James Donaldson on Mental Health - What Brevard mental health experts say late-night scrolling can expose

By Jennifer M. Torres

- New research suggests passive phone scrolling late at night may be an early warning sign of worsening mental health.
- Passively watching videos is linked to higher suicidal thoughts, while actively typing or messaging is tied to lower risk.
- Mental health experts say late-night phone use can be a barometer of underlying psychological states like anxiety or depression.

Can passive scrolling before bedtime be an early warning sign of worsening mental health?

The most vulnerable moments often happen when no one else is awake. Alone in the dark, many people turn to their phones — scrolling through videos, photos and news to distract themselves from anxious or intrusive thoughts.

But while that late night scroll may feel mindless, new research suggests that passive scrolling before bed (from 11 p.m. to 1 a.m.) could increase suicidal thoughts the following day, raising new questions about whether understanding a person’s digital habits could help mental health professionals flag people in crisis earlier.

However, not all late-night screen time carries the same risk. According to the data, it’s the passive scrolling — watching videos or flipping through social media — that is linked to higher suicidal thoughts the next day. Actively engaging on your phone (typing, commenting or messaging later in the night) appears tied to a lower risk. And while the research also found that longer phone-free periods overnight are associated with lower suicide risk indicators, it also suggests the difference between scrolling and connecting may matter more than the screen time itself.

What late-night phone use may be signaling

Neeley Hughey, a licensed mental health counselor, certified life coach and founder of Coastal Wellness and Life Coaching Center in Melbourne, said the study challenges the assumption that all nighttime phone use is inherently unhealthy and highlights the importance of understanding the reason for the behavior, not just its presence.

Hughey noted that late-night phone use between 11 p.m. and 1 a.m. may signal that someone is stuck in negative thought loops, feeling emotionally on edge, or trying to avoid sleep — patterns that are commonly seen in people who are struggling or at higher risk for mental health crises.

“Rather than viewing nighttime phone use as a single risk behavior, this research suggests it may function more as a barometer of underlying psychological states,” Hughey said. “Late-night use in the 11 p.m. to 1 a.m. window may reflect difficulty disengaging.”

 In that sense, she added, while scrolling before bedtime may not cause worsening mental health, it may expose it, especially when it represents a change from someone’s normal activities.

When algorithms feed vulnerability

According to Mindy Tanner, a licensed mental health counselor at LiveWell Behavioral Health in Melbourne, the link between passive nighttime phone use and increased next-day suicidal thoughts may be influenced by the type of content being consumed.

“We know that social media creates algorithms based on previously watched ads, articles, and ‘liked’ videos and these algorithms can be dangerous,” Tanner said. “If someone is very depressed or anxious, and they have previously been watching videos that correlate to that, then the algorithm will continue to send that information.”

And, she explained, that risk may be amplified at night, when people are often alone with their thoughts and less likely to reach out for support.

 “If someone is very depressed and suicidal, often they are looking for a reason to follow through on their plan,” Tanner said. “By viewing social media that is programmed at that point to show that person videos about depression and suicide, that might be the ‘push’ they needed to follow through on their plan. This speaks to the importance of suicide hotlines."

The night shift in crisis calls

In Brevard County, 211 Brevard is a 24/7 community helpline that provides callers with immediate assistance and connection to community resources in times of personal and financial crisis. Belinda Stewart, Brevard 211’s communications manager, said they track every call by the hour of day received.

Stewart noted that more than half of all calls (around 65%) come from those in financial distress, and about 30% come from those who are struggling with mental health issues, addiction or thoughts of suicide.

“In general, we get many more calls during traditional business hours,” she said. “But we get more mental health calls at night.”

211 Brevard is part of the national "988" suicide and crisis lifeline network, which provides 24/7 support for people experiencing a crisis with mental health or substance use. Since launching in July 2022, the “988” lifeline has handled nearly 20 million calls, texts and chats nationwide. While publicly available data does not break down call volume by time of day, mental health professionals say demand for crisis support often increases during overnight hours, when isolation and distress tend to peak.

#James Donaldson notes:
Welcome to the “next chapter” of my life… being a voice and an advocate for #mentalhealthawarenessandsuicideprevention, especially pertaining to our younger generation of students and student-athletes.
Getting men to speak up and reach out for help and assistance is one of my passions. Us men need to not suffer in silence or drown our sorrows in alcohol, hang out at bars and strip joints, or get involved with drug use.
Having gone through a recent bout of #depression and #suicidalthoughts myself, I realize now, that I can make a huge difference in the lives of so many by sharing my story, and by sharing various resources I come across as I work in this space.  #http://bit.ly/JamesMentalHealthArticle
Find out more about the work I do on my 501c3 non-profit foundation
website www.yourgiftoflife.org Order your copy of James Donaldson's latest book,
#CelebratingYourGiftofLife: From The Verge of Suicide to a Life of Purpose and Joy

Click Here For More Information About James Donaldson

Click here to follow James Donaldson's Blog

Two kinds of screen time, two very different signals

While passive scrolling is more likely tied to disengagement or avoidance, the research also revealed that active engagement (typing) later at night from 1 a.m. to 5 a.m. was actually linked with lower risk the following day.

“What I find especially interesting is the apparent protective association of active engagement later in the night,” Hughey said. “Typing, messaging or creating content suggests agency, cognitive organization and connection.”

A signal, she said, that someone is organizing their thoughts or reaching out, rather than passively scrolling or withdrawing.

