Saving A Generation - The Alarming Dangers Of Social Media That Can Lead To Bullying, Anxiety, Depression And Loneliness, Addressed By Dr Barbara Becker Holstein In New Video

In the tradition of authors like Judy Blume, Dr. Holstein pushes the envelope in covering the challenges girls really face, without sugar coating it or downplaying the feelings or passions young girls experience, regarding things that are important to them at this stage of their development.

Dr. Barbara Becker Holstein's mission is to nurture the resilience and self-esteem of young girls. This effort resonates not only with mental health professionals, but also parents, grandparents, and educators alike. Today however, a formidable obstacle looms large: the pervasive influence of social media. Social media unleashes a host of challenges, making Dr. Holstein's mission more vital and urgent than ever before.

Excessive use of social media can lead to anxiety, depression, and feelings of loneliness and inadequacy, as children may compare themselves to others and face cyberbullying. Children can be targets of online harassment, which can have serious emotional and psychological consequences, affecting their self-esteem and overall mental health. Exposure to idealized and unrealistic images on social media can contribute to body dissatisfaction and unhealthy attitudes toward body image and appearance. Young children may feel pressured to conform to societal standards and engage in risky behaviors to fit in with their peers on social media. There is no end to the negative impacts social media has on young people. Dr. Holstein addressed these challenges in a recent video. In that video, she stated in part:

"When I was in elementary school. There may have been a bully on the playground who said something mean to me once in a while. There may have been a girl in my classroom, or maybe several girls that became a little gang, and when they had a birthday party, I wasn't included. Things like this did happen.

"However, think about the way it happens today. Now, when a young person is bullied, she may be checking social media every few minutes. Hour after hour to see if this person is continuing to bully her. She may even resort to try to hold her cell phone in the bed with her so she can see if anyone is still bullying her. Her life has become totally contaminated with the pressures of realizing that she is being bullied. She can carry that with her for hours and hours and days and weeks. So my advice to you, if you're a parent or responsible for a child, is to be totally involved in what your son or daughter are dealing with on social media. Make sure they understand you are here to help them. And you can. After all, you are a parent, you have every right to monitor what they are seeing and how they want to respond. In fact, it's your responsibility and it will make you feel good to take the responsibility your child will feel safer and it will lead to less extreme problems happening because of social media."

The video can be viewed at https://youtu.be/04MT1SZzqEs.

Dr. Holstein hopes to bring parents, teachers, librarians, grandparents and media together to accomplish one goal: Change in the lives of young people who suffer from anxiety and a growing sense of hopelessness and despair.

Dr. Holstein wraps Positive Psychology concepts in forms of media that young people find engaging, relatable and inspiring. These include:

Four bestselling, award-winning books (perfect for school libraries)

Four self-esteem workbooks for girls 8 and up

Award-winning films and coming of age selfie films

Podcasts

Dedicated websites

Stage plays

A library of articles

Ted-style talks

As a school psychologist and in her private practice, Dr. Holstein has worked with many children and parents, helping them to develop life skills in decision-making, recognition of their own talents, feel more courageous, and helping both kids and parents develop more successful inter-generational skills. Her last book, ‘Conflict and a Bit of Magic’, helps kids build self-esteem though reading the journal of a girl, identifying with the girl, and understanding they have more courage and resiliency than they thought they had. The book is based on the experiences of the already famous “girl” from 'The Truth, Diary of a Gutsy Tween' and 'Secrets, Diary of a Gutsy Teen', and achieved bestseller status in the multi-generational families category.

Dr. Holstein’s latest workbook for kids, ‘Secrets’ achieved bestseller status in the ‘Teen & Young Adult Nonfiction on Depression’ category.

Dr. Holstein's cutting-edge presentations, most recently based on the Covid-19 pandemic issues, can be found on both YouTube, Vimeo and on the Roku channel and Amazon Fire TV, titled as 'The Enchanted Self Presents'.

Dr. Holstein recently created The Selfie Showcase, a new project emerging from The Selfie Project, that allows young people to voice their opinions on subjects that matter to young people, including the pandemic.

