Articles by Steven Schlozman, MD and Gene Beresin

March 7, 2018

By Gene Beresin, Executive Director

Hope Beyond Anorexia – Shrinking It Down (Season 1, Episode 9)

You can also subscribe to this podcast on iTunes, Spotify, Google Play, Stitcher, TuneIn, and most podcast apps – just search for “Shrinking It Down”.  *** Note: The following person’s account of his/her personal experience has been published with his/her consent to support the mission of The Clay Center for Young Healthy Minds, and let others in similar situations not feel […]

February 26, 2018

By Gene Beresin, Executive Director

What is Emotional Eating?

Jump To: Tips For Parents I love watching football. When I was watching the playoffs this year, it was obvious that some ads were really overrepresented – those promoting comfort food and alcohol (mostly beer). And they’re super compelling. I tend to eat healthy, organic food. But I can tell you, the urge to grab […]

By Gene Beresin, Executive Director

A Closer Look at Anorexia Nervosa

For more information about eating disorders, and ways you can help to make a difference for a young person in your life, please visit the National Eating Disorder Association website. #NEDAwareness *** Anorexia Nervosa deeply affects everyone. It’s torture for the afflicted person, terrifying for parents, and terribly frustrating for clinicians. And sadly we tend […]

February 24, 2018

By Gene Beresin, Executive Director

Why Activism Is Good For Teens — And The Country

When I was a ninth grader in 1964, I was suspended from school for selling peace buttons for the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee. I was a tad anxious about how my mom would react, but when I came home that morning, she was beaming. “Good for you! Just don’t sell any more on school property,” […]

February 19, 2018

By Gene Beresin, Executive Director

Preventing School Shootings: Playing the Mental Health Card is Off the Mark

Another senseless shooting and more loss of lives. We’ve said it before and we will say it again, our hearts go out to the families in the community of Uvalde. But how many times do we have to say this? While the individual responsible was clearly disturbed, this issue is not about mental illness. There […]

February 14, 2018

By Gene Beresin, Executive Director

Shy Kids: Understanding Them and Helping Them Thrive

Some degree of shyness is normal and common in all children. For most, it’s a healthy cautiousness in reaction to a novel social encounter. Here’s an example: At a neighborhood barbeque, 4-year-old Tommy wouldn’t show his face, and buried his head in his mom’s skirt behind her. Mom gently encouraged him. “Tommy, there’s nothing to […]

January 24, 2018

By Gene Beresin, Executive Director

Shrinking It Down: Political Angst in America? (Season 1, Episode 6)

You can also listen to this podcast on SoundCloud, Stitcher, and iTunes.  *** According to a 2017 report by the American Psychological Association, 2/3 of Americans feel stressed about the future of our nation, including a majority of each Democrats and Republicans. But who needs a survey to point that out – even our kids can tell how […]

January 10, 2018

By Gene Beresin, Executive Director

Shrinking It Down: Films That Heal, featuring Eric I. Lu (Season 1, Episode 5)

You can also listen to this podcast on SoundCloud, Stitcher, and iTunes.  *** Films foster empathy and can even promote social action. Sharing stories of mental health through video allows viewers to deeply connect with storytellers. When we watch and listen to stories, we begin to expand our own perspectives and understand the lived experiences of others. Filmmaker […]

January 4, 2018

By Gene Beresin, Executive Director

Living in Fear of Criticism and Humiliation: The Problem of Social Anxiety Disorder

Most kids and young adults look forward to going back to school. But for those with social anxiety, school and all that comes with it can literally provoke dread. I’m going to show you what I mean. Let’s consider Sally. Sally is a sweet, sensitive, likeable 16-year-old girl.  In grade school, she was active in […]

December 13, 2017

By Gene Beresin, Executive Director

Shrinking It Down: Navigating Divisiveness During the Holidays (Season 1, Episode 3)

You can also listen to this podcast on SoundCloud, Stitcher, and iTunes.  *** Differing viewpoints, feelings of frustration. We’re all constantly on edge today, and families can be home to a wide range of beliefs, which only adds stress to “together” time. But who has the energy for negativity? And what message are we sending to our kids […]