Clinically, Hughey said the takeaway is less about pathologizing scrolling and more about using nighttime phone behavior as a “gentle assessment portal,” with the focus on asking questions about phone use to open meaningful conversations about distress, sleep and coping — without being alarmist.

“Overall, I see real potential here for informing early intervention and risk monitoring,” Hughey said. “Provided these signals are interpreted contextually, compassionately, and in relation to an individual’s baseline rather than as standalone red flags.”

https://standingabovethecrowd.com/james-donaldson-on-mental-health-what-brevard-mental-health-experts-say-late-night-scrolling-can-expose-2/

By Jennifer M. Torres

- New research suggests passive phone scrolling late at night may be an early warning sign of worsening mental health.

- Passively watching videos is linked to higher suicidal thoughts, while actively typing or messaging is tied to lower risk.

- Mental health experts say late-night phone use can be a barometer of underlying psychological states like anxiety or depression.

Can passive scrolling before bedtime be an early warning sign of worsening mental health?

The most vulnerable moments often happen when no one else is awake. Alone in the dark, many people turn to their phones — scrolling through videos, photos and news to distract themselves from anxious or intrusive thoughts.

But while that late night scroll may feel mindless, new research suggests that passive scrolling before bed (from 11 p.m. to 1 a.m.) could increase suicidal thoughts the following day, raising new questions about whether understanding a person’s digital habits could help mental health professionals flag people in crisis earlier.

However, not all late-night screen time carries the same risk. According to the data, it’s the passive scrolling — watching videos or flipping through social media — that is linked to higher suicidal thoughts the next day. Actively engaging on your phone (typing, commenting or messaging later in the night) appears tied to a lower risk. And while the research also found that longer phone-free periods overnight are associated with lower suicide risk indicators, it also suggests the difference between scrolling and connecting may matter more than the screen time itself.

What late-night phone use may be signaling

Neeley Hughey, a licensed mental health counselor, certified life coach and founder of Coastal Wellness and Life Coaching Center in Melbourne, said the study challenges the assumption that all nighttime phone use is inherently unhealthy and highlights the importance of understanding the reason for the behavior, not just its presence.

Hughey noted that late-night phone use between 11 p.m. and 1 a.m. may signal that someone is stuck in negative thought loops, feeling emotionally on edge, or trying to avoid sleep — patterns that are commonly seen in people who are struggling or at higher risk for mental health crises.

“Rather than viewing nighttime phone use as a single risk behavior, this research suggests it may function more as a barometer of underlying psychological states,” Hughey said. “Late-night use in the 11 p.m. to 1 a.m. window may reflect difficulty disengaging.”

 In that sense, she added, while scrolling before bedtime may not cause worsening mental health, it may expose it, especially when it represents a change from someone’s normal activities.

When algorithms feed vulnerability

According to Mindy Tanner, a licensed mental health counselor at LiveWell Behavioral Health in Melbourne, the link between passive nighttime phone use and increased next-day suicidal thoughts may be influenced by the type of content being consumed.

“We know that social media creates algorithms based on previously watched ads, articles, and ‘liked’ videos and these algorithms can be dangerous,” Tanner said. “If someone is very depressed or anxious, and they have previously been watching videos that correlate to that, then the algorithm will continue to send that information.”

And, she explained, that risk may be amplified at night, when people are often alone with their thoughts and less likely to reach out for support.

 “If someone is very depressed and suicidal, often they are looking for a reason to follow through on their plan,” Tanner said. “By viewing social media that is programmed at that point to show that person videos about depression and suicide, that might be the ‘push’ they needed to follow through on their plan. This speaks to the importance of suicide hotlines."

The night shift in crisis calls

In Brevard County, 211 Brevard is a 24/7 community helpline that provides callers with immediate assistance and connection to community resources in times of personal and financial crisis. Belinda Stewart, Brevard 211’s communications manager, said they track every call by the hour of day received.

Stewart noted that more than half of all calls (around 65%) come from those in financial distress, and about 30% come from those who are struggling with mental health issues, addiction or thoughts of suicide.

“In general, we get many more calls during traditional business hours,” she said. “But we get more mental health calls at night.”

211 Brevard is part of the national "988" suicide and crisis lifeline network, which provides 24/7 support for people experiencing a crisis with mental health or substance use. Since launching in July 2022, the “988” lifeline has handled nearly 20 million calls, texts and chats nationwide. While publicly available data does not break down call volume by time of day, mental health professionals say demand for crisis support often increases during overnight hours, when isolation and distress tend to peak.

#James Donaldson notes:Welcome to the “next chapter” of my life… being a voice and an advocate for #mentalhealthawarenessandsuicideprevention, especially pertaining to our younger generation of students and student-athletes.Getting men to speak up and reach out for help and assistance is one of my passions. Us men need to not suffer in silence or drown our sorrows in alcohol, hang out at bars and strip joints, or get involved with drug use.Having gone through a recent bout of #depression and #suicidalthoughts myself, I realize now, that I can make a huge difference in the lives of so many by sharing my story, and by sharing various resources I come across as I work in this space.  #http://bit.ly/JamesMentalHealthArticleFind out more about the work I do on my 501c3 non-profit foundationwebsite www.yourgiftoflife.org Order your copy of James Donaldson's latest book,#CelebratingYourGiftofLife: From The Verge of Suicide to a Life of Purpose and Joy

Click Here For More Information About James Donaldson

Click here to follow James Donaldson's Blog

Two kinds of screen time, two very different signals

While passive scrolling is more likely tied to disengagement or avoidance, the research also revealed that active engagement (typing) later at night from 1 a.m. to 5 a.m. was actually linked with lower risk the following day.

