Bipolar Disorder Treatments

Posted on November 12, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Bipolar disorder, formerly called manic depression, is a mental health condition that causes intense shifts in mood, energy levels, and behavior. These shifts can last for hours, days, weeks, or months and can interrupt a person’s ability to carry out day-to-day tasks.

Many people with bipolar disorder experience both manic/hypomanic episodes, where they feel extremely energetic, happy, excited, or overactive, and depressive episodes, where they feel sad, irritable, or empty. These changing mood states don’t always follow a set pattern, and depression doesn’t always follow manic phases. A person may also experience the same mood state several times, with periods of a state of mental tranquility and stability that’s free of mood disturbances, called euthymia, in between, or before experiencing the opposite mood.

Mood changes in bipolar disorder can happen over weeks, months, and sometimes years. An important aspect of mood changes is that they are a departure from a person’s regular self and are sustained for a long time. It can be several days or weeks in the case of a manic episode and several weeks or months in the case of a depressive episode.

The severity of depressive and manic phases can differ from person to person and in the same person at different times. Some people with bipolar disorder will have episodes of mania or hypomania many times throughout their lives, while others may rarely experience them. Signs and symptoms of a manic episode include:

Excessive happiness, hopefulness, and excitement

Sudden and severe changes in mood, such as going from joyful to angry and hostile

Restlessness

Rapid speech and racing thoughts

Increased energy and less need for sleep

Increased impulsivity and poor judgment

Making grand and unattainable plans

Reckless and risk-taking behavior, such as drug and alcohol misuse

Psychosis, such as experiencing hallucinations and delusions (in the most severe manic episodes)

Most of the time, people experiencing a manic episode are unaware of the negative consequences of their actions. If a person is having an intense manic episode, especially if they’re experiencing hallucinations and delusions, they may need to be hospitalized to protect themselves and others from harm. With bipolar disorder, suicide is an ever-present danger, with some people becoming suicidal in manic episodes, not just in depressive ones.

Some people with bipolar disorder can have milder manic-like symptoms called hypomania. When experiencing hypomania, they may feel great and feel like they can get a lot done. They may feel like nothing is wrong during an episode; however, family and friends may notice their mood swings and activity level changes and think they’re unusual for them.

After a hypomanic episode, a person might experience severe depression. The symptoms of depressive episodes in bipolar disorder are the same as those of major depression, including:

Overwhelming sadness

Low energy and fatigue

Lack of motivation

Feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness

Loss of enjoyment of things that were once pleasurable for you

Difficulty concentrating and making decisions

Uncontrollable crying

Irritability

Increased need for sleep

Insomnia or hypersomnia

A change in appetite that causes weight loss or gain

Thoughts of death or suicide

Bipolar disorder is a lifelong condition. The goal of treatment is to manage symptoms. Treatment for bipolar disorder is guided by a mental healthcare team consisting of a psychiatrist, psychologist, social worker, or psychiatric nurse.

Depending on your needs, treatment for bipolar disorder may include:

Talk therapy that includes:

- Interpersonal and social rhythm therapy

- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)

- Psychoeducation

- Family-focused therapy

Medicines, such as mood stabilizers, antipsychotics, antidepressants, an antidepressant-antipsychotic combination, or anti-anxiety medicines

Intensive outpatient programs or a program involving a partial stay in a hospital

Treatment for alcohol or drug misuse

An extended hospital stay

If you are experiencing a mental health emergency or crisis, call 911. Call, text, or chat 988 to speak to a trained crisis counselor who offers support 24/7/365. For ongoing mental health support or assistance from a mental health professional at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-206-5575 to schedule an appointment.

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

Wellness Wednesday: Taking Screen Breaks

Posted on November 4, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

We all use some type of screen every day in today’s digital age. Whether for professional or personal use, we often use screens more than we should.

The impact of excessive screen time on mental and physical health cannot be overlooked.

Staring at a screen for long periods of time can lead to continuous and intense focus, resulting in mental fatigue and other significant mental health challenges, such as increased feelings of anxiety and depression.

Excessive screen time affects your physical health as it pertains to your weight, cardiovascular fitness, and metabolic health due to time spent being sedentary.

