Children with ADHD in Public Schools and the Role of Occupational Therapy

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental condition affecting many children worldwide. Characterized by symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, ADHD can significantly impact a child’s ability to succeed in a traditional public-school environment. A study conducted in Norway indicates that the educational consequence of ADHD depends on which school ADHD is expressed in, one with support for children or one with ADHD or little support (Cheesman et al., 2021). Despite these challenges, children with ADHD can thrive academically and socially with appropriate support and interventions (Cheesman et al., 2021). One effective form of support is occupational therapy (OT), which plays a critical role in helping children with ADHD navigate the demands of school life.

Children, Social Media, and Self-Esteem: A Complex Relationship

In an era where social media has become an integral part of daily life, its impact on children's self-esteem is not just a concern but a pressing issue that demands our attention. The ubiquitous nature of platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat means that children are increasingly exposed to a digital world where validation is often measured in likes, comments, and followers. This article delves into the multifaceted relationship between social media and children's self-esteem, examining the potential benefits and risks.

Why You Should Express Your Feelings & Thoughts!

According to research and guidance from the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) and the NIH (National Institutes of Health), not talking about your emotions or suppressing them can have significant negative effects on mental health. Here’s how emotional suppression impacts mental health:

1. Increased Risk of Mental Health Disorders

• Anxiety and Depression: Bottling up emotions can lead to feelings of isolation, heightened anxiety, and a greater risk of depression. The inability to express emotions creates a buildup of unresolved stress.

• Emotional Dysregulation: Chronic suppression of emotions can lead to difficulties in managing and understanding your feelings, which can contribute to mood disorders.

2. Physical Health Impacts

• Stress Response: Unexpressed emotions, especially negative ones like anger or sadness, can activate the body’s stress response, leading to increased cortisol levels. Chronic stress can result in fatigue, weakened immunity, and increased risk of illnesses such as heart disease.

• Somatic Symptoms: Emotional suppression may manifest physically as headaches, stomachaches, or muscle tension, as the body struggles to process unresolved emotions.

3. Relationship Strains

• Communication Barriers: Failure to express emotions can create misunderstandings and strain personal relationships.

• Isolation: Avoiding emotional conversations may lead to feelings of disconnection and loneliness, compounding mental health challenges.

4. Cognitive Effects

• Reduced Problem-Solving: Suppressing emotions can impair decision-making and problem-solving skills, as unaddressed feelings may cloud judgment or lead to overthinking.

• Memory Impact: Emotional avoidance can interfere with the brain’s ability to process and store memories effectively, particularly those tied to strong emotions.

5. Emotional Repression Cycle

• Emotional Overload: Continuously avoiding emotions can lead to emotional outbursts or a “breaking point” where unresolved feelings overwhelm an individual.

• Difficulty Processing Future Emotions: Habitual suppression may reduce emotional awareness, making it harder to recognize and cope with future emotions effectively.

CDC and NIH Recommendations for Emotional Health

1. Practice Emotional Awareness:

• Journaling, mindfulness, or speaking with a trusted person can help in identifying and processing emotions.

2. Seek Support:

• Building a support network of family, friends, or mental health professionals is key to fostering emotional expression.

3. Therapeutic Approaches:

• Therapies like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) or Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) can teach healthy emotional expression and coping mechanisms.

4. Promote Open Communication:

• Talking about feelings reduces stigma and fosters a culture of emotional honesty, which is beneficial for mental well-being.

Expressing emotions is critical for maintaining mental and physical health. If unresolved emotions are interfering with daily life, reaching out to a mental health professional is a vital step toward healing and resilience.

Did You Know:

That According to research from institutions like the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), hormones play a significant role in mental health. Hormonal changes and imbalances can influence mood, behavior, and overall mental well-being. Here’s how hormones can impact mental health:

1. Mood Regulation

• Hormones like serotonin and dopamine are involved in mood regulation and are influenced by other hormones, such as estrogen and testosterone.

• Fluctuations in hormones can lead to mood swings, irritability, or heightened emotions.

2. Anxiety

• Stress hormones like cortisol can increase feelings of anxiety. Chronic stress and consistently elevated cortisol levels can lead to anxiety disorders or exacerbate existing mental health conditions.

3. Depression

• Low levels of estrogen, progesterone, or thyroid hormones have been linked to depression, particularly in women during menopause, postpartum, or menstrual cycles.

• Testosterone deficiency in men can also contribute to depressive symptoms.

4. Hormonal Transitions

• Life stages involving major hormonal changes—such as puberty, pregnancy, postpartum, and menopause—are often associated with mental health challenges.

5. Chronic Conditions

• Hormonal disorders such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), hypothyroidism, or hyperthyroidism often co-occur with symptoms of depression or anxiety.

6. Sleep and Mental Health

• Hormones like melatonin regulate sleep cycles, and disrupted sleep due to hormonal imbalance can affect mental health, contributing to fatigue, irritability, or cognitive difficulties.

Supporting Mental Health Through Hormonal Balance:

• Lifestyle factors such as regular exercise, a balanced diet, stress management, and adequate sleep can positively influence hormone levels.

• Medical interventions like hormone replacement therapy or medications may be necessary in certain conditions.

• Seeking support from mental health professionals alongside endocrinologists can help address both the psychological and physical aspects of hormone-related issues.

If you’d like, I can help expand this into patient-friendly educational materials or provide strategies for managing hormone-related mental health challenges.