Happy Spring!!!!

This newsletter is packed with great information on our favorite mental health apps, guidelines for video game use and so much more!!!

Make today a great day!

All my best,

Summer is fast approaching (in fact, it already feels like it's here.. typical Michigan). In addition to dreaming about the sunny days ahead of us, most parents begin thinking, "Oh no. Summer break! What are we going to do this year to keep the kids entertained?"

This is usually followed by, "We can't let them be on electonics as much as last year."

Parents often worry about the amount of time kids spend on video games, "Is it rotting their brain?" "What's the toll on their physical health?" "Will they become socially inept?" "Are they addicted?" Despite ongoing research and guidelines about video game usage, it can still be confusing to figure out what limits are best for your child.

It's important to remember that video games are not all bad! Many games require (and therefore strengthen and encourage) problem-solving skills, visual-spatial capabilitites, hand-eye coordination, working memory, concentration skills, multi-tasking ability, and teamwork....just to name a few. Video games also provide connection and community for children who are more introverted or socially anxious, and struggle to form relationships in the "real world."

With these benefits in mind, there is such a thing as too much video gaming! How do you know? Check out the blog below by Dr. Amanda Klingensmith for some signs on excessive usage and who to turn to for some guidance!

At McCaskill Family Services, we specialize in working with adults, children, teenagers and families with various presenting issues. If you or someone you know could benefit from our services, please contact us. Our clinicians are trained in empirically-based techniques, and would be happy to promptly schedule an appointment in person or via tele-health. We can be reached by phone at 734-416-9098 or by email at office@mccaskillfamilyservices.com.

Another one of our favorite DBT Skills is Progressive Muscle Relaxation.

Progressive Muscle Relaxation is easy to do anytime, anywhere, to relax the body,

mind, and ease stress.

These amazing groups fill up quickly. Mo is excited to meet you!

Tuesday's 11-12:30pm, Adults

June 13th - August 15th

Monday's 3-4:30pm, Ages 9-11

July 10th - August 28th

Tuesday's 7-8:30pm, Ages 13-17

July 11th - August 29th

Summer Session: Wednesday's from 5:30-7:00pm, July 12th - August 30th.

Fall Session: Thursday's from 5:30-7:00pm, September 28th - November 16th.

When we look at statistics according to National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), we learn that 44.8% of people in the U.S. who struggled with mental illness sought treatment in 2019. We also learn that 50.4% of our youth (ages 6-17) received treatment. That's half.

Half of us that need help are getting help. The rest of us, well.. what's going on?

One of the most common things I hear from my patients upon meeting them goes something like this, "There are people that have it way worse than I do. I have nothing to be sad about." Sometimes I hear parents use statements like, "She's not depressed, she's just being a moody teenager. Aren't they all depressed nowadays?"

Why is it that as a society we downplay our emotional struggles and needs? Is it fear of being judged? Fear of taking action? Low self-esteem? Difficulties managing priorities? Fear of accepting your reality? I urge you to reflect personally on this statement.

How might things look differently in our world if we started talking openly with each other, and addressing our emotions in a proactive (instead of reactionary) fashion? Our honesty would help push us in the direction of proper care sooner, "I guess it is more serious than we thought" and would likely gain us more support and connection from one another, "You feel that way, too?! Phew. I thought I was crazy."

Your emotional experience, no matter how big, small, tidy, messy or deeply rooted it is, deserves attention. Whatever you are feeling is valid, and needs to be addressed. Emotions serve as our communicators, and want to be felt, heard and acknowledged. When we attempt to ignore them...they just sit there... waiting.. growing.. causing other issues.

It can always be scary to take a step forward in improving your mental health, but as this positive little snake plant says, "I see a new beginning." It's never too late, and you are always worth it.