The Selfie Showcase allows kids, teens, and young adults ages 13 to 18 to candidly express their concerns, worries, observations and possible solutions by creating selfie videos or films around important subjects using a smartphone. Dr. Holstein's mission is to help rectify, in several ways, some issues young people face by giving them a chance to engage with others in meaningful ways about the anxiety and stress they must grapple with constantly.

Dr. Holstein is available for media interviews and can be reached using the information below or by email at barbara.holstein@gmail.com.More information about the Selfie Showcase is available at http://www.selfiefilmmakers.com. Selfie videos and selfie films can be uploaded at the site. Potential podcast guests can contact Dr. Holstein by email. More information is available at her primary website at http://www.enchantedself.com.

Profile:

Dr. Barbara Becker Holstein, internationally known Positive Psychologist is the creator of The Enchanted Self ®, a positive psychology method for happiness and a pioneer in Selfies as Film. Dr. Holstein's Enchanted Self website was included as one of the best websites in positive psychology. She is in private practice in Long Branch, New Jersey with her husband, Dr. Russell M. Holstein.

Dr. Barbara can be found on the web, interviewed, writing articles and posting video 'TED' style talks on Happiness, Positive Psychology, Relationships and Parenting. Her Roku channel is: The Enchanted Self Presents.

She has been a contributor to Your Tango, Heart and Soul, The Philadelphia Inquirer, Honey Good, Cosmopolitan Magazine, Redbook, Real Simple, Women’s World, The Wall Street Journal, Psychcentral.com, Time online, the Today Show and Family Circle Magazine.

Contact:

Dr. Barbara Becker Holstein
170 Morris Ave.,
Long Branch, New Jersey 07740
barbara.holstein@gmail.com
732-571-1200
http://www.enchantedself.com

Leia Mais…

Loneliness Can Be Devastating For Girls - Dr. Barbara Becker Holstein Offers Empowering Strategies To Triumph Over Loneliness, Build Self Esteem And Enhance Resilience

In the tradition of authors like Judy Blume, Dr. Holstein pushes the envelope in covering the challenges girls really face, without sugar coating it or downplaying the feelings or passions young girls experience, regarding things that are important to them at this stage of their development.

In a news release on the US Department of Health and Human Services, the problem of loneliness in US society was described in stark terms. The articles stated, "Even before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, approximately half of U.S. adults reported experiencing measurable levels of loneliness. Disconnection fundamentally affects our mental, physical, and societal health. In fact, loneliness and isolation increase the risk for individuals to develop mental health challenges in their lives, and lacking connection can increase the risk for premature death to levels comparable to smoking daily."

According to ABC News, "Deaths from suicide among youth and young adults have been increasing over the last two decades in the United States, new federal data showed. For those between the ages of 10 and 24, the suicide rate remained stable between 2001 and 2007, around 6.9 per 100,000. From 2011, the rate rose 60% to 11.0 per 100,000 in 2021, according to a report published early Thursday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's National Center for Health Statistics."

Bestselling author and award-winning film maker Dr. Barbara Becker Holstein believes loneliness may be a major contributing factor to the recent sharp rise in depression, anxiety and suicidal ideation in young girls. She recently posted a video in which she offers insight and solutions to loneliness.

In that video, Dr. Holstein said in part:

"One of the most painful experiences in the world is loneliness. It can attack at almost any moment in life and is often unexpected. For instance, when I was 20 and went with a girlfriend to Europe I never expected that she would get sick and have to go home suddenly. I would be alone in Copenhagen, knowing no one and having to get back to London by myself to meet up with our flight home in 3 weeks. I found myself going from panic to feelings of being capable in ways I had never imagined.

"Yes, I could talk to strangers and take care of getting money transferred to me at a bank in Copenhagen. Yes, I could get myself to Sweden for a day, having made a new travel friend. Yes, I could get over being sick all one night from some food I ate combined with some beer that maybe I shouldn't have indulged in. Yes, I could find the right overnight train and made it to London and then found the hostel where my friend had made arrangements for us. I could also make it to Scotland where a theatrical festival was taking place and I had some tickets for shows, which of course I planned to see with my friend. And yes I found the home in Edinboro where I was supposed to sleep for 3 nights.

"The truth is that the sudden loss of my companion left me scared and alone but unveiled one of the true lessons of life. Loneliness for most of us is a transient experience that will push our buttons to find new ways of structuring our lives.

