Introduction Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder that affects people’s body image, weight, mental health, physical health, and more. Restricting anorexia nervosa applies to a person who eats minimal or no calories, with or without extreme exercising. This topic matters because of misconceptions around the topic, like how people think anorexia only affects weight, but in reality, it affects every organ in the body, or how serious this issue is. The purpose of this blog is

Introduction Adolescence is a time of big changes. Teens experience changes in their bodies, emotions, friendships, and responsibilities. Because of this, mental health support is especially important during these years. Having support can help teens feel understood, safe, and confident while growing up. What Mental Health Support Means Mental health support includes help from: Parents or caregivers Teachers and school counselors Doctors or therapists Trusted friends or ment

Introduction Physical activity is often talked about as a way to stay healthy and strong, but it’s also very important for mental health. For teens, moving the body can help reduce stress, improve mood, and boost confidence. Exercise doesn’t have to be intense—it just has to get you moving! How Exercise Helps the Brain When teens are physically active, their brains release chemicals called endorphins. These are sometimes called “feel-good chemicals” because they help reduce

Introduction Our daily habits—like what we eat, how we move, and how we spend time online—can have a big impact on how we feel. For teens, mental health is just as important as physical health, and simple habits can make a huge difference. Good habits can boost your mood, help you focus, and make stress easier to manage. Healthy Eating and Mental Health Eating nutritious foods isn’t just for your body—it’s for your brain too! Foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and

Introduction Mental health is just as important as physical health, but sometimes people forget that. Talking about mental health early—whether with parents, friends, or teachers—can make a huge difference in feeling better and stopping problems from getting worse. What Mental Health Means Mental health is about how we think, feel, and act in everyday life. It affects how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. Just like we go to the doctor for check-ups, it’s

Introduction Anxiety is something many people experience, but it can feel different based on your age. Teens have unique challenges compared to adults, and understanding these differences can help teens, parents, and teachers all manage anxiety better. What Anxiety Is Anxiety is a feeling of worry or fear that can pop up in certain situations or even out of nowhere. Everyone feels anxious sometimes, like before a test or performance, but anxiety that keeps on going on can m

Introduction Social media is everywhere—Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, and way more. Teens use it to connect with friends, share fun moments, and see what’s happening in the world. But even though social media can be exciting, it can also affect how teens feel about themselves. Understanding this can help teens use social media in a healthier way. The Good Side of Social Media Social media isn’t all bad! It can: Help teens stay connected with friends and family. Share achievem

Introduction Stress is something everyone feels, especially teens. Between school, sports, friends, and family, life can feel overwhelming. Even though stress is a normal part of life, it can change how we feel and the choices we make. Understanding stress can help teens manage their emotions better and make smarter decisions. What Stress Does to Your Brain Your brain has distinct parts that perform different functions. One part of the brain helps you think and make choices

How Stress and School Pressure Affect Your Brain Being a teenager is exciting, but it can also be stressful. Between schoolwork, friends, social media, and thinking about the future, it is easy to feel overwhelmed. Stress does not just affect your mood; it can also change how your brain works. What Happens in Your Brain When You Are Stressed Your brain is still growing during your teen years. The parts that help you make decisions, control your emotions, and think clearly a

Introduction Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) has long been a widespread hormonal disorder among women of reproductive age. Even today, it remains a largely underdiagnosed and misconstrued medical issue. Over the past few decades, the medical world has finally acknowledged the fact that PCOS has far-reaching implications for reproductive, as well as psychiatric and cognitive problems.  1. PCOS Is Common, But Often Undiagnosed PCOS is one of the most common hormonal disorder

Understanding Winter and Mental Health Winter can feel especially challenging for a lot of teens. Shorter days, colder temperatures, and less sunlight can affect your mood, energy, and overall mental health. While some people naturally adjust to the change in seasons, others may find themselves feeling more tired, irritable, or sad. Recognizing how winter can affect your mental health is the first step in taking care of yourself during these months. What is Seasonal Affecti

Introduction Everyone has felt lonely at least once in their life. Maybe it was walking into a new classroom where you didn’t know...

Why Stress Matters for Teens Tests. Sports practice. College applications. Friend drama. Family responsibilities. Many teens feel like...

Introduction Feeling overwhelmed? You aren’t the only one.  The American Institute of Stress reports in article “Stress in Teens and...

Hello and welcome to the HEAL Blog! In this blog post, we're going to talk about something that everyone has probably already heard of...

Hello and welcome to The HEAL Blog! Did you know that 1 in 5 teens has a diagnosed mental health disorder? And that nearly 60% of...