“What I find especially interesting is the apparent protective association of active engagement later in the night,” Hughey said. “Typing, messaging or creating content suggests agency, cognitive organization and connection.”

A signal, she said, that someone is organizing their thoughts or reaching out, rather than passively scrolling or withdrawing.

Clinically, Hughey said the takeaway is less about pathologizing scrolling and more about using nighttime phone behavior as a “gentle assessment portal,” with the focus on asking questions about phone use to open meaningful conversations about distress, sleep and coping — without being alarmist.

“Overall, I see real potential here for informing early intervention and risk monitoring,” Hughey said. “Provided these signals are interpreted contextually, compassionately, and in relation to an individual’s baseline rather than as standalone red flags.” https://standingabovethecrowd.com/?p=16496

James Donaldson on Mental Health - Unpacking trauma’s health impacts

By Karen Feldscher

Trauma can have a long-term impact on physical as well as mental health over time, but there are ways to cultivate resiliency, according to Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health’s Karestan Koenen.

Koenen, professor of psychiatric epidemiology, spoke about the health impacts of trauma on the Jan. 6 episode of a podcast called “The Biology of Trauma.” Koenen discussed a number of topics, including:

- How research has uncovered links between trauma and diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease
- How major cohort studies that showed the connections between diet, exercise, and disease typically didn’t measure trauma
- How coping mechanisms that help people survive trauma—such as avoidance, hypervigilance, and staying busy—can take a toll over time and interfere with progress
- How epigenetics research—looking at how genes respond to environmental factors—may eventually help pinpoint health issues before they become chronic conditions
- How practices such as yoga, breathwork, and meditation can help heal trauma

#James Donaldson notes:
Welcome to the “next chapter” of my life… being a voice and an advocate for #mentalhealthawarenessandsuicideprevention, especially pertaining to our younger generation of students and student-athletes.
Getting men to speak up and reach out for help and assistance is one of my passions. Us men need to not suffer in silence or drown our sorrows in alcohol, hang out at bars and strip joints, or get involved with drug use.
Having gone through a recent bout of #depression and #suicidalthoughts myself, I realize now, that I can make a huge difference in the lives of so many by sharing my story, and by sharing various resources I come across as I work in this space.  #http://bit.ly/JamesMentalHealthArticle
Find out more about the work I do on my 501c3 non-profit foundation
website www.yourgiftoflife.org Order your copy of James Donaldson's latest book,
#CelebratingYourGiftofLife: From The Verge of Suicide to a Life of Purpose and Joy

Click Here For More Information About James Donaldson

Click here to follow James Donaldson's Blog

https://standingabovethecrowd.com/james-donaldson-on-mental-health-unpacking-traumas-health-impacts/

By Karen Feldscher

Trauma can have a long-term impact on physical as well as mental health over time, but there are ways to cultivate resiliency, according to Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health’s Karestan Koenen.

Koenen, professor of psychiatric epidemiology, spoke about the health impacts of trauma on the Jan. 6 episode of a podcast called “The Biology of Trauma.” Koenen discussed a number of topics, including:

- How research has uncovered links between trauma and diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease

- How major cohort studies that showed the connections between diet, exercise, and disease typically didn’t measure trauma

- How coping mechanisms that help people survive trauma—such as avoidance, hypervigilance, and staying busy—can take a toll over time and interfere with progress

- How epigenetics research—looking at how genes respond to environmental factors—may eventually help pinpoint health issues before they become chronic conditions

- How practices such as yoga, breathwork, and meditation can help heal trauma

#James Donaldson notes:Welcome to the “next chapter” of my life… being a voice and an advocate for #mentalhealthawarenessandsuicideprevention, especially pertaining to our younger generation of students and student-athletes.Getting men to speak up and reach out for help and assistance is one of my passions. Us men need to not suffer in silence or drown our sorrows in alcohol, hang out at bars and strip joints, or get involved with drug use.Having gone through a recent bout of #depression and #suicidalthoughts myself, I realize now, that I can make a huge difference in the lives of so many by sharing my story, and by sharing various resources I come across as I work in this space.  #http://bit.ly/JamesMentalHealthArticleFind out more about the work I do on my 501c3 non-profit foundationwebsite www.yourgiftoflife.org Order your copy of James Donaldson's latest book,#CelebratingYourGiftofLife: From The Verge of Suicide to a Life of Purpose and Joy

Click Here For More Information About James Donaldson

Click here to follow James Donaldson's Blog https://standingabovethecrowd.com/?p=16493

James Donaldson on Mental Health - Does Your Child Lack Motivation?

What it could mean when kids just don't seem to be trying very hard in school

Writer: Danielle Cohen

Clinical Expert: Matthew Cruger, PhD

What You'll Learn

- Why do some kids lack motivation in school?
- What should you do if your child is not motivated?
- What kinds of underlying challenges can get in the way of kids’ motivation?
- Quick Read
- Full Article
- Gather information
- Are there social factors?
- Does your child have a skills deficit?
- It could really just be boredom
- What other things undermine kids in school?
- It’s a process

Kids of all ages sometimes struggle to get motivated in school. Maybe they fight doing homework, let their grades drop, or just don’t seem excited about learning. If you notice that your child has issues with motivation, the first step is to figure out what is standing in their way.

