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Joy can be felt in many ways, as a sense of abundance, celebration, energy, freedom, harmony, magic, playfulness, renewal and/or transcendence. Even before sheltering in place, Americans lived most of their lives indoors, often eating artificial foods and being surrounded by digital technology and synthetic …

Mourning is a process and a journey toward healing. For children, it is directly impacted by the empathy and support provided by their families and social systems; cultural influences; previous exposure to crisis, death and loss; and their own mental health. Anxiety, confusion and sadness …

Individuals’ sense of what they believe they should be able to control is a significant part of anxiety. People with existing mental health conditions may respond more strongly to the stress of a crisis. There are concrete things you can do to improve your mental …

With many states issuing “shelter-in-place” orders, more households may be able to engage in shared meals, which have psychological, emotional and nutritional benefits including greater resilience, higher self-esteem and the modeling of healthy eating behavior and polite table manners. A Columbia University study found that …

With public schools closed in over 40 states and hundreds of colleges and universities suspending in-person classes, the majority of American students must now adapt to online instruction. Virtual learning requires greater self-motivation, which can be challenging for individuals already confronting mental health challenges. The …

While it can be difficult to think rationally during times of crisis, there are ways to stay positive in negative situations. One of the most helpful things is to try to remain calm. First acknowledge any anxiety, fear or worry you may be feeling, then …

In 2013, the Fairfax Partnership for Youth published a second edition of “Feeling Better From the Inside Out: A Handbook for Teens.” The booklet addresses a variety of mental and behavioral health topics, including numerous suggestions for seeking help and practicing self-care. The entire handbook …

The first day of Spring is near, but remains a month away. During Winter, individuals tend to spend more time inside and even to detach from their normal activities, a type of “hibernation” that can worsen depression. Fewer hours of daylight and less sunshine lead …

February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month. A January 2018 Fairfax County Youth Survey on Teen Dating Abuse (TDA) revealed that 47 percent of those who report being victims of TDA also experience symptoms of depression. The Centers for Disease Control found that approximately 10 …

Substance abuse and mental health issues often accompany one another. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, in 2017, almost 36 percent of adolescents with a substance use disorder had experienced a major depressive episode, while nearly 11 percent of those with …