Additionally, staring at screens for too long can cause digital eye strain, which is now one of the most common complaints in optometry offices. Symptoms of digital eye strain include:

Dry eyes

Blurred vision

Headaches

Difficulty focusing at a distance

Taking regular breaks from screens offers a chance to reset, reduce stress levels, and encourage a healthier mental state. It can also result in better sleep quality, as reducing screen time before bedtime helps the brain unwind and enables more restful sleep.

Here are some ways you can incorporate screen time breaks into your daily routine:

Follow the 20-20-20 rule, which consists of every 20 minutes, looking at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. This gives your focusing muscles a brief rest and reduces the cumulative strain

Engage in physical activity during screen breaks to enhance both mental and physical health

Schedule specific break times during the day to step away from your device

Set a screen curfew by using apps or tools that remind you to take breaks or limit screen time

Create screen-free zones

Replace your screen with a book, board game, coloring book, a sport, or time outside

Mindfulness can also play a key role in managing screen time effectively. By becoming more aware of screen habits, you can recognize when to step away from your screens and engage in alternative, enriching activities.

Mental Illness Awareness Week- National Depression Screening Day

Posted on October 8, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

National Depression Screening Day was created to bring light to the need for depression awareness and accessible and affordable mental health screenings.

Depression is one of the most common mental illnesses. Clinical depression affects men and women of all ages, races, and socioeconomic groups. Depression results from a mix of environmental, genetic, psychological, biological, and biochemical components.

Not everyone experiences depression in the same way, and it can affect anyone at any time. It is important to take steps to seek out professional help and be screened if you or someone you care about feels they may be depressed.

People suffering from depression often experience some of these key symptoms:

A persistent sad, anxious, or “empty” mood
Sleeping too little, early morning awakening, or sleeping too much
Reduced appetite and weight loss, or increased appetite and weight gain
Loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed
Restlessness or irritability
Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions
Fatigue or loss of energy
Thoughts of death or suicide

There are several reasons why it is important to screen for depression, including:

Clinical depression is a serious medical illness
Clinical depression can lead to suicide
Sometimes people with depression mistakenly believe that the symptoms of depression are a “normal part of life”
Depression can co-occur and complicate other medical conditions
Screenings are often the first step in getting help

Screenings are not a professional diagnosis. Screenings point out the presence or absence of depressive symptoms and provide a referral for further evaluation if needed. You should see your doctor or a qualified mental health professional if you experience symptoms for longer than two weeks or if the symptoms are severe enough to interfere with your daily routine.

Only about a third (35.3%) of those suffering from severe depression seek treatment from a mental health professional. Not receiving the assistance needed can lead to adverse health outcomes and affect a person’s quality of life. If you need the assistance and support of a mental health professional, you can find out more about the mental health services at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center. Please call 718-206-5575 to schedule an appointment.

Back to School Anxiety

Posted on August 6, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

A new school year is fast approaching. And with it comes lots of excitement, but it can also cause anxiety for children.

Starting a new school or being away from parents can cause much anxiety in children. That anxiety fades for most children as the year progresses. But for others, it doesn’t. Here are some examples of behaviors that may indicate your child is continuing to struggle with anxiety:

Continually seeking reassurance or asking repeated, worried questions despite receiving an answer
Tantrums when separating from parents or caregivers before going to school
Increased complaints of experiencing headaches, stomachaches, and fatigue in the absence of an illness
A significant change in their sleep pattern, such as taking an hour to fall asleep, or waking you up with worries during the night when they might typically sleep well
Difficulty getting along with family members or friends
Avoidance of normal activities in and outside of school

Here are some tips to help ease back-to-school anxiety:

Approach anxiety instead of avoiding it
Practice school routines
Model behavior you’d like to see
Ensure they are getting enough sleep
Check in with stress levels
Talk to school mental health professionals
Blend back to school with fun activities so the transition is less sudden

If you or your child needs the assistance and support of a mental health professional at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-206-5575 to schedule an appointment.

Social Anxiety

Posted on July 31, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

When a person has social anxiety disorder, or social phobia, everyday interactions can cause significant anxiety, self-consciousness, and embarrassment because they fear being scrutinized or negatively judged by others around them. Fear and anxiety may lead to avoidance that can disrupt their lives. Additionally, severe stress can affect daily routines and common everyday social experiences, including:

Attending parties or social gatherings

Interacting with unfamiliar people or strangers

Starting conversations

Making eye contact

Going to school or work

Dating

Eating in front of others

Using a public restroom

For those living with social anxiety disorder, comfort levels in social situations vary and depend on personality traits and life experiences. Some people are naturally reserved, and others are more outgoing.