"Is there pain? Yes, of course, particularly if there is grief involved also. But most times loneliness is like the call of the wild from some distant new place. The call is saying 'Find me, I'll be your new friend. Find me, I'll be your next job. Find me, I will lead you to new places.'

"However the pandemic left many adolescents suddenly alone and bereft. Year end parties and celebrations and graduations and picnics were replaced with virtual school days and loneliness in one's own home, often with the bedroom door closed.

"Now it is our job, all of us whenever we can, to open the gate to the future, fun and happiness and success that still is out there as beacons of hope for our girls. Just as I was able to walk from panic to attachment to new beginnings and able to see how loneliness can disappear, so can millions of girls find their gateways to new friends, and a more fruitful life. Here are two things you can

* Stay alert to helping to lift the spirits of young people. An invitation to do something fun can banish loneliness quickly.

* Value yourself and realize that you can open the door to a young person's future just by offering your wisdom and kindness and reasonable alternatives, whether it is a good meal in a fun restaurant, or sharing stories and solutions from your own past.

"You can do it. We all have the ability to boost others, we just need to unleash our potential to be helpful, stay alert, share, and be willing to become the earth angels that help young girl combat loneliness. By taking these simple steps, we can help girls build resilience, self-esteem and help them to cope with the challenges of growing up."

The video can be viewed at https://youtu.be/-zvLUcGc9ak.

Dr. Holstein hopes to bring parents, teachers, librarians, grandparents and media together to accomplish one goal: Change in the lives of young people who suffer from anxiety and a growing sense of hopelessness and despair.

Dr. Holstein wraps Positive Psychology concepts in forms of media that young people find engaging, relatable and inspiring. These include:

Four bestselling, award-winning books (perfect for school libraries)

Four self-esteem workbooks for girls 8 and up

Award-winning films and coming of age selfie films

Podcasts

Dedicated websites

Stage plays

A library of articles

Ted-style talks

As a school psychologist and in her private practice, Dr. Holstein has worked with many children and parents, helping them to develop life skills in decision-making, recognition of their own talents, feel more courageous, and helping both kids and parents develop more successful inter-generational skills. Her last book, ‘Conflict and a Bit of Magic’, helps kids build self-esteem though reading the journal of a girl, identifying with the girl, and understanding they have more courage and resiliency than they thought they had. The book is based on the experiences of the already famous “girl” from 'The Truth, Diary of a Gutsy Tween' and 'Secrets, Diary of a Gutsy Teen', and achieved bestseller status in the multi-generational families category.

Dr. Holstein’s latest workbook for kids, ‘Secrets’ achieved bestseller status in the ‘Teen & Young Adult Nonfiction on Depression’ category.

Dr. Holstein's cutting-edge presentations, most recently based on the Covid-19 pandemic issues, can be found on both YouTube, Vimeo and on the Roku channel and Amazon Fire TV, titled as 'The Enchanted Self Presents'.

Dr. Holstein recently created The Selfie Showcase, a new project emerging from The Selfie Project, that allows young people to voice their opinions on subjects that matter to young people, including the pandemic.

The Selfie Showcase allows kids, teens, and young adults ages 13 to 18 to candidly express their concerns, worries, observations and possible solutions by creating selfie videos or films around important subjects using a smartphone. Dr. Holstein's mission is to help rectify, in several ways, some issues young people face by giving them a chance to engage with others in meaningful ways about the anxiety and stress they must grapple with constantly.

Dr. Holstein is available for media interviews and can be reached using the information below or by email at barbara.holstein@gmail.com. ‘Seven Ways To Help Your Family Recover From The Pandemic’ is available at Amazon. More information about the Selfie Showcase is available at http://www.selfiefilmmakers.com. Selfie videos and selfie films can be uploaded at the site. Potential podcast guests can contact Dr. Holstein by email. More information is available at her primary website at http://www.enchantedself.com.

Profile:

Dr. Barbara Becker Holstein, internationally known Positive Psychologist is the creator of The Enchanted Self ®, a positive psychology method for happiness and a pioneer in Selfies as Film. Dr. Holstein's Enchanted Self website was included as one of the best websites in positive psychology. She is in private practice in Long Branch, New Jersey with her husband, Dr. Russell M. Holstein.

