In this episode of Change It Up Radio, Paula Shaw is joined by Dylan Stolba, who is going into the 10th grade at Carlsbad High School and entered a writing contest sponsored by Rotary International, winning 3rd place for her essay on Teenage Depression and Anxiety. They discuss teenage depression and anxiety, and the damaging effects of societal stigma and silence surrounding mental health issues.

Some key topic points covered in this episode include:

• The importance of recognizing and addressing teenage depression and anxiety
• Why open conversations about mental health experiences can help teens feel less isolated
• How teenage depression and anxiety can be manifestations of unresolved grief
• The link between unexpected or traumatic loss and the onset of depression or anxiety
• Symptoms of anxiety and depression to look out for in teenagers
• The importance of immediate action if there are signs of depression, especially talks of suicide
• The role of social media in exacerbating feelings of inadequacy and loneliness among teens
• How excessive smartphone use and screen time have been linked to depression among teens
• How overprotective parenting can prevent teens from problem-solving and developing resilience
• The role of support systems – friends, parents, teachers – in coping with mental health struggles
• The seriousness of self-harming behaviors among teenagers
• The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on teenagers' mental health
• The potential for change, recovery, and flourishing despite mental health struggles

To Learn More About the Show, Visit: www.ChangeItUpRadio.com