In The News
How to Talk to Someone with Anxiety: Words That Comfort and Words to Avoid
David Cook, LMFT, clinical manager of ASPIRE, a teen outpatient mental health program at Hoag Anxiety is more than just feeling nervous. It’s a real and often overwhelming experience that can affect a person’s thoughts, emotions, and even physical health. While it’s incredibly common, anxiety is also profoundly personal, and supporting someone who’s struggling can be … Read More
How Parents Can Turn Mental Health Awareness into Action
Rates of anxiety and depression among teens have risen dramatically, with major depressive disorder doubling between 2009 and 2019 — and that was before the added challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. But recognizing the growing mental health crisis is only the first step. “Parents can help lower kids’ risks of developing mental health issues by … Read More
The Benefits of Staying Fit After 50
By Marvin Dang, DO, Sports Medicine, Hoag You’ve likely heard the phrase: “The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second-best time is now.” The same applies to movement, especially strength, resistance, and aerobic training. While starting younger has lifelong benefits, it’s never too late to begin. In fact, starting after … Read More
Back-to-School: Helping Your Teen Navigate Social Anxiety
It’s normal for kids to feel some back-to-school jitters. But if your child is showing signs of something more concerning, such as depression, anxiety, or a refusal to return to school, you may want to reach out for help. Social anxiety during this back-to-school period is common among teens, particularly those prone to emotional and … Read More
Is your child hiding their true feelings?
It’s not always easy for children to express how they’re feeling — especially to their parents. Whether it’s fear of judgment, not knowing how to articulate their emotions, or past experiences of feeling dismissed, some kids may shut down instead of speaking up. But open, honest communication is essential to a child’s emotional well-being. In … Read More
Are we ready for a post-lockdown Christmas?
While shopping at Fashion Island in Newport Beach recently, I passed Santa’s Village and did a double take. Santa was alone. He was standing in the doorway, gazing outward. He noticed me noticing him and waved. I waved back. It all felt just a little … sad. Why did Santa look so forlorn? Where was … Read More
5 Signs Your Teen is in Crisis
“Help.” This simple, powerful word demands attention. And yet, when it comes to young adult mental health, too often it goes unheard. A new survey commissioned by the California Endowment found that more than three-quarters of young adults reported anxiety. If you or a loved one is in need of mental health support, Hoag offers … Read More
Patrick’s Purpose Announces Donations to Hoag’s ASPIRE Program and Scripps College
Patrick’s Purpose Foundation has announced two major donations to Hoag Hospital’s ASPIRE Program and the Scripps College Mental Health Fund. Thanks to many generous donors, Patrick’s Purpose is gifting $50,000 to the Hoag ASPIRE Program over the next two years. The ASPIRE program is a group-based outpatient program designed for teens who are experiencing a … Read More
Take Five: Meet Prerna Rao, Clinical Manager for Hoag Hospital’s ASPIRE Program
I recently learned that the Patrick’s Purpose Foundation donated $50,000 to Hoag Hospital’s ASPIRE program. I have been familiar with Patrick’s Purpose since its creation and know that it was created to honor the legacy and character of Patrick Turner, who died of suicide in 2018. But I was not familiar with the ASPIRE … Read More
Hoag Experts Share Strategies for Parents and Children During the Pandemic
Virtually every segment of life has been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, and the changes have been particularly difficult for young people, according to Hoag Hospital adolescent mental health experts. At an Oct. 28 webinar, Hoag Hospital experts discussed strategies for parents to support children’s emotional and mental health during the pandemic. Speakers included Dr. … Read More