Dr. Barbara can be found on the web, interviewed, writing articles and posting video 'TED' style talks on Happiness, Positive Psychology, Relationships and Parenting. Her Roku channel is: The Enchanted Self Presents.

She has been a contributor to Your Tango, Heart and Soul, The Philadelphia Inquirer, Honey Good, Cosmopolitan Magazine, Redbook, Real Simple, Women’s World, The Wall Street Journal, Psychcentral.com, Time online, the Today Show and Family Circle Magazine.

Contact:

Dr. Barbara Becker Holstein
170 Morris Ave.,
Long Branch, New Jersey 07740
barbara.holstein@gmail.com
732-571-1200
http://www.enchantedself.com

Leia Mais…

Self Esteem And Resilience – How To Help Girls Overcome Depression And Save A Generation

Dr. Barbara Becker Holstein is a best-selling author, award-winning Selfie Filmmaker, Positive Psychologist and podcaster. In all her books and films, Dr Holstein presents positive psychology as entertainment and a means to happiness.

The mental health crisis experienced by young people in the United States has reached an abysmal level. We can blame schools shooting such as the most recent in Nashville (one of many so far this year), we can blame climate change, the pandemic, bullying, the state of education – the list is endless. But the time for blame is past and the time for action is now.

Dr. Barbara Becker Holstein is taking action now to save a generation of girls now. She recently offered a number of ways to mitigate the life-shattering effects of depression in young people:

“One of the effects of the pandemic has been an increase in depression in kids. Recent research suggests even more depression in our girls than our young boys. I've been very concerned about both our boys and girls over the pandemic years, as they have had to endure all sorts of losses and confusions as schools closed, schools went virtual, sports were canceled, proms were canceled, graduations in person were cancelled, etc. Even children as young as 1 year old were affected by the pandemic as they lost valuable time in learning to read facial expressions as people in their lives went around wearing masks.

“I don't think any child in our country went without some level of strain during the last 3 years. I'm concerned about all our children, yet as one professional I can not concentrate on all. My specialty as a positive psychologist is girls and women. And now my concern is helping our girls cope with their mental health coming out of the pandemic years.

“Boys and girls are somewhat different as they go through the stages of growing up. Boys can be thrilled being on a baseball team, while girls can be thrilled taking competitive ballet classes. I'm going to leave boys to another expert, and talk to you a little more about girls. Most girls are social beings. That said, the flow of normal activity has been interrupted for at least 3 years for most girls. Once you take away normal activities to do and look forward to, life can be quite bleak for many girls.

“Now that things are pretty much back to normal in the world at large, it doesn't mean that every girl has just popped into place again. For many girls 3 years was a long time and friends may have fallen away, school may be hard to adjust to, family life may be less stable than before the pandemic, etc. So that's why we have to so carefully watch and help our girls so that we don't miss depressive signs in some of them. Here are things to watch for and suggestions as to help us save our generation of girls:”

1. Anxiety: Anxiety and depression are related. Girls who worry excessively, have difficulty sleeping, or struggle with separation anxiety can be at higher risk for depression.

2. Social media: Even at very young ages, girls now spend a lot of time on social media. While it can be fun and very engaging for them, it can also contribute to feelings of anxiety and depression. Girls who spend a lot of time on social media may be more likely to compare themselves to others and may experience cyberbullying.

3. Bullying: Bullying can have a terrible impact on a young girl's mental health, and girls who are bullied may be more a lot more likely to experience depression.

4. Peer pressure: Most girls experience pressure from their peers to fit in, which may lead to them engaging in risky behaviors. This can also be a source of stress and anxiety, which may contribute to feelings of depression.

5. Loneliness: Girls who feel lonely or disconnected from others (such as during the pandemic) may be more likely to experience depression. This can occur if a young girl experiences significant life changes, such as moving to a new school.

“We have to remember that every girl is unique and may experience depression for many different reasons. By understanding these risk factors, parents, grandparents and even educators can take steps to support their mental health.

“What can we do to help them?

“There are many ways that we can help young girls cope with these challenges.”

1. Validate their feelings: All girls need to feel heard and understood. When they express their feelings, it is important to acknowledge those feelings and let them know that it's okay to feel that way.