Start by gathering information about what exactly worries you. Talking to the child’s teacher can help you understand whether your expectations are reasonable and whether they’ve noticed a problem. If your child recently changed schools or started a new phase of school (like kindergarten or middle school), they may be adjusting to the transition. Talk to your child, too. If they say they’re bored, what do they mean by that? Kids who are feeling anxious or frustrated might need help to find the right words. It could also be that they’re withdrawing from academics in order to fit in with friends or seem cool to other kids.

One of the most common reasons that kids lack motivation is trouble with academic skills. They might have a learning disorder, a language disorder, or difficulty with executive functions. The issue could also be an underlying mental health challenge like ADHD, anxiety, depression or OCD. In rare cases, students who are academically gifted may be simply bored by school and need more challenging work to stay motivated.

If you think that a learning or mental health issue might be holding your child back, getting them evaluated by a professional can help. Treatment can often reduce their symptoms and help them get excited about school again. And if your child does not have a diagnosable problem, there are still parenting strategies you can use to support them.

It can happen at any point between kindergarten and high school graduation — and even after that. It’s a common but serious source of worry for parents: You start to notice a lack of motivation and commitment in your child’s attitude towards school.

Maybe they don’t seem enthusiastic to learn new things. Maybe they’re not doing their homework. Maybe their grades are dropping. Maybe a fight occurs whenever you try to sit them down to do work.

Whatever the specific problem is, many parents find themselves wondering why a child just doesn’t seem to be trying very hard in school, and how they can help them get motivated.

Gather information

There are many potential reasons that a child might be turned off by school. Here are some first steps you can take to investigate what might be happening:

- Define your concerns clearly. What are the behaviors that make you think they’re not engaged? A close look at what they’re doing — or not doing — will help you identify what may be happening.
- If they say they’re bored, what do they mean? Many children use the word “bored” to describe how they feel in class, but their definition of “bored” may not match yours. Sometimes kids who are challenged or frustrated aren’t sure what to call the feeling.
- Talk to the teacher. Your child’s teacher is one of the best resources you can use to both help you identify the issues and then find ways to address them. “The teacher can offer six hours of a day worth of information about what the child is doing,” notes Rachel Busman, PsyD, a clinical psychologist.
- Clarify your expectations. Get a reality check from the teacher to make sure your expectations are realistic for your kid’s age and developmental level.
- Is it part of the learning process? “There’s a normal amount of trepidation that comes with learning new things,” explains Dr. Busman. “A child who’s learning to read, for instance, may not be ‘motivated’ because it’s new for them and it’s not the easiest thing.” The teacher can let you know if they think your child is just going through a rough patch.
- Are there changes at school? It’s common for students to stumble during their first couple months of kindergarten or middle school because these transitions require a lot of adjustment. “A lot of preschool settings are much more social and emotional and not so academic, so it’s a big change to go from being in preschool to kindergarten,” notes Laura Fuhrman, PsyD, a neuropsychologist. Ken Schuster, PsyD, a neuropsychologist at the Child Mind Institute and former teacher observes a similar pattern at the beginning of middle school, where kids are expected to be much more independent and organized.
- Has your child changed schools? In the same way, changing schools also may involve some academic struggles as your child adjusts to a new environment.

Are there social factors?

Dr. Fuhrman notes that starting in middle school, kids’ attitudes become subject to a host of new social interactions and pressures. Unfortunately, kids who do well in school sometimes encounter social isolation, and to avoid being labeled as a geek or a nerd they may withdraw from academics.

“In middle school, kids don’t want to be different,” she says, “and they might try to develop an identity that reduces their experience of shame and humiliation in front of their peers.”

While you may have little control over this situation as a parent, the best thing you can do to resist it is to continue fostering a love of learning. Look for opportunities for your child to pursue their interests outside of school and meet other kids who share their interests.

Does your child have a skills deficit?

If you continue to see an unmotivated kid who is underperforming, it may be because they haven’t developed the skills they need to thrive, because of a learning or language disorder, or executive function challenges. When a child encounters difficulty, especially if the problem hasn’t been identified, their reaction may be to stop trying in the area that’s frustrating for them.

“We call it a learned helplessness,” Dr. Fuhrman explains. “When they find they’re not meeting the level of success, kids have a tendency to give up, because whatever they’re doing just isn’t working.”

These difficulties may pop up at different times, as each year’s curriculum requires higher levels of skill. Kids with reading disorders like dyslexia may begin to struggle around first grade, when reading becomes important, as well as third grade, when material starts to get more complex. Many executive functioning issues become visible at the beginning of middle school, where students are expected to be a lot more independently organized, both with their work and with their belongings.

As these skills deficits become more and more difficult to hide, students who are embarrassed or frustrated by their struggles often stop trying to conquer them. With help, kids with skills deficits can eventually start to excel in school by learning ways to manage these difficulties and by utilizing school resources that enable them to play to their strengths.

It could really just be boredom

Though it occurs a lot less often than parents suspect, some children are simply not being stimulated enough by their school settings. These may be what experts call “gifted” kids, whose intellectual capabilities are much stronger than most of their peers. These students will often pursue their own academic interests (whether these be reading, writing, math, or science) outside of school and find the curriculum, which is going over what they’ve already learned on their own time, unstimulating.

Another way that giftedness can cause kids to disconnect is when they’re gifted in very specific areas, and they’re so fascinated with those areas that they’d rather think about them during class than pay attention to what their teachers are saying.

