The Counselor Live with Sheldon Stovall Mon - Friday starting at 10AM EST

How to Cope With Tax-Time Stress: Experts explain ways to avoid the emotional storms of tax season. Medically Reviewed by Louise Chang, MD Spring is the season when the cherry trees and cottonwoods bloom. For Barbara Halpern, spring is also the season when her workweek blooms to 80 hours or more. Accompanying those long work hours are the colds, migraines, dizziness, and weight swings that plague Halpern and her colleagues at her small accounting firm in suburban Connecticut. "Everyone is rundown and susceptible," Halpern, owner of Halpern & Associates, tells WebMD. "We hate the spring and nice weather. It's not supposed to get warm until April 16."Tax preparers like Halpern may bear the brunt of tax-time stress. But nearly everyone has a reason to dread the 1040 tango. Some hate the math; some hate the feds. And yet others hate having to grapple with one of the great mysteries of life: Where did the money go? Stress-Relieving Tips: Herewith, a few tips for stressed-out taxpayers: To avoid last-minute stress, file early and break up the job into little pieces, Mellan suggests. Do your taxes while listening to music or whatever else makes you feel relaxed. For filers with math anxiety, Mellan recommends hiring a preparer or investing in tax software. Tax software typically collects information through an "interview" and the computer does all the calculations. Fractious couples should strategize on ways to avoid chronic money fights, Mellan says. For example, try communicating financial information through notes or other modes that won't carry an accusatory tone.

Are you a trained professional able to take care of your Grandma or Mom who is diagnosed with Alzheimer's or Dementia? Then why are you doing it asks the Counselor live  What is the main difference between dementia and Alzheimer's? While dementia is a general term, Alzheimer's disease is a specific brain disease. It is marked by symptoms of dementia that gradually get worse over time. Alzheimer's disease first affects the part of the brain associated with learning, so early symptoms often include changes in memory, thinking and reasoning skills.

Parents it is your duty to catch this while your children are young. In addition, OCD often begins in childhood while OCPD usually starts in the teen years or early 20s. People with either OCPD or OCD are high achievers and feel a sense of urgency about their actions. They may become very upset if other people interfere with their rigid routines. Q&A Can you get OCD as a teenager? Between 1% and 3% of children and teens have OCD, making it one of the more common psychiatric disorders in that age group. Up to 70% of individuals with OCD also have one or more other psychiatric disorders. For at least 4 out of every 10 individuals diagnosed with OCD, it becomes a chronic disorder. Call today with questions for the Counselor Live 

Dating Rules What are the rules for dating my daughter? 5 Rules for Dating My Daughter Before you date her, you'll have to get past me… and her Dad! If you want to date our daughter, we will try to figure out what kind of boy you are before you spend time with her. ... If you text it, I may read it. ... Man up with manners. ... School comes before fun. ... You'll never be alone with her. What is the 90 10 rule in kissing? The 90-10 rule is about making it clear—through words, actions, body language, whatever tools you have—what you want to do, and then letting the other person decide if it's what they want too. If she doesn't "come the other 10," there's no kiss.

Why you shouldn't use dating apps? Columbia Journalism Investigations surveyed 1,200 women and found that more than a third of them reported being sexually assaulted or raped by someone they'd met through a dating site. One of the points you turn to a lot is that dating apps make people feel disposable and that they gamify dating. Do people get married from online dating? Over 17% of Marriages Start Through Online Dating According to the Statistic Brain Research Institute, 1 in 5 relationships and a little more than 1 in 6 marriages begin online. About 17% of marriages and 20% of relationships begin online.  How successful are marriages from online dating? The findings revealed that marriages from online relationships were more likely to last longer than marriages formed offline. "Marriage breakups were reported in about 6 percent of the people who met online, compared with 7.6 percent of the people who met offline," the study reported. Do people actually get married from dating apps? Over 13 Percent Said They Got Engaged Or Married From An App Seven percent had reached between six months and a year with someone they met on an app, 15 percent said had reached longer than a year, and 14 percent said they were engaged or married— so it really does happen, if that's what you're looking for

