Heartland Behavioral Health Services- Summer Boredom Pt. 1- July 19, 2012

I'm BORED! It is mid-way through the summer. The excitement of summer is starting to wear off and it is that time when children and adolescents begin to struggle with boredom and restlessness. Both of these can create a number of mental health and behavioral problems for children and their caregivers. In the first segment we will discuss the physical and psychological impacts of boredom on children and adolescents. In the second segment we will address and suggest some ideas to beat the mid-summer boredom. Where does boredom come from? Blocked energy=boredom: We develop energy through the nutrients that we bring into our body. We are essentially fueling our bodies and filling it with energy. Energy must move freely thorough the body to be distributed and released. Blocked energy feels like a lack of energy, fatigue or pain in the body. It can easily mask itself as boredom With boredom comes potential problems and risk: At this stage of the summer we may begin to see an increase in irritability and/or behavior problems with our children. As a family unit, we see a rise in sibling conflict, as by this point, they are spending many hours together, rather than being separated by a school day. We can have a positive impact upon these scenarios by working to alleviate boredom. Increase in depression: In children and adolescents, depression is not always characterized by sadness, but instead by irritability, boredom, or an inability to experience pleasure Increase in aggressive behaviors and behavioral problems Rise in substance use and delinquent behaviors Obesity-weight gain: lack of activity, overeating, eating "comfort foods" Increase in illness: Mental health has a direct link to physical health Increased irritability and frustration within parents and caregivers