But Matthew Cruger, PhD, a psychologist at the Child Mind Institute who has worked with a lot of gifted children, is skeptical that a child’s lack of motivation can be caused solely by giftedness. “I would expect the most gifted kids to find something compelling about the curriculum,” Dr. Cruger says. If nothing in school piques a child’s interest, the child could be gifted and also have a diagnosis that’s holding them back and undermining motivation.

#James Donaldson notes:
Welcome to the “next chapter” of my life… being a voice and an advocate for #mentalhealthawarenessandsuicideprevention, especially pertaining to our younger generation of students and student-athletes.
Getting men to speak up and reach out for help and assistance is one of my passions. Us men need to not suffer in silence or drown our sorrows in alcohol, hang out at bars and strip joints, or get involved with drug use.
Having gone through a recent bout of #depression and #suicidalthoughts myself, I realize now, that I can make a huge difference in the lives of so many by sharing my story, and by sharing various resources I come across as I work in this space.  #http://bit.ly/JamesMentalHealthArticle
Find out more about the work I do on my 501c3 non-profit foundation
website www.yourgiftoflife.org Order your copy of James Donaldson's latest book,
#CelebratingYourGiftofLife: From The Verge of Suicide to a Life of Purpose and Joy

Click Here For More Information About James Donaldson

Click here to follow James Donaldson's Blog

What other things undermine kids in school?

While learning disorders and other skills deficits are most commonly associated with a lack of interest in school, there are other common diagnoses that manifest in this way.

- ADHD After learning disorders, ADHD is probably the most common cause for kids to fall behind in school. The combination of energy, impatience, impulsivity, and distractibility can make it incredibly difficult for a child with ADHD to function in a typical classroom. “Kids with ADHD may find school particularly challenging because they often miss out on cues and information that’s important for them to do well,” explains Kristin Carothers, PhD, a psychologist. “They also may be getting lots of negative attention from teachers because their behavior can be disruptive, and that might result in them being less motivated to perform.”
- Anxiety Separation anxiety might cause a child to be distracted or even refuse to attend school because they’re so worried something might happen when they’re away from their parents. The problem could also be social anxiety, where interacting with their classmates and teachers makes a kid so worried they’d rather skip class than participate in a small work group, or never raise their hand. Kids with generalized anxiety also worry about academics, and may become so stressed about their work being perfect that they just give up because they feel it’s not good enough.
- Depression One of the key symptoms of depression is a reduced interest in activities that once interested a child. If there was once a time when your child did feel stimulated by school, and the newfound disinterest is coupled with other symptoms like irritability or sadness, it’s possible they are suffering from depression.
- OCD In the same way that anxiety can prevent a child from focusing in class, OCD can also become a barrier to their learning. Kids with OCD could be so worried about making a mistake that they feel the need to reread everything or erase and rewrite their homework over and over again until it’s perfect. They may even feel like their desk is contaminated, and spend so much time worrying about it that they’re not aware of what’s going on in class. They might develop obsessions and rituals that can get in the way of their schoolwork and make it seem as if they have very little desire to learn.

It’s a process

If your child has a disorder that is getting in the way of learning, treatment will help them become more engaged and motivated in school.

For kids who don’t need treatment but do need help getting motivated, there are some things parents and teachers can do to help. And keep in mind that some kids will develop motivation as they get older. “Your kid may be at a developmental period where it’s harder to have their own motivation,” says Dr. Carothers, “but that doesn’t mean they won’t be successful in the future.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I motivate my child?

To motivate your child, you can start by gathering information from your child about what’s getting in the way of their motivation. It could be that they are experiencing anxiety or a mental health disorder, or maybe they are bored and not being challenged enough.

https://standingabovethecrowd.com/james-donaldson-on-mental-health-does-your-child-lack-motivation-2/

What it could mean when kids just don't seem to be trying very hard in school

Writer: Danielle Cohen

Clinical Expert: Matthew Cruger, PhD

What You'll Learn

- Why do some kids lack motivation in school?

- What should you do if your child is not motivated?

- What kinds of underlying challenges can get in the way of kids’ motivation?

- Quick Read

- Full Article

- Gather information

- Are there social factors?

- Does your child have a skills deficit?

- It could really just be boredom

- What other things undermine kids in school?

- It’s a process

Kids of all ages sometimes struggle to get motivated in school. Maybe they fight doing homework, let their grades drop, or just don’t seem excited about learning. If you notice that your child has issues with motivation, the first step is to figure out what is standing in their way.

Start by gathering information about what exactly worries you. Talking to the child’s teacher can help you understand whether your expectations are reasonable and whether they’ve noticed a problem. If your child recently changed schools or started a new phase of school (like kindergarten or middle school), they may be adjusting to the transition. Talk to your child, too. If they say they’re bored, what do they mean by that? Kids who are feeling anxious or frustrated might need help to find the right words. It could also be that they’re withdrawing from academics in order to fit in with friends or seem cool to other kids.

One of the most common reasons that kids lack motivation is trouble with academic skills. They might have a learning disorder, a language disorder, or difficulty with executive functions. The issue could also be an underlying mental health challenge like ADHD, anxiety, depression or OCD. In rare cases, students who are academically gifted may be simply bored by school and need more challenging work to stay motivated.

If you think that a learning or mental health issue might be holding your child back, getting them evaluated by a professional can help. Treatment can often reduce their symptoms and help them get excited about school again. And if your child does not have a diagnosable problem, there are still parenting strategies you can use to support them.

It can happen at any point between kindergarten and high school graduation — and even after that. It’s a common but serious source of worry for parents: You start to notice a lack of motivation and commitment in your child’s attitude towards school.