Sheldon Stovall discuses options for detox, treatment centers, social support and medication assisted treatment.  Social History of Teenage Drug Use (From Teen Drug Use, P 19-24 ... https://www.ojp.gov › ncjrs › virtual-library › abstracts What is the average age of first drug use? abuse treatment admissions aged 18 to 30 with known age of initiation information (74.0 percent) began substance use at the age of 17 or younger; 10.2 percent initiated use at the age of 11 or younger, What is the average age for a drug addict? These findings suggest that trends toward starting to use at a later age may have already ended for those two drugs, Alcover said. The earliest average age of first drug use across the study timeframe was 15.4 for inhalants, whereas the latest average age was 18.0 for cocaine and crack cocaine What is the number one drug used by teens? Alcohol and tobacco are the drugs most commonly abused by adolescents, followed by marijuana. The next most popular substances differ between age groups. What age is most affected by drugs? Most research suggests that early (12–14 years old) to late (15–17 years old) adolescence is a critical risk period for the initiation of substance use and that substance use may peak among young people aged 18–25 years When did teens start using drugs? The real increase in juvenile drug use began in the early 1960's and was spurred on by the burgeoning counterculture.

While it can be tempting to try a drug or addictive activity for the first time, it’s all too easy for things to go south — especially in the case of drug and alcohol abuse. People develop tolerances when they repeatedly abuse substances over time. That means larger amounts of drugs or alcohol are required to achieve the desired effects, escalating the nature of the addiction. Prolonged substance abuse can result in a dangerous cycle of addiction: one where people need to continue using drugs or alcohol in order to avoid the uncomfortable symptoms of withdrawal. By the time people realize they have a problem drugs or alcohol may have already seized control, causing users to prioritize substance abuse over everything else that was once important in their lives. No one ever plans to become addicted. There are countless reasons why someone would try a substance or behavior. Some are driven by curiosity and peer pressure, while others are looking for a way to relieve stress. Children who grow up in environments where drugs and alcohol are present have a greater risk of developing a substance use disorder (SUD) down the road. Other factors that might steer a person toward harmful substance use behavior include:

Drug abuse is a global problem; 5.6% of the global population aged 15–64 years used drugs at least once during 2016 [1]. The usage of drugs among younger people has been shown to be higher than that among older people for most drugs .July 13, 2022 The Counselor live interviews teens on drugs in the UK, Russia, France, Japan, China and Brazil

While it can be tempting to try a drug or addictive activity for the first time, it’s all too easy for things to go south — especially in the case of drug and alcohol abuse. People develop tolerances when they repeatedly abuse substances over time. That means larger amounts of drugs or alcohol are required to achieve the desired effects, escalating the nature of the addiction. Prolonged substance abuse can result in a dangerous cycle of addiction: one where people need to continue using drugs or alcohol in order to avoid the uncomfortable symptoms of withdrawal. By the time people realize they have a problem drugs or alcohol may have already seized control, causing users to prioritize substance abuse over everything else that was once important in their lives. No one ever plans to become addicted. There are countless reasons why someone would try a substance or behavior. Some are driven by curiosity and peer pressure, while others are looking for a way to relieve stress. Children who grow up in environments where drugs and alcohol are present have a greater risk of developing a substance use disorder (SUD) down the road. Other factors that might steer a person toward harmful substance use behavior include:

The Counselor live discusses substance abuse in teens and a live interview starting at 10AM with a special guest currently in recovery from over 35 years of heroin, crack, alcohol, fentanyl and opiate addiction tells his story. While it can be tempting to try a drug or addictive activity for the first time, it’s all too easy for things to go south — especially in the case of drug and alcohol abuse. People develop tolerances when they repeatedly abuse substances over time. That means larger amounts of drugs or alcohol are required to achieve the desired effects, escalating the nature of the addiction. Prolonged substance abuse can result in a dangerous cycle of addiction: one where people need to continue using drugs or alcohol in order to avoid the uncomfortable symptoms of withdrawal. By the time people realize they have a problem drugs or alcohol may have already seized control, causing users to prioritize substance abuse over everything else that was once important in their lives. No one ever plans to become addicted. There are countless reasons why someone would try a substance or behavior. Some are driven by curiosity and peer pressure, while others are looking for a way to relieve stress. Children who grow up in environments where drugs and alcohol are present have a greater risk of developing a substance use disorder (SUD) down the road. Other factors that might steer a person toward harmful substance use behavior include:   Questions and Answers today starting at 10AM                  Tune in the Conversation is getting heated!