2. Provide support: Girls who feel safe and loved are better equipped to deal with stress and challenges. Create an environment where children can feel comfortable expressing themselves.

3. Encourage healthy habits: Exercise, good sleep, and healthy eating habits can all contribute to better mental health for girls. Encourage them to engage in physical activity, get enough sleep, and eat right.

4. Teach coping skills: Coping techniques can all of us manage our feelings of anxiety and stress.

5. Seek professional help if needed: If a child's anxiety or depression is causing problems or interferes with their day to day life, it may be helpful to seek professional support.

6. Address bullying and peer pressure: Parents and others should be aware of any signs of bullying and take action to address the situation. This may include talking to teachers or maybe teaching them assertiveness skills.

By taking these steps, we can help girls build resilience, self-esteem and help them to cope with the challenges of growing up.

Dr. Holstein hopes to bring parents, teachers, librarians, grandparents and media together to accomplish one goal: Change in the lives of young people who suffer from anxiety and a growing sense of hopelessness and despair.

Dr. Holstein wraps Positive Psychology concepts in forms of media that young people find engaging, relatable and inspiring. These include:

Three Bestselling, award-winning books (perfect for school libraries)

Four self-esteem workbooks for girls 8 and up

Award-winning films and coming of age selfie films

Podcasts

Dedicated websites

Stage plays

A library of articles

Ted-style talks

As a school psychologist and in her private practice, Dr. Holstein has worked with many children and parents, helping them to develop life skills in decision-making, recognition of their own talents, feel more courageous, and helping both kids and parents develop more successful inter-generational skills. Her last book, ‘Conflict and a Bit of Magic’, helps kids build self-esteem though reading the journal of a girl, identifying with the girl, and understanding they have more courage and resiliency than they thought they had. The book is based on the experiences of the already famous “girl” from 'The Truth, Diary of a Gutsy Tween' and 'Secrets, Diary of a Gutsy Teen', and achieved bestseller status in the multi-generational families category.

Dr. Holstein's cutting-edge presentations, most recently based on the Covid-19 pandemic issues, can be found on both YouTube, Vimeo and on the Roku channel and Amazon Fire TV, titled as 'The Enchanted Self Presents'.

Dr. Holstein recently created The Selfie Showcase, a new project emerging from The Selfie Project, that allows young people to voice their opinions on subjects that matter to young people, including the pandemic.

The Selfie Showcase allows kids, teens, and young adults ages 13 to 18 to candidly express their concerns, worries, observations and possible solutions by creating selfie videos or films around important subjects using a smartphone. Dr. Holstein's mission is to help rectify, in several ways, some issues young people face by giving them a chance to engage with others in meaningful ways about the anxiety and stress they must grapple with constantly.

Dr. Holstein is available for media interviews and can be reached using the information below or by email at barbara.holstein@gmail.com. ‘Seven Ways To Help Your Family Recover From The Pandemic’ is available at Amazon. More information about the Selfie Showcase is available at http://www.selfiefilmmakers.com. Selfie videos and selfie films can be uploaded at the site. Potential podcast guests can contact Dr. Holstein by email. More information is available at her primary website at http://www.enchantedself.com.

Profile:

Dr. Barbara Becker Holstein, internationally known Positive Psychologist is the creator of The Enchanted Self ®, a positive psychology method for happiness and a pioneer in Selfies as Film. Dr. Holstein's Enchanted Self website was included as one of the best websites in positive psychology. She is in private practice in Long Branch, New Jersey with her husband, Dr. Russell M. Holstein.

Dr. Barbara can be found on the web, interviewed, writing articles and posting video 'TED' style talks on Happiness, Positive Psychology, Relationships and Parenting. Her Roku channel is: The Enchanted Self Presents.

She has been a contributor to Your Tango, Heart and Soul, The Philadelphia Inquirer, Honey Good, Cosmopolitan Magazine, Redbook, Real Simple, Women’s World, The Wall Street Journal, Psychcentral.com, Time online, the Today Show and Family Circle Magazine.

Contact:

Dr. Barbara Becker Holstein
170 Morris Ave.,
Long Branch, New Jersey 07740
barbara.holstein@gmail.com
732-571-1200
http://www.enchantedself.com

Leia Mais…