Verified by Psychology Today

Changing Minds

Mental health stories of brains, bodies, and communities.

Depression
Is My Child With Depression Ready to Go to College?

Candida Fink MD on May 9, 2024

Going away to college is a big decision, and being far from home might not be right for everyone. Here are four questions to ask yourself and your child.

Going away to college is a big decision, and being far from home might not be right for everyone. Here are four questions to ask yourself and your child.

Motivation
Motivation and Activation: Why Do You Need Both?

Candida Fink MD on October 2, 2023

Motivation is a popular topic when we talk about getting things done—but it's incomplete unless we also talk about activation. Here's what to know.

Motivation is a popular topic when we talk about getting things done—but it's incomplete unless we also talk about activation. Here's what to know.

Parenting
Can Parents and Children Be Friends?

Candida Fink MD on July 9, 2023

The common refrain of "be a parent, not a friend" is too black-and-white. Discover how parent-child friendship benefits you and your child.

The common refrain of "be a parent, not a friend" is too black-and-white. Discover how parent-child friendship benefits you and your child.

Anxiety
What Is Separation Anxiety Disorder?

Candida Fink MD on May 22, 2023

Children who have an intense need to stay in touch with their parents during the school day may have separation anxiety disorder. Here's how treatment can help.

Children who have an intense need to stay in touch with their parents during the school day may have separation anxiety disorder. Here's how treatment can help.

Parenting
"You Can't Say That to Me"

Candida Fink MD on May 3, 2023

Do you find yourself in constant battles with your children when you try to set rules for how they can speak to you? Your approach may be the problem.

Do you find yourself in constant battles with your children when you try to set rules for how they can speak to you? Your approach may be the problem.

Autism
Do Your Child's Sensory Sensitivities Make Everything Hard?

Candida Fink MD on April 4, 2023

Does your child react strongly to some types of sensory input? Are there meltdowns about clothes or tags? Find out what can cause this and how to help your sensitive child.

Does your child react strongly to some types of sensory input? Are there meltdowns about clothes or tags? Find out what can cause this and how to help your sensitive child.

Cognition
The Power of Participation Trophies

Candida Fink MD on February 27, 2023

Participation trophies, long the target of mockery, are often blamed for all that ails "kids today." What if they are actually powerful tools to keep children emotionally healthy?

Participation trophies, long the target of mockery, are often blamed for all that ails "kids today." What if they are actually powerful tools to keep children emotionally healthy?

ADHD
Choosing a College for Your Child With Mental Health Needs

Candida Fink MD on February 7, 2023

Planning college visits with your child who has accommodations in high school? Some background research and deep-dive questions can tease out how well colleges support students.

Planning college visits with your child who has accommodations in high school? Some background research and deep-dive questions can tease out how well colleges support students.

DSM
The Myths of Oppositional Defiant Disorder

Candida Fink MD on October 5, 2022

Have you been told your child has ODD? Do you teach students with an ODD diagnosis? An understanding of what ODD does and doesn't mean is critical to improving things.

Have you been told your child has ODD? Do you teach students with an ODD diagnosis? An understanding of what ODD does and doesn't mean is critical to improving things.

Health
Is Your Child's School Mental Health Aware?

Candida Fink MD on May 31, 2022

What does it mean for schools to be mental health aware? Big changes are needed—and you can start these conversations in your community.

What does it mean for schools to be mental health aware? Big changes are needed—and you can start these conversations in your community.

Anxiety
Is Your Angry Child Actually Anxious?

Candida Fink MD on March 28, 2022

A child’s severe emotional outbursts may be due to anxiety. Some changes in how you respond can make all the difference.

A child’s severe emotional outbursts may be due to anxiety. Some changes in how you respond can make all the difference.