Maybe they don’t seem enthusiastic to learn new things. Maybe they’re not doing their homework. Maybe their grades are dropping. Maybe a fight occurs whenever you try to sit them down to do work.

Whatever the specific problem is, many parents find themselves wondering why a child just doesn’t seem to be trying very hard in school, and how they can help them get motivated.

Gather information

There are many potential reasons that a child might be turned off by school. Here are some first steps you can take to investigate what might be happening:

- Define your concerns clearly. What are the behaviors that make you think they’re not engaged? A close look at what they’re doing — or not doing — will help you identify what may be happening.

- If they say they’re bored, what do they mean? Many children use the word “bored” to describe how they feel in class, but their definition of “bored” may not match yours. Sometimes kids who are challenged or frustrated aren’t sure what to call the feeling.

- Talk to the teacher. Your child’s teacher is one of the best resources you can use to both help you identify the issues and then find ways to address them. “The teacher can offer six hours of a day worth of information about what the child is doing,” notes Rachel Busman, PsyD, a clinical psychologist.

- Clarify your expectations. Get a reality check from the teacher to make sure your expectations are realistic for your kid’s age and developmental level.

- Is it part of the learning process? “There’s a normal amount of trepidation that comes with learning new things,” explains Dr. Busman. “A child who’s learning to read, for instance, may not be ‘motivated’ because it’s new for them and it’s not the easiest thing.” The teacher can let you know if they think your child is just going through a rough patch.

- Are there changes at school? It’s common for students to stumble during their first couple months of kindergarten or middle school because these transitions require a lot of adjustment. “A lot of preschool settings are much more social and emotional and not so academic, so it’s a big change to go from being in preschool to kindergarten,” notes Laura Fuhrman, PsyD, a neuropsychologist. Ken Schuster, PsyD, a neuropsychologist at the Child Mind Institute and former teacher observes a similar pattern at the beginning of middle school, where kids are expected to be much more independent and organized.

- Has your child changed schools? In the same way, changing schools also may involve some academic struggles as your child adjusts to a new environment.

Are there social factors?

Dr. Fuhrman notes that starting in middle school, kids’ attitudes become subject to a host of new social interactions and pressures. Unfortunately, kids who do well in school sometimes encounter social isolation, and to avoid being labeled as a geek or a nerd they may withdraw from academics.

“In middle school, kids don’t want to be different,” she says, “and they might try to develop an identity that reduces their experience of shame and humiliation in front of their peers.”

While you may have little control over this situation as a parent, the best thing you can do to resist it is to continue fostering a love of learning. Look for opportunities for your child to pursue their interests outside of school and meet other kids who share their interests.

Does your child have a skills deficit?

If you continue to see an unmotivated kid who is underperforming, it may be because they haven’t developed the skills they need to thrive, because of a learning or language disorder, or executive function challenges. When a child encounters difficulty, especially if the problem hasn’t been identified, their reaction may be to stop trying in the area that’s frustrating for them.

“We call it a learned helplessness,” Dr. Fuhrman explains. “When they find they’re not meeting the level of success, kids have a tendency to give up, because whatever they’re doing just isn’t working.”

These difficulties may pop up at different times, as each year’s curriculum requires higher levels of skill. Kids with reading disorders like dyslexia may begin to struggle around first grade, when reading becomes important, as well as third grade, when material starts to get more complex. Many executive functioning issues become visible at the beginning of middle school, where students are expected to be a lot more independently organized, both with their work and with their belongings.

As these skills deficits become more and more difficult to hide, students who are embarrassed or frustrated by their struggles often stop trying to conquer them. With help, kids with skills deficits can eventually start to excel in school by learning ways to manage these difficulties and by utilizing school resources that enable them to play to their strengths.

It could really just be boredom

Though it occurs a lot less often than parents suspect, some children are simply not being stimulated enough by their school settings. These may be what experts call “gifted” kids, whose intellectual capabilities are much stronger than most of their peers. These students will often pursue their own academic interests (whether these be reading, writing, math, or science) outside of school and find the curriculum, which is going over what they’ve already learned on their own time, unstimulating.

Another way that giftedness can cause kids to disconnect is when they’re gifted in very specific areas, and they’re so fascinated with those areas that they’d rather think about them during class than pay attention to what their teachers are saying.

But Matthew Cruger, PhD, a psychologist at the Child Mind Institute who has worked with a lot of gifted children, is skeptical that a child’s lack of motivation can be caused solely by giftedness. “I would expect the most gifted kids to find something compelling about the curriculum,” Dr. Cruger says. If nothing in school piques a child’s interest, the child could be gifted and also have a diagnosis that’s holding them back and undermining motivation.

#James Donaldson notes:Welcome to the “next chapter” of my life… being a voice and an advocate for #mentalhealthawarenessandsuicideprevention, especially pertaining to our younger generation of students and student-athletes.Getting men to speak up and reach out for help and assistance is one of my passions. Us men need to not suffer in silence or drown our sorrows in alcohol, hang out at bars and strip joints, or get involved with drug use.Having gone through a recent bout of #depression and #suicidalthoughts myself, I realize now, that I can make a huge difference in the lives of so many by sharing my story, and by sharing various resources I come across as I work in this space.  #http://bit.ly/JamesMentalHealthArticleFind out more about the work I do on my 501c3 non-profit foundationwebsite www.yourgiftoflife.org Order your copy of James Donaldson's latest book,#CelebratingYourGiftofLife: From The Verge of Suicide to a Life of Purpose and Joy

Click Here For More Information About James Donaldson

Click here to follow James Donaldson's Blog

What other things undermine kids in school?