Does body image affect mental health? When a person does not treat their body well, it can have negative effects on their mental and physical health. Negative body image can lead to depression, anxiety, eating disorders or body dysmorphia. A professional consultation is recommended for anyone who suspects they might have any of these conditions.Nov 5, 2020 Body Image: What It Is & How It Affects Mental Health - Choosing Therapy https://www.choosingtherapy.com › body-image

If you are someone you know is dealing with an eating disorder contact the  Walden Behavioral Care 51 Sawyer Road, Suite 510     Waltham, MA 02453 888-305-2997 1. Eating disorders are complex brain disorders with strong genetic, neurobiological and psychological underpinnings. No single person, experience, or issue causes an eating disorder. They often co-occur with and can be hidden by anxiety disorders, depression, OCD, PTSD, and substance use disorder. The good news is that we don't need to know the exact cause of your child's eating disorder to treat it effectively. 2. Researchers are still learning what triggers or "turns on" eating disorders in the brain. For many, it seems to come from a negative energy balance caused from more calories out than in which can be triggered by a diet, over-exercise, stomach bug, or surgery. Once that imbalance occurs, a switch flips in the brain, turning the eating disorder on and tyrannizing the brain. 3. Many people use disordered eating behaviors, such as bingeing, purging, excessive exercise, and restricting, to help regulate or soothe their emotions – similar to the use of alcohol or self-harm to escape difficult feelings. When these behaviors are used frequently to manage emotions, it goes from 'disordered eating' to being an 'eating disorder.' 4. Societal and cultural factors such as the pandemic, diet culture, and social media can trigger an eating disorder for those with a genetic predisposition and/or can trigger big emotions that people try to combat with disordered behaviors.

What country has the highest child obesity rate 2021? The highest number of obese children lives in China (>28 million), followed by the United States of America (>13 million), India (>7.5 million), Brazil (>5.2 million) and Mexico (>5.1 million). Egypt, Indonesia, Turkey, Pakistan and Iraq complete the top 10 countries.

What are the signs of anxiety in a teenager? Symptoms of anxiety in teenagers Recurring fears and worries about routine parts of everyday life. Irritability. Trouble concentrating. Extreme self-consciousness or sensitivity to criticism. Withdrawal from social activity. Avoidance of difficult or new situations. Chronic complaints about stomachaches What are the most common teenage fears? 7 Most Common Teen Phobias Agoraphobia. Agoraphobia is somewhat common among those who suffer from panic disorder. ... Claustrophobia. Claustrophobia is an intense fear of being confined. ... Nomophobia. ... Social Phobia. ... Medical Teen Phobias. ... Cynophobia (and other animal phobias) ... Aerophobia.

Sheldon Stovall discusses patterns to lookout for when your teen is failing in school and later becoming felons.  Students who are failing are much more likely to find themselves on the paths to prison than those who are not. Schools have upped out-of-school suspensions by around 10 percent since 2000, and that is more than double what it was in the 1970s, points out the Justice Policy Institute. Students who have been suspended tend to be held back and wind up dropping out of school more often than those who are not suspended. Are dropouts more likely to go to jail? High school dropouts also have a much higher probability of ending up in prison or jail. Nearly 80 percent of all prisoners are high school dropouts or recipients of the General Educational Development (GED) credential. (More than half of inmates with a GED earned it while incarcerated.) Can failing schools be turned around? Research confirms that there are no documented instances of failing schools turning around without powerful leadership. While teachers have the most direct and obvious impact on student learning, leadership is second only to teaching in influencing outcomes for all students. CALL IN TODAY AND ASK IMPORTANT QUESTIONS TO SAVE YOUR LIFE OR A FRIEND THE COUNSELOR LIVE WITH SHELDON STOVALL

