Summer can be a time to look forward to. More sun. Less cold weather. And perhaps the favorite amongst kids: no school! That means endless days with no plans and plenty of time to hang out with friends, catch up on some of the books on your reading list, binge-watch the latest Netflix series, and

Mental health challenges among teens are becoming more common, and many parents are asking the same difficult question: Why are so many young people struggling right now? While genetics and major life events certainly play a role, researchers are continuing to discover just how deeply everyday relationships and environments shape emotional well-being during adolescence. A new

OK Mom and Dad, you may want to rethink the long-standing rule against letting your teenager sleep in on weekends. Emerging research suggests that those extra hours of rest could play a meaningful role in protecting adolescents and young adults from depression. A recent nationally representative study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders found that teens

Social media is woven into the daily lives of today’s teens. It is where they connect, express themselves, and explore the world. For parents, it can feel both encouraging and overwhelming. At Embrace U, we believe the goal is not to fear social media, but to understand it so you can better support your child. Recent

Many parents have experienced something like this when they ask a teen about mental health. You ask, “How are you doing?” and you get an automatic response, like “I’m fine,” "I'm doing ok," or "Good." If you’re worried about your teen’s mental health, that shutdown can feel discouraging. However, unlike TV shows, meaningful conversations rarely

Mood changes are a normal part of growing up. Hormones, social pressure, academic stress, and identity development can all affect how teens and pre-teens feel and behave. For parents, it can be difficult to know when emotional ups and downs are expected and when they may signal something more serious. Understanding the difference between a temporary

Teen loneliness continues to impact thousands of children. If your teenager has ever expressed that they don't feel like they fit in anywhere, or spends hours alone in their room scrolling but insists they’re “fine,” you’re not imagining things. This is a lonely time to grow up. The World Health Organization’s new Commission on Social Connection

Nearly losing a teen to a suicide attempt is one of the most difficult experiences a parent can go through. The intense emotions you feel in the days that follow, such as feeling guilty for missing the signs, fearing what might happen in the future, or even blaming yourself, are completely normal. A suicide attempt

A Call to Parents: Don’t Wait to Seek Therapy for A Teenager When it comes to mental health treatment for teens or pre-teens, it’s fair to say that most parents hope it’s something their child never needs. But a recent report by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration shows many adolescents need mental

Every parent wants to believe their child is safe, happy, and hopeful about the future. But the reality can be sobering. Tennessee is facing a potential youth mental health crisis, and suicide is now one of the leading causes of death among children and teens in the Volunteer State. The 2024 State of the Child in

For many parents dealing with school avoidance, mornings can turn into daily battles. Your teen or preteen complains of stomachaches, headaches, or overwhelming anxiety about going to school. While occasional reluctance is normal, persistent refusal to attend school may be a sign of “school avoidance” (also called school refusal). Mental health issues such as anxiety

Suicide is one of the leading causes of death among adolescents, but parents can play a powerful role in protecting their child’s mental health and lowering a young person's risk of suicide. By learning the warning signs, creating space for open conversations, and modeling healthy emotional habits, you can support your teen or tween through