The American healthcare system is dealing with more mental health issues than ever before. What is the root of the uprising in anxiety and mood disorders? Why are more young people, children and teenagers, receiving this diagnosis and what can we do as a society to help understand? Today’s guest, Susan Swick, MD, MPH is the Executive Director of Ohana, the integrated program for child and adolescent mental and behavioral health and healing at Montage Health, and the Vice President and Chief Mental Health Officer at Montage Health. She began her career at Rikers Island, studying the mental health needs of the incarcerated, which led her to studying younger patients, specifically the field of child psychiatry and how these children can be helped at an earlier age. How much is environmental and how much is the neurology of the brain? There is a rise in mental health issues in children. Childhood, from a brain perspective, ends closer to age 25. Skills like socialization, communication, and bonding are still forming until approximately this age. We develop skills prior to this age which can affect our mental health for the rest of our lives. But, there’s good news and treatment is available! It can be corrected using a type of supportive mental health technique using skill-building so children learn to manage anxiety – it’s like a type of mental health “tutoring” so they can manage something new and challenging, even if frightening. It is possible to build skills toward stronger health and mental fitness.  Dr. Swick also talks about social media and how children become addicted to being online with a dopamine hit, especially in teenagers. Many compare themselves to others and eating disorders may start here. The reward part of the brain also does not mature until approximately age 26.  

Over a distinguished 20-year career as a clinical psychiatrist and educator, Dr. Swick has helped transform how American healthcare systems meet the escalating demand for pediatric and adolescent mental and behavioral healthcare treatment and services. A graduate of Columbia University Medical School, she previously served as Chief of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at Newton Wellesley Hospital and as an instructor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital. 

  In addition to her clinical expertise, Dr. Swick is an advocate for the importance of mental fitness and has developed nationally recognized neuroscience strategies to help young people build and maintain a state of emotional health and positive self-awareness throughout their lives. Info: https://www.montagehealth.org/care-treatment/mental-behavioral/ohana/ 

Today Lisa continues her conversation with Rev. Temple Hayes, author of “When Did You Die? 8 Steps to Stop Dying Every Day and Start Waking.” They discuss the importance of asking for what you want and address questions such as “when did you “die” inside?” Was it when someone told you that you weren’t good enough? When you buried who you really are for fear that others would disapprove? Or when you gave up your creative dreams to take a “practical” job? You may not have realized you were dying, but you have been dying a little more each day. How can you stop this and start living to your fullest each day?  Find out today! Info: templehayes.com. 

When did you “die” inside? When someone told you that you weren’t good enough? When you buried who you really are for fear that others would disapprove? Or when you gave up your creative dreams to take a “practical” job? You may not have realized you were dying, but you have been dying a little more each day. How can you stop this and start living to your fullest each day?  Today Lisa talks with author Temple Hayes about her new book, “When Did You Die? 8 Steps to Stop Dying Every Day and Start Waking.” Temple is a powerful, dynamic, and energetic presence — a successful author, life coach, motivational speaker, Unity minister, and practicing Shaman.  Rev. Hayes is currently senior minister and CEO of First Unity Campus, a New Thought center in St. Petersburg, Florida.  Info: templehayes.com. 

Today Lisa continues her conversation with mega-bestselling author Dr Wayne Dyer about the power of intention, and how we can learn to create a life we love.   

Wayne, a dear friend of The Aware Show, joins us again to share his stories that create healing for all of us. He is one of the most popular best-selling authors and lecturers on spiritually motivational topics, and he will discuss how to look at life’s challenges and see the spiritual blessings and answers. Wayne talks about questioning your spirituality, especially when negative circumstances occur. If you feel you have experienced a series of misfortunes, he suggests stopping and reminding yourself that this is a universe of abundance. Ask “what am I doing to attract this?” then aim to bring in a Higher Energy. Stop yourself and put things into perspective. Believe that things will improve. 

Wayne reminds us that we become what we think about. He advises us to put a picture on the refrigerator of how you would like to be. Use the “Power of Intention” and stay connected to Source Energy. Know that you are stronger than any addiction. Go to God for assistance. He also reminds us that for every act of evil, there are millions of acts of kindness, all over the world. There are just a few isolated people who are trying to convince us otherwise.  

Wayne is an internationally renowned author and speaker in the field of self-development and is affectionately called the “father of motivation” by his fans. He’s the author of more than 35 books, has created audio programs and videos, and has appeared on thousands of television and radio shows. At the time of this interview, his latest book was “The Power of Intention.” His books “Manifest Your Destiny,” “Wisdom of the Ages,” “There’s a Spiritual Solution to Every Problem,” and the New York Times bestsellers “10 Secrets for Success and Inner Peace,” “The Power of Intention,” “Inspiration,” “Change Your Thoughts—Change Your Life,” “Excuses Begone,” and now “Wishes Fulfilled” have all been featured as National Public Television specials. He has raised hundreds of millions of dollars for public media, in an effort to raise consciousness. This is Part 2 of the interview. Info: www.drwaynedyer.com. 

What does it mean if you consider yourself a “good” person, maybe someone who meditates and practices mindfulness, but then “bad things” happen to you? Do you ask yourself if it could be karmic? Do you question your spirituality? Why do negative occurrences happen seemingly out of the blue and what should you do? Today’s guest, Dr. Wayne Dyer is one of the most popular best-selling authors and lecturers on spiritually motivational topics, and he will discuss how to look at life’s challenges and see the spiritual blessings and answers. Wayne, a dear friend of The Aware Show, joins us again to share his stories that create healing for all of us. Wayne is an internationally renowned author and speaker in the field of self-development and is affectionately called the “father of motivation” by his fans. He’s the author of more than 35 books, has created audio programs and videos, and has appeared on thousands of television and radio shows. At the time of this interview, his latest book was “The Power of Intention.” His books “Manifest Your Destiny,” “Wisdom of the Ages,” “There’s a Spiritual Solution to Every Problem,” and the New York Times bestsellers “10 Secrets for Success and Inner Peace,” “The Power of Intention,” “Inspiration,” “Change Your Thoughts—Change Your Life,” “Excuses Begone,” and now “Wishes Fulfilled” have all been featured as National Public Television specials. He has raised hundreds of millions of dollars for public media, in an effort to raise consciousness. This is Part 1 of the interview.  Info: www.drwaynedyer.com.