Lifeline Chat is a National Number in the USA for help with suicide ideation.  Call Today for immediate services and counseling. Lifeline Chat is a service of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, connecting individuals with counselors for emotional support and other services via web chat. All chat centers in the Lifeline network are accredited by CONTACT USA. Lifeline Chat is available 24/7 across the U.S. What is teen suicide? Suicide is when a teen causes his or her own death on purpose. Before attempting to take his or her own life, a teen may have thoughts of wanting to die. This is called suicidal ideation. He or she may also have suicidal behavior. That’s when a teen is focused on doing things that cause his or her own death. Suicide is the third leading cause of death in young people ages 15 to 24. The CDC reports that: Boys are 4 times more likely to die from suicide than girls. Girls are more likely to attempt suicide than boys. Guns are used in more than half of youth suicides. What causes a teen to attempt suicide? The teen years are a stressful time. They are filled with major changes. These include body changes, changes in thoughts, and changes in feelings. Strong feelings of stress, confusion, fear, and doubt may influence a teen’s problem-solving and decision-making. He or she may also feel a pressure to succeed. For some teens, normal developmental changes can be very unsettling when combined with other events, such as: Changes in their families, such as divorce or moving to a new town Changes in friendships Problems in school Other losses These problems may seem too hard or embarrassing to overcome. For some, suicide may seem like a solution. Which teens are at risk for suicide? A teen’s risk for suicide varies with age, gender, and cultural and social influences. Risk factors may change over time. They are: One or more mental or substance abuse problems Impulsive behaviors Undesirable life events or recent losses, such as the death of a parent Family history of mental or substance abuse problems Family history of suicide Family violence, including physical, sexual, or verbal or emotional abuse Past suicide attempt Gun in the home Imprisonment Exposure to the suicidal behavior of others, such as from family or peers, in the news, or in fiction stories

Lifeline Chat is a National Number in the USA for help with suicide ideation.  Call Today for immediate services and counseling.  Lifeline Chat is a service of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, connecting individuals with counselors for emotional support and other services via web chat. All chat centers in the Lifeline network are accredited by CONTACT USA. Lifeline Chat is available 24/7 across the U.S. What is teen suicide? Suicide is when a teen causes his or her own death on purpose. Before attempting to take his or her own life, a teen may have thoughts of wanting to die. This is called suicidal ideation. He or she may also have suicidal behavior. That’s when a teen is focused on doing things that cause his or her own death. Suicide is the third leading cause of death in young people ages 15 to 24. The CDC reports that: Boys are 4 times more likely to die from suicide than girls. Girls are more likely to attempt suicide than boys. Guns are used in more than half of youth suicides. What causes a teen to attempt suicide? The teen years are a stressful time. They are filled with major changes. These include body changes, changes in thoughts, and changes in feelings. Strong feelings of stress, confusion, fear, and doubt may influence a teen’s problem-solving and decision-making. He or she may also feel a pressure to succeed. For some teens, normal developmental changes can be very unsettling when combined with other events, such as: Changes in their families, such as divorce or moving to a new town Changes in friendships Problems in school Other losses These problems may seem too hard or embarrassing to overcome. For some, suicide may seem like a solution. Which teens are at risk for suicide? A teen’s risk for suicide varies with age, gender, and cultural and social influences. Risk factors may change over time. They are: One or more mental or substance abuse problems Impulsive behaviors Undesirable life events or recent losses, such as the death of a parent Family history of mental or substance abuse problems Family history of suicide Family violence, including physical, sexual, or verbal or emotional abuse Past suicide attempt Gun in the home Imprisonment Exposure to the suicidal behavior of others, such as from family or peers, in the news, or in fiction stories

