Here are some tips from the National Child Traumatic Stress Network and our team at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia to help with these important conversations.
This animated video for kids gives real-life examples of the mind-body connection: how stress and big feelings can sometimes result in physical symptoms such as headaches, nausea, dizziness and pain, even when tests and lab results cannot identify a cause.
A nonprofit founded by a retired CHOP pediatrician to educate children, families and healthcare providers about Amplified Musculoskeletal Pain Syndrome (AMPS) and related disorders. The site provides a list of dedicated treatment programs in the U.S., as well as videos that focus on diagnosis, treatment and patient stories.
An empowering book for kids ages 8-10 that teaches them how to use their mind, body and spirit to control how their body feels, even when they’re in pain. By Timothy Culbert, MD.
This guide for parents of children and adolescents offers practical strategies and tools for management of chronic pain with the goal of kids fully participating in school, sports, social life and family life. By Tonya Palermo, PhD, and Emily Law, PhD.
This interactive online video course teaches kids about chronic pain and how to manage it. The seven episodes focus on subjects like the mind-body connection as well as how pain affects physical activity, home life and school life.
This one-day, in-person workshop (offered at CHOP and elsewhere) is intended for adolescents ages 10-17 and their caregivers. The workshop teaches pain management strategies and coping skills that are rooted in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).
This foundation educates kids and their families about pain and pain management. The content is organized by age group and type of pain, in multiple languages, and includes extensive video content.
A guide for parents to help kids develop a multi-disciplinary approach to pain management, with the goal of bringing greater comfort and returning them to previous levels of function. By Rachel Coakley, PhD.
A UK-based, patient-led charity focused on education and peer support. FND Action has educational materials including an FND toolkit. Other peer support groups based in the UK include FND Dimensions.
This Australia-based educational organization has printable Fact Sheets on its website that focus on education for families, the role of PT/OT in treating FND, and the role of psychology in understanding the mind-body connection.
This international patient- and caregiver-run organization has a website with educational information about symptoms and treatment. Other resources include search tools to find providers and peer support groups, as well as research updates, an events calendar and a webinar library.
An educational site for children and caregivers who are living with non-epileptic events (PNEE, pseudoseizure and others). The explanatory content is extensive, as are the downloadable symptom management tools.
A comprehensive source of information and education about Functional Neurological Disorder (FND), which offers written, video and podcast content for children, caregivers and health care providers, along with links to support groups. The site also has an app.
This self-guided resource helps children 9-19 understand their FND symptoms and learn to repair the mind-body connection, using mind-body techniques developed by occupational, physical and mental health therapists. By Katie Carey and Meagan Watson.
This resource from Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) how to eat a well-balanced diet that may decrease inflammation and promote overall health.
This resource from Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) offers information about the clear liquid diet and suggestions for a variety of liquids to try.
This resource from Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) describes an elimination diet trial and offers tips to prepare if your team has recommended it for your child.
This resource from Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) discusses constipation and offers tips for a well-balanced diet that can improve symptoms.
This resource from Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) offers information about gastroparesis and suggestions for dietary changes to improve its symptoms.
This resource from Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) provides information about added sugar and offers tips for lowering the amount in your diet.
This resource from Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) gives tips to improve mind-body connection and digestion through practicing mindfulness at mealtimes.
This resource from Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) discusses prebiotics and how to add them to your diet to support digestion and immune health.
This resource from Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) discusses probiotics and how to add them to your diet to support digestion and immune health.
This resource from Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) provides information about how a well-rounded, anti-inflammatory diet can support brain health.
La dieta antiinflamatoria (AI, por sus siglas en inglés) se basa en dos patrones tradicionales de alimentación saludable que proceden de las culturas asiática y mediterránea. Se cree que el patrón combinado es una de las formas más saludables de alimentación.
This resource from Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) describes acupressure, its benefits and how it can be used as part of a treatment plan to relieve a variety of symptoms.
This resource from Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) describes how hypnosis can be used as part of a treatment plan for issues like pain, anxiety and other medical conditions.
This resource from Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia provides information about energy therapy, its benefits and what to expect during and after treatment.
This resource from Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) offers information about massage therapy and how they can be used as part of a treatment plan to support relaxation and healing.
This resource from Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) provides information about therapeutic breathwork, its benefits and what to expect during and after treatment.
The following resource from Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) provides information about aromatherapy, its benefits and what to expect during and after treatment.
This resource from Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) describes how to perform different types of mindful breathing patterns to promote relaxation.
Dr. Benton discusses how she came to choose to work with young people and their families and why she’s never been more optimistic about the future of child and adolescent mental healthcare in this country.She shares her thoughts about the pros and cons of social media, the impact of the pandemic on young people and the value of outdoor activities for a children’s psyches.
Provides information about mental health and support resources for families, teens and young adults. It has affiliates in every state and in many local communities.
Philadelphia Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual disAbility Services provides resources to help children and families access the support they need during a behavioral health crisis. Review this notice for information.
Teaching children with ADHD can be challenging at times. These strategies for educators have been found to successfully improve behavioral and academic functioning of children with ADHD.
Primary care providers are an important piece of the puzzle when it comes to identifying mental health challenges a child may be facing, especially earlier in the course of a condition.
Are you a young person feeling like you need help for a mental health concern, but are uncertain how to approach the adults in your life to ask for help?
The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline offers 24/7 access to trained crisis counselors who can help people experiencing mental health-related distress. People can call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org for themselves or if they are worried about a loved one who may need crisis support. The service is free.
Provides a brief overview of the importance of risk and protective factors as they relate to suicide and offers guidance about how communities can best use them to decrease suicide risk.
The Suicide Prevention Resource Center provides a fact sheet about youth suicide based on findings from a pilot for the National Violent Death Reporting System.
ADDA's mission is to help people with ADHD lead happier, more successful lives through education, research and public advocacy. It focuses especially on the needs of adults and young adults with ADHD.
NIMH is the largest scientific organization in the world dedicated to research focused on the understanding, treatment, and prevention of mental disorders
Las terapias de energía son tratamientos de toques terapéuticos en las que los proveedores utilizan las manos para apoyar la curación y el bienestar al equilibrar el sistema energético de su hijo.
La aromaterapia utiliza aceites provenientes de raíces, hojas, semillas o flores de ciertas plantas para ayudar a mejorar el estado de ánimo de una persona o hacer que se sienta mejor.