While learning disorders and other skills deficits are most commonly associated with a lack of interest in school, there are other common diagnoses that manifest in this way.

- ADHD After learning disorders, ADHD is probably the most common cause for kids to fall behind in school. The combination of energy, impatience, impulsivity, and distractibility can make it incredibly difficult for a child with ADHD to function in a typical classroom. “Kids with ADHD may find school particularly challenging because they often miss out on cues and information that’s important for them to do well,” explains Kristin Carothers, PhD, a psychologist. “They also may be getting lots of negative attention from teachers because their behavior can be disruptive, and that might result in them being less motivated to perform.”

- Anxiety Separation anxiety might cause a child to be distracted or even refuse to attend school because they’re so worried something might happen when they’re away from their parents. The problem could also be social anxiety, where interacting with their classmates and teachers makes a kid so worried they’d rather skip class than participate in a small work group, or never raise their hand. Kids with generalized anxiety also worry about academics, and may become so stressed about their work being perfect that they just give up because they feel it’s not good enough.

- Depression One of the key symptoms of depression is a reduced interest in activities that once interested a child. If there was once a time when your child did feel stimulated by school, and the newfound disinterest is coupled with other symptoms like irritability or sadness, it’s possible they are suffering from depression.

- OCD In the same way that anxiety can prevent a child from focusing in class, OCD can also become a barrier to their learning. Kids with OCD could be so worried about making a mistake that they feel the need to reread everything or erase and rewrite their homework over and over again until it’s perfect. They may even feel like their desk is contaminated, and spend so much time worrying about it that they’re not aware of what’s going on in class. They might develop obsessions and rituals that can get in the way of their schoolwork and make it seem as if they have very little desire to learn.

It’s a process

If your child has a disorder that is getting in the way of learning, treatment will help them become more engaged and motivated in school.

For kids who don’t need treatment but do need help getting motivated, there are some things parents and teachers can do to help. And keep in mind that some kids will develop motivation as they get older. “Your kid may be at a developmental period where it’s harder to have their own motivation,” says Dr. Carothers, “but that doesn’t mean they won’t be successful in the future.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I motivate my child?

To motivate your child, you can start by gathering information from your child about what’s getting in the way of their motivation. It could be that they are experiencing anxiety or a mental health disorder, or maybe they are bored and not being challenged enough. https://standingabovethecrowd.com/?p=16489

James Donaldson on Mental Health - How to Help Your Child Get Motivated in School

Strategies you can use to help kids work up to their potential

Writer: Danielle Cohen

Clinical Experts: Laura Phillips, PsyD, ABPdN , Ken Schuster, PsyD , Kristin Carothers, PhD

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p-cue8RaVLg

What You'll Learn

- Why do some kids have trouble getting motivated in school?
- How can parents help their children try harder in school?
- Quick Read
- Full Article
- Get involved
- Use reinforcement
- Reward effort rather than outcome
- Help them see the big picture
- Let them make mistakes
- Get outside help
- Make the teacher your ally
- Get support for yourself

It’s common for kids to lack motivation in school. Sometimes, this happens because the child has ADHD, anxiety, social challenges, or a learning disability. But other times, kids without a diagnosable problem still have trouble living up to their potential in school. Here are a few ways that parents can encourage kids to put in more effort at school.

Start by showing kids that you care about their schoolwork. Check in with them about how classes are going. Let them know that you’re there if they need homework help. Ask what they’re learning and what they like (and don’t like) about the assignments. With older kids, be sure to give them space, too. If they sense that you’re pressuring them, they might end up feeling resentful and less motivated.

Using positive reinforcement helps. You don’t need to give kids big rewards, but even small ones like a high five or a few extra minutes of screen time can make a difference. It’s also important to praise effort, not results. For example, praise your child for finishing a tough assignment or taking a class that might be hard. Nobody gets top grades all the time, so make sure your child knows you don’t expect perfection.

You can also bring in reinforcements if schoolwork is becoming a source of conflict for you and your child. You could hire an older student at your child’s school or a nearby college to help monitor homework and ease stress on the family. Talking to your child’s teacher can also give you insight into their behavior and help you work as a team to encourage them.

Finally, be sure to keep tabs on your own feelings. If you’re getting very frustrated or angry about your child’s school performance, a therapist or support group can help.

If you have a child who is struggling in school and doesn’t seem to be motivated to make an effort, the first thing you want to do is explore whether there is some obstacle getting in their way. Learning issues, social challenges, attention or emotional problems can all cause kids to disengage academically.

But not all kids who are underperforming in school — clearly not living up to their potential — have a diagnosable problem. And there are a number of things parents can do to help motivate kids to try harder.

Get involved

As a parent or caregiver, your presence in the academic life of your child is crucial to their commitment to work. Do homework with them, and let them know that you’re available to answer questions. Get in the habit of asking them about what they learned in school, and generally engage them academically. By demonstrating your interest in your child’s school life, you’re showing them school can be exciting and interesting. This is especially effective with young kids who tend to be excited about whatever you’re excited about. Teenagers can bristle if they feel you are asking too many questions, so make sure you are sharing the details of your day, too. A conversation is always better than an interrogation.

Likewise, it’s important to stay involved but give older kids a little more space. If you’re on top of your kid all the time about homework, they may develop resistance and be less motivated to work — not to mention the strain it will put on your relationship.

