Self-Care Ideas for Pregnant Moms

Francisco Guzman, LMSW, Case worker at LBU Community Clinic

Some self-care ideas for pregnant moms include:

Engaging in regular physical activity, such as walking, swimming, or prenatal yoga.
Eating a healthy and well-balanced diet to ensure that both the mother and the baby are getting the proper nutrition.
Getting plenty of rest and sleep, as fatigue can be a common issue during pregnancy.
Practicing stress management techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or massage.
Taking time for oneself to relax and unwind, whether it be through reading, listening to music, or taking a warm bath.
Connecting with other pregnant women or new moms to share experiences and offer support.
Planning ahead and delegating some tasks to others when possible and asking for help when needed.
Scheduling and going to prenatal care appointments, following the guidelines provided by healthcare professional
Taking prenatal vitamin supplement as recommended by healthcare professional
Finding ways to stay active in daily life, whether it’s taking a walk in the park or stretching before bed.

It’s important to note that all self-care ideas are not one-size-fits-all, and that pregnant women should consult with their healthcare provider before starting any new exercise or self-care regimen.

If you feel one of your partner may be struggling with thoughts or feelings, please make an appointment at LBU by calling (214) 540-0300.

Bonding with Your Teenager

Francisco Guzman, LMSW, Case worker at LBU Community Clinic

We were all teenagers (a long time ago). If we look back to our teenage years, we realize we were on a journey to find our identity as emerging adults while trying to make it to class, choose the right outfit for prom, and understand the meaning of 2(4-y)-3(y+3) = -11 (the answer is y=2, by the way). As teenagers, we may have felt our parents didn’t understand what was going on in our lives. As parents of teenagers living in the 2020s, we must deal with many factors that play a role in our children’s lives (social media, cyberbullying, cell phones).

Establish trust & listen

Check in on your child and ask questions on how they are doing. Let them speak with you and don’t punish them for telling you things you may not agree with

Reinforcement positive behaviors & decision making

Validate your teen for actions/behaviors you are proud of. Encourage positive social skills, problem-solving, and conflict resolution.

Work through conflicts by talking with your teen, not at them

As you teach your teen what positive conflict resolution is, let them put them it into practice in situations that may involve you as parents.

Show interest

Use your teen’s interests as an avenue to get to know them as a maturing individual.

Share your life experiences

Tell your teen about your experiences as a teen.

Family traditions

Get into a habit of participating in regular activities together (i.e., shopping, going out to eat, weekly game nights)

Boundaries

Come to an agreement on specific limits that will allow your teen to be independent while also being safe & making sound judgments.

If you feel one of your kids may be struggling with behavior or feelings, please make an appointment at LBU by calling (214) 540-0300.

What You Need to Know About the Teen Mental Health Crisis

Francisco Guzman, Behaviorist at LBU

The teen mental health crisis refers to the growing prevalence of mental health disorders among teenagers worldwide. Depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues are increasingly affecting young people, with studies indicating that as many as one in five teenagers may suffer from a mental health disorder. The causes of this crisis are complex and multifaceted, with factors ranging from academic pressure to social media use and trauma. The impact of these issues can be significant, affecting a teenager's social and academic functioning and even leading to self-harm or suicide. It is important to understand the teen mental health crisis and its causes, warning signs, and available treatments to address this pressing issue and help young people lead happier, healthier lives.

The mental health crisis among teenagers is a growing concern worldwide. Here are some important things to know about the issue:

Prevalence

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, an estimated 20% of teenagers have a mental health disorder, with depression and anxiety being the most common.

Causes

Several factors can contribute to the mental health crisis among teenagers, including social media and digital technology use, academic pressure, trauma, substance abuse, and family conflict. Bullying is also a factor that can impact a teen’s self-esteem and sense of safety.

Impact

Mental health issues can have a significant impact on a teenager's social and academic functioning, leading to problems such as poor grades, difficulty maintaining relationships, and even suicide.

Warning signs

Warning signs that a teenager may be struggling with mental health issues can include changes in mood, behavior, and sleep patterns, as well as social withdrawal and feelings of hopelessness.

Treatment

Early intervention and treatment are crucial for addressing mental health issues in teenagers. Treatment may include therapy, medication, lifestyle changes, and support from family and peers.

Prevention

Prevention efforts can include education on mental health, stress reduction techniques, building resilience, and creating supportive environments at home and in schools.

Stigma

Stigma surrounding mental health can prevent teenagers from seeking help. Raising awareness and promoting open conversations about mental health can help reduce this stigma and encourage more teens to seek the help they need. Recognizing cultural stigmas is also important, as they can affect how we provide emotional support to our teens.

It's important to address the teen mental health crisis to help young people live healthy, fulfilling lives and build a better future for themselves and their communities.

If you need to talk to someone, please reach out at (214) 540-0300.

We’d like to thank our partner @Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas for choosing our Behavioral Health Program for a #HealthyKidsHealthyFamilies grant! Together, we will (program goal/accomplishments – not sure what you want to put here).