Having feelings of shyness or discomfort in certain situations isn’t necessarily a sign of social anxiety disorder, particularly in children. Social anxiety disorder typically begins in the early to mid-teens, though it can sometimes begin in younger children or in adults.

The signs and symptoms of social anxiety disorder can include constant:

Intense fear or anxiety during social situations

Intense fear of interacting or talking with strangers

Worry about embarrassing or humiliating yourself

Fear of situations in which you may be judged negatively

Avoidance of doing things or speaking to people out of fear of embarrassment

Avoidance of situations where you might be the center of attention

Fear of physical symptoms that may cause you embarrassment, such as:

Blushing

Sweating

Trembling

Having a shaky voice

Anxiety in anticipation of a feared activity or event

Expectation of the worst possible consequences from a negative experience during a social situation

Analysis of your performance and identification of flaws in your interactions after a social situation

For children with social anxiety disorder, anxiety about interacting with adults or peers may present itself as crying, having temper tantrums, clinging to parents, or refusing to speak in social situations.

Several physical signs and symptoms can accompany social anxiety disorder, including:

A fast heartbeat

Trouble catching your breath

Sweating

Trembling

Blushing

An upset stomach or nausea

Dizziness or lightheadedness

A feeling that your mind has gone blank

Muscle tension

Social anxiety disorder symptoms can change over time and may flare up if you’re facing a lot of changes, stress, or demands in your life. Although avoiding situations that cause anxiety may make you feel better in the short term, your anxiety is likely to continue over the long term if left untreated.

Like several other mental health conditions, social anxiety disorder likely stems from a complex interaction of biological and environmental factors, including:

Brain structure

Inherited traits

Environment

Many factors can increase the risk of developing social anxiety disorder, including:

Family history

Temperament

New social or work demands

Negative experiences

Having an appearance or condition that draws attention to you

If social anxiety is left untreated, it can control your life, as anxieties can interfere with work, school, relationships, or enjoyment of life, and can cause:

Low self-esteem

Poor social skills

Isolation and difficult social relationships

Trouble being assertive

Negative self-talk

Hypersensitivity to criticism

Low academic and employment achievement

Substance abuse, such as drinking too much alcohol

Suicidal ideation, suicide, or suicide attempts

To diagnose you with social anxiety disorder, a healthcare provider will want to determine whether other conditions may be causing your anxiety or if you have the disorder along with other physical or mental health disorders. They may determine a diagnosis based on:

A physical exam that helps assess whether any medical condition or medication may trigger symptoms of anxiety

A discussion of your symptoms, such as how often they occur, and in what situations

Reviewing a list of situations to see if they make you anxious

Self-report questionnaires about symptoms of social anxiety

Criteria listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5)

The treatment for social anxiety disorder depends on how much it affects your ability to function in your daily life. The most common treatment for social anxiety disorder includes psychotherapy, medications, or a combination of both.

There isn’t a way to predict what will cause someone to develop anxiety disorders. However, you can take steps to reduce the impact of symptoms if you’re anxious, such as:

Getting help early

Setting priorities in your life

Keeping a journal

Avoiding unhealthy substance use

Social anxiety disorder can be a chronic mental health condition, but learning coping skills in psychotherapy and taking medications can help you gain confidence and improve your ability to interact with others.

If you are experiencing symptoms of social anxiety and need the assistance and support of a mental health professional at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-206-5575 to schedule an appointment.

Wellness Wednesday Tip

Posted on July 22, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Our daily lives can be bombarded with constant bad news, tragedy, negativity, stress, worry, and anxiety. These factors can affect our mood and cause our nervous systems to overload, causing us to lose sleep, which can then lead to cardiovascular issues, weakened immune function, metabolic problems, and mental health conditions.

Mindfulness and meditation are overlapping techniques proven to ease stress, improve sleep, and enhance concentration.

Practicing mindfulness can be as simple as walking through a park, admiring nature, or using mental health apps to help anchor you in the present. Engaging in these activities can help calm anxiety, improve focus and concentration, and increase positive feelings.