Use reinforcement

Many parents are nervous about rewarding kids for good work, and it’s true that tangible rewards can turn into a slippery slope. But there are ways to use extrinsic motivation that will eventually be internalized by your kid. “Kids respond really well to social reinforcers like praises, hugs, high fives, and those kinds of things,” says Laura Phillips, PsyD, a clinical neuropsychologist. “Then they start to achieve because it feels good for them.”

Ken Schuster, PsyD, a neuropsychologist at the Child Mind Institute, encourages parents to use rewarding activities that would have probably occurred either way but placing them after a set amount of time doing homework. He suggests treats that are easy to provide but that your child will enjoy, such as going for ice cream or sharing a candy bar. He also recommends breaking work up into chunks and using small breaks as rewards for getting through each chunk.

Reward effort rather than outcome

The message you want to send is that you respect hard work. Praising kids for following through when things get difficult, for making a sustained effort, and for trying things they’re not sure they can do successfully can all help teach them the pleasure of pushing themselves. Praise for good grades that come easily can make kids feel they shouldn’t have to exert themselves.

Help them see the big picture

For older kids who have developed an understanding of delayed gratification, sometimes simple reminders of their long-term goals can help push them. It can help many high school seniors who slack off after getting into college to remind them that they could lose their acceptance if their grades drop too much, or that they might not be prepared for college courses. “Linking school up with their long-term goals can make the work feel more personally fulfilling,” explains Dr. Phillips.

Let them make mistakes

No one can get A’s on every test or a perfect score on every assignment. While kids need encouragement, and it’s healthy to push them to try their best, know that setbacks are natural. Sometimes the only way kids learn how to properly prepare for school is by finding out what happens when they’re unprepared.

Get outside help

One way to take a little tension away from your relationship with your child is to find an older student (either at their school or a nearby college) to help them out with work. Most will charge pretty low rates, and the fact that they’re closer to your kid’s age may make it more likely they’ll listen to what they say.

“Homework was a source of conflict for us,” says Elizabeth, whose son Alex has ADHD. Elizabeth hired a few Barnard students to help Alex do his homework on certain nights, she recalls. “He behaved a lot better with them, and it was money well spent for me because I wasn’t fighting, and I wasn’t stressed out.”

#James Donaldson notes:
Welcome to the “next chapter” of my life… being a voice and an advocate for #mentalhealthawarenessandsuicideprevention, especially pertaining to our younger generation of students and student-athletes.
Getting men to speak up and reach out for help and assistance is one of my passions. Us men need to not suffer in silence or drown our sorrows in alcohol, hang out at bars and strip joints, or get involved with drug use.
Having gone through a recent bout of #depression and #suicidalthoughts myself, I realize now, that I can make a huge difference in the lives of so many by sharing my story, and by sharing various resources I come across as I work in this space.  #http://bit.ly/JamesMentalHealthArticle
Find out more about the work I do on my 501c3 non-profit foundation
website www.yourgiftoflife.org Order your copy of James Donaldson's latest book,
#CelebratingYourGiftofLife: From The Verge of Suicide to a Life of Purpose and Joy

Click Here For More Information About James Donaldson

Click here to follow James Donaldson's Blog

Make the teacher your ally

Another one of the most important things you can do for your child is to work with their teacher. The teacher might have additional insight about how to motivate your child or what they might be struggling with. Likewise, you can share any strategies or information that you have.

When her son was in lower school and only had one teacher, Elizabeth would call his teacher before the first day, introducing herself and alerting the teacher that her son had ADHD and that he found it hard to focus. She would give the teacher little tips that she had found were useful with Alex: Writing multi-step directions on the board, tapping him on the shoulder while walking past to make sure he was paying attention, and other small tweaks that would be useful to any young child but are especially essential to one with ADHD.

“Make sure that both school and home are of one accord,” stresses Kristin Carothers, PhD, a clinical psychologist. Dr. Carothers often sets up a system she calls the daily report card. With this system, the child gets points from their teacher for things like completing work and following directions the first time they get them. Then they bring those points home, where their parents give them small rewards, such as extra time on the iPad or playing a game together.

Get support for yourself

It can be just as frustrating to watch your child withdraw from school as it can be for some kids to maintain focus. Elizabeth says that she often feels judged as a parent for having a son who struggles so much in school.

Some schools have support groups for parents of kids who are less motivated, and if your child’s school doesn’t, Elizabeth encourages setting one up. “It’s very comforting to hear that you’re not alone,” she says. “It’s also helpful to hear people who have gone ahead of you talk about how to navigate the school’s system, find a therapist, and talk to teachers.”

“If you’re feeling yourself getting really angry or frustrated with your kids, take a step back,” Dr. Carothers recommends. “Put things into context.”

It’s also important to keep your goals in perspective: Your child may not become a star student. Make sure to focus on the effort they put in and the commitment they show instead of the outcome. If you expect perfect achievement from a child who struggles in school, you’ll drive yourself crazy.

“I’m not trying to get my child to be someone he’s not,” Elizabeth says about her efforts to help her son. “I just want him to reach his potential.”

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I motivate my child to do homework?

What motivates a child to do well in school?

To motivate a child to do well in school, use positive reinforcement such as hugs and high fives, reward their effort rather than specific outcomes, and help them make the connection between current effort and achieving long-term goals such as getting into college.

https://standingabovethecrowd.com/james-donaldson-on-mental-health-how-to-help-your-child-get-motivated-in-school-2/