CDC says:   Violence is preventable. We can all help young people grow up violence-free. Violence can limit life opportunities, lead to emotional and physical health problems, and shorten lives. Far too commonly, teens 14 to 18 years old experience violence, often more than one type such as physical fighting, sexual violence, dating violence, and bullying. Every day about 360 teens are treated in emergency departments for assault injuries. Homicide is the 3rd leading cause of death among teens. Female teens are more likely than males to experience three or more types of violence, as are sexual minority teens compared to their heterosexual peers. Some teens may have a higher risk of online bullying and threats during COVID-19. Violence can impact school attendance and access to community support services. Teens who experience violence have several health conditions and risk behaviors, including: Missed school due to safety concerns Low academic grades Carried a weapon Suicidal thoughts or behavior Risky sexual behavior Overweight or obesity Felt sad or hopeless Substance use As teens experience more violence, their health risks increase.

Ask questions to the Counselor live regarding symptoms and diagnosis.  WHAT IS SOCIAL ANXIETY? Social anxiety disorder (SAD) affects 1 out of 3 adolescents between 13 and 18 years old. Over 19 million people across America suffer from social anxiety disorder (SAD) today. It is the most common anxiety disorder and third most common mental health disorder in the country.  Social Anxiety Disorder, also known as Social Phobia, is marked by ongoing and pervasive fear of social interaction and/or situations where embarrassment might occur. While it is common to experience some anxiety in new social situations, individuals with social anxiety disorder feel overwhelming self-consciousness, distress, and fear of judgement in day-to-day social interactions. SAD prevents individuals from having normal relationships and interactions. It can also negatively affect normal daily activities. Additionally, those who suffer from SAD often experience intense worry about upcoming social situations (causing distress days or even weeks in advance). People with social anxiety disorder frequently avoid social interactions all together. This leads to diminished relationships, withdrawal and overall isolation. Like many other anxiety disorders, those with SAD may realize and acknowledge that their anxiety is often unreasonable or unwarranted, but still find themselves trapped in the cycle of anxiety and fear of social humiliation or embarrassment. Strong physical symptoms, such as nausea, trembling, sweating, or blushing, may occur in sufferers even in “normal”, everyday social situations.

HOW DO I KNOW IF MY TEEN HAS SOCIAL ANXIETY? If you are a parent, then it is likely you hope your child will grow up feeling self-assured and comfortable in their own skin, as these characteristics are some of the most vital when it comes to thriving socially, and thus, achieving an overall sense of wellbeing.  Unfortunately, there are many children who mature into socially anxious teenagers.  This can happen for a variety of reasons, and there may be multiple factors that contribute to a teen’s social anxiety. What causes social anxiety in a teenager?  Behaviors learned from role models (especially parents). Over time, shyness can build into social phobia. Shy parents might also unintentionally set an example by avoiding certain social interactions. A shy child who watches this learns that socializing is uncomfortable, distressing, and something to avoid. WHAT IS SOCIAL ANXIETY? Social anxiety disorder (SAD) affects 1 out of 3 adolescents between 13 and 18 years old. Over 19 million people across America suffer from social anxiety disorder (SAD) today. It is the most common anxiety disorder and third most common mental health disorder in the country.  Social Anxiety Disorder, also known as Social Phobia, is marked by ongoing and pervasive fear of social interaction and/or situations where embarrassment might occur. While it is common to experience some anxiety in new social situations, individuals with social anxiety disorder feel overwhelming self-consciousness, distress, and fear of judgement in day-to-day social interactions. SAD prevents individuals from having normal relationships and interactions. It can also negatively affect normal daily activities. Additionally, those who suffer from SAD often experience intense worry about upcoming social situations (causing distress days or even weeks in advance). People with social anxiety disorder frequently avoid social interactions all together. This leads to diminished relationships, withdrawal and overall isolation. Like many other anxiety disorders, those with SAD may realize and acknowledge that their anxiety is often unreasonable or unwarranted, but still find themselves trapped in the cycle of anxiety and fear of social humiliation or embarrassment. Strong physical symptoms, such as nausea, trembling, sweating, or blushing, may occur in sufferers even in “normal”, everyday social situations.