Meditation combines body and mind by focusing on sensations, such as breathing, images, or a repeated word or phrase. One exercise that works similarly well for adults and younger people is box breathing. Box breathing is a form of yogic deep breathing that uses the concept of a box with four sides, represented here by breathing while you slowly count to four, four times. Four counts of breathing in, four counts of holding your breath, four counts of exhaling, and four more counts of holding after your exhale. This rhythmic pattern of breathing helps regulate the nervous system, suppressing anxiety and stress, lowering the heart rate and blood pressure, and boosting focus.

If you are feeling anxious or overwhelmed and need the assistance and support of a mental health professional at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-206-5575 to schedule an appointment.

Men’s Health Month- Health Screenings for Men

Posted on June 10, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

June is Men’s Health Month. This observance aims to raise awareness about preventable health problems that affect men and boys.

Statistics show men are less likely than women to seek medical attention when something affects their health. Men are also less likely to have preventative screenings and checkups with their healthcare providers. This is a problem as early detection of a medical condition is the best way to effectively treat and manage it.

Additionally, avoiding or delaying checkups or screenings could result in a treatable condition becoming severe and/or fatal.

The U.S. Preventative Services Task Force (USPSTF) publishes a list of recommended, age-specific screening guidelines for men to help them manage their health:

Screenings guidelines recommended for men ages 18-39 include:

Physical examinations

Blood pressure screenings

Cholesterol screenings

Colon cancer screenings

Dental examinations

Prediabetes and type 2 diabetes screenings

Eye examinations

Immunizations

Skin examinations

Infectious disease screenings

Screenings guidelines recommended for men ages 40-64 include:

Physical examinations

Blood pressure screenings

Cholesterol screenings

Colorectal cancer screenings

Prostate cancer screenings

Osteoporosis screening

Lung cancer screening

Infectious disease screening

Immunizations

Eye examinations

Dental examinations

Skin examinations

It is important to visit your healthcare providers regularly, even if you are feeling healthy. These visits can help:

Screen for any medical issues

Encourage a healthy lifestyle

Assess your risk for any future medical problems

Update vaccinations and other preventative care services

Help you get to know your healthcare provider in case of an illness

If you are experiencing any medical problems or would like to receive health screenings, you can schedule an appointment at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center, by calling (718) 206-7001.

Body Dysmorphia

Posted on May 8, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Body dysmorphia or body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is a mental health condition that causes you to unfairly and negatively think about how you see and feel about your body and appearance. A person who has body dysmorphia may feel embarrassed, ashamed, or anxious. Other common symptoms of body dysmorphia include:

Constantly comparing yourself with others

Constantly asking others if you look okay

Not believing others when they say you look fine

Hiding parts of your body under a hat, scarf, or makeup

Constantly checking yourself in the mirror or avoiding them entirely

Constantly grooming or exercising

Picking at your skin with your fingers or tweezers

Seeing several healthcare providers about your appearance

Having unnecessary plastic surgeries

Suicidal ideations

Avoiding social situations

Not leaving the house, especially during the day

These symptoms can cause severe disruptions in a person’s life, affecting their thoughts, which can undermine their mental and physical well-being.

Experts estimate that body dysmorphia affects about 2.4% of adults in the U.S. overall, and between 1.7% and 2.9% of people globally.

Body dysmorphia is most likely to begin in the teen or early adult years. Two-thirds of people with body dysmorphia develop the condition before the age of 18, usually around 12 or 13 years old. However, it can also start in early adulthood.

Experts don’t fully know how or why body dysmorphia occurs, but they believe multiple factors are involved, such as:

Genetics

Brain structure, chemistry, and activity differences

Cultural influences and popular media

A history of childhood abuse, neglect, or bullying

People who suffer from body dysmorphia are more likely to have other mental conditions, including:

Anxiety disorders

Depression

Eating disorders

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

Substance use disorders

The symptoms of body dysmorphia can take many shapes as a person who suffers from this condition can excessively focus on one or more parts of the body, such as their:

Face, such as their nose, complexion, wrinkles, acne, and other blemishes

Hair, such as its appearance or any thinning and/or baldness

Skin and appearance of their veins

Breast size

Muscle size and tone

Genitalia

There aren’t any medical tests that can diagnose dysmorphia. A healthcare provider will perform a medical evaluation to help rule out other medical conditions and may refer you to a mental health professional for further evaluation. The mental health professional will diagnose body dysmorphia based on:

A psychological evaluation, which assesses risk factors, thoughts, feelings, and behaviors related to negative self-image

Your personal, social, family, and medical history

Signs and symptoms that you have experienced

The treatment for body dysmorphia often can include a combination of:

Psychotherapies, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and family therapy

Medications, such as antidepressants

You may find that negative thoughts about your body are hard to control, and you may even spend hours each day worrying about the way you look. Your thinking can become so negative and persistent that you may think about suicide at times. If you are having suicidal thoughts or behaviors, dial 988 on your phone to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. If there is an emergency, call 911.

