez10 for 10% off your first month of Therapy
- WeShape: https://weshape.postaffiliatepro.com/scripts/dcfogwyuk?a_aid=FurkhanDandia&a_bid=d7508fa8 for 35% all plans.
- Aura: https://aura.com/ez10 for a free two-week trial
- Plunge: https://plunge.com/ez
- Mint Mobile: https://trymintmobile.com/ez10 for 15$ for an unlimited cell phone plan
- We Are Wild for 25% off your first order: https://zen.ai/EZ23
If you would like to support EZ Conversations, here are all the ways you can do that:
- Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/eunoiazen
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/eunoiazen
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrqBp_zdRiIfBRV4wURSZ2A
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/furkhan-dandia-macp-mba-072a8a1ba/
- Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/EzConversations
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices