Welcome back to the beginning of the 2018-19 school year. I am happy to
announce that I am writing a weekly youth wellness column for a South
Bay school district that I will also be sharing with parents in our Thelma
McMillen community. The column will address emotional, behavioral, drug,
and alcohol issues, and we are hoping to help you navigate through some
issues and challenges that many teens and families face. My goal is to
provide clear, and helpful insights and suggestions, on topics such as
depression, suicide, cutting, anxiety, social media, latest drug use,
vaping, alcohol use as well as to provide tips for increasing well being,
self esteem, positive thinking, and happiness.
Whew! That covers a lot! As a psychologist practicing for 42 years in this
community, and as the facilitator of the weekly Families Connected
Parent Chat, a free monthly support group that is open to all South Bay parents, I
have a good amount of knowledge and insight that I would like to share with you.
In addition, we would like to know what topics or questions you would like
to see addressed. You can submit anything you would like to be covered to
askdrgelbart@gmail.com. Your inquiries will always remain anonymous.
When children experience difficulties, it generally takes the parents months,
if not years, to become clearly aware of the problems they are having.
A goal of this column will be to increase awareness and knowledge, and
decrease the time it takes to provide the proper assistance. I look forward
to your feedback, your questions, and to a great year.
Moe Gelbart, PhD
Psychologist
Executive Director, Thelma McMillen Center