If you need the assistance and support of a mental health professional at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-206-5575 to schedule an appointment.

Why Spring is A Good Time to Rebuild Healthy Routines

Posted on April 3, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Spring has finally arrived, and with it comes warm weather, blooming flowers and trees, and longer days. It is a time for renewal and rejuvenation, and as we thaw out from winter, we may realize that spending most of our time indoors has caused us to fall into sedentary habits, such as binging comfort foods, not exercising, and other sluggish routines.

However, spring is the perfect time to refresh your health goals, rebuild healthy routines, and establish new habits. Here are some ways you can reset for the season:

Spring cleaning usually relates to deep cleaning our homes and decluttering our closets. However, it can also be a great way to reset your mindset. A clutter-free environment can help encourage mental clarity, productivity, and relaxation. You can start spring cleaning by organizing your workspaces, donating unused clothes and items, and deep-cleaning busy areas to create a space that feels new and cheerful. You can also declutter any digital spaces, such as emails, phone apps, and limit screen time, which can promote a more mindful relationship with technology.

Warmer temperatures and longer daylight hours make springtime the perfect time to take advantage of the sun. It allows us to enjoy its benefits, as it can boost our mood and energy. The spring sun recharges us with the vitamin D we were lacking after a cold and dreary winter. The sun also helps regulate circadian rhythms, which improves sleep and overall well-being. Even taking a short daily walk during the daytime can increase mental clarity and reduce stress. It is important to note that you should put on sunscreen, wear sunglasses, wide-brimmed hats, and garments with long sleeves and pants while outside to help prevent skin cancer.

Spring is a great time to assess your work-life balance and make the necessary adjustments that support your well-being. If you suffered from seasonal affective disorder or felt burnt out during winter, spring is an opportunity to rebalance work and life for less stress. Prioritize self-care and set boundaries. Make time for activities that bring you joy and happiness, such as engaging in your favorite hobbies, socializing with friends, or spending time with family. It is also important to schedule breaks, time outdoors, and moments of relaxation. A healthy work-life balance can increase mental clarity, motivation, and happiness, which can help you enter spring with restored energy and focus.

Warm spring weather provides the perfect temperature to move your workout outdoors. The standard minimum recommended time for moderate-intensity physical activity is 150 minutes per week. Whether it’s a morning jog, yoga in the park, evening walks, or gardening, it will do as long as your muscles are activated, and you do it consistently. Exercising in the sunshine adds a mood-enhancing benefit, as being amongst nature helps reduce cortisol levels, which improves heart health.

The longer days of spring may also benefit sleep health. The natural light of the sun during the day helps regulate the body’s melatonin production and improve your sleep quality and energy levels. Create a relaxing evening routine by winding down with calming activities such as reading, meditating, or gentle stretching. Try to avoid consuming caffeine or heavy meals late in the evening, as they can disrupt restfulness.

Spring is the time for new beginnings, which makes it an excellent time to focus on mental wellness. Mindfulness practices, such as meditation, deep breathing, or journaling, can help decrease stress and gain clarity. Take a few minutes each day to practice gratitude, as it can change your mindset and improve your emotional well-being. Think about establishing seasonal goals that fit your values, whether it is improving your fitness, learning a new skill or language, or creating more balance in your life. Connecting with nature, practicing self-reflection, and letting go of old habits can refresh your outlook, which can help you feel more grounded and at peace.

This season of renewal is a great time to make dietary changes. Trade in heavy, processed foods for seasonal fruits, vegetables, and lighter meals that support digestion and energy. Focus on eating foods that are rich in nutrients, such as berries, leafy greens, citrus fruits, and lean proteins. It is also important to hydrate. Increase your water intake and try drinking herbal teas or lemon water to support natural detoxification. Evaluate your eating habits and identify areas where there can be improvement. Decrease your consumption of excess sugar, refined carbs, and artificial additives. Replace them with foods that are rich in fiber, healthy fats, and lean proteins. Add more fermented foods such as yogurt and kimchi, as they can also promote gut health, boost digestion, and immunity.

Spring can be a seasonal reset, as it allows you to feel more energized, balanced, and refreshed. Incremental changes such as spending more time outdoors, improving your diet, prioritizing rest, and tidying up your space can make a major impact on both your physical and mental well-being. Embracing renewal and positive habits can help you enter spring rejuvenated, filled with happiness, vitality, and personal growth.

Helping Kids Cope with Bullying

Posted on February 19, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Many children get teased by siblings or friends at some point in their childhood. Teasing isn’t usually harmful when done in a mutual, friendly, and playful way. When teasing constantly turns hurtful and cruel, it becomes bullying. Unfortunately, bullying is something that children experience at one time or another.

Bullying is when peers intentionally use physical, verbal, or psychological ways to torment someone else, using a real or perceived power imbalance between the bully and the victim.

Bullying affects 75% of kids at some point between kindergarten and 12th grade. Sadly, 10%-20% of kids will be chronically bullied and at risk for poor physical and mental health outcomes, such as physical illnesses, depression and anxiety, aggression, and in extreme cases, suicide. Moreover, they may also face lower graduation rates and less successful career placement.

Chronic bullying has three components:

A power differential between the child and their aggressor

Repeated bullying day after day

Social sanctioning, which regulates another person’s behavior, enforces social standards, and maintains order

There are several reasons why children bully other children. Sometimes they do it because they need a victim, someone who seems to be emotionally or physically weaker, or acts or looks different in some way that makes the bully feel more important, popular, or in control. It may seem like bullies are bigger and stronger; however, that isn’t always the case.

Additionally, children can sometimes bully others because that is the way they have been treated. This behavior has been normalized because they may come from families or other environments where everyone regularly gets angry shouts or calls each other names.

It can be hard to know whether a child is being bullied or not, unless they tell a parent, guardian, or trusted adult, or if they have visible injuries or bruises.

However, there are some warning signs. A parent may notice a child is:

Not eating, sleeping well, or not doing the things they usually enjoy

Moodier or more easily upset than usual

Acting differently or anxious

Avoiding certain situations, such as going to school or taking the bus

Kids can be reluctant to tell adults about bullying experiences because they feel embarrassed and ashamed that it’s happening, or worried that their parents will be disappointed, upset, or angry with them. They may feel like getting bullied is their own fault, or that if they looked or acted differently, they wouldn’t get bullied. They may also be reluctant to tell someone about the bullying, because they believe that the bullying will get worse due to the fear of their bully finding out they told someone.

If a parent suspects that their child is being bullied and their child is hesitant to open up, it is important to find ways to approach the issue. If a child tells their parents that they are being bullied or if they see it happening to someone else, it is important to listen calmly and offer them comfort and support. Parents should praise their child for doing the right thing by talking about it and reminding them that they aren’t alone, as a lot of people get bullied at some point. They should also explain that it is the bully who is behaving badly, not them, and reassure them that they will figure out what to do about the bullying together.

Parents can help kids learn how to deal with bullying if it happens. Some parents or caregivers may be tempted to tell a child to fight back against their bully; however, it is important to advise them not to respond to bullying by fighting or bullying in return. This can quickly escalate into violence, trouble, and someone getting injured. Instead, advise them that it is best to walk away from the situation, spend time with others, and tell an adult. Some other ways kids can improve the situation and feel better are by:

Telling an adult

Talking about it

Avoiding the bully and using the buddy system

Holding onto the anger

Acting brave, walking away, and ignoring the bully

A child’s confidence can be greatly affected by bullying. A parent can help rebuild it by encouraging them to spend time with friends who have a positive influence on them. They can also participate in any sports, clubs, or any other activities that they enjoy that build strength and friendships.

Parents can also provide their child with a sympathetic ear and listen attentively to their tough situations, but they should also encourage them to talk about the good parts of their day, so a line of open communication becomes a habit for everyone. It is important to make sure they know that they are believed and that their parents will do what they can to address the bullying.

If your child needs the assistance and support of a mental health professional at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-206-5575 to schedule an appointment.