Mood Disorders in Children and Adolescents
Episode Description
It's not unusual for children to have temper tantrums or for adolescents to be angry. But when they become out of proportion to the situation in intensity and duration, your child might be suffering from a mood disorder. In this episode of Mind Your Mind, Host Tim Unsinn visits with Dr. Megan Spencer, a psychologist at Dakota Family Services. Listen now to learn how to distinguish between normal mood changes and mood disorders, and some steps you can take to help your child.What to Expect
- Learn how mood disorders differ from general changes in mood.
- Identify changes in behavior that might indicate a mood disorder.
- Discover how you can support your child struggling with a mood disorder.
Resources: Learn More
- A Little SPOT of Feelings and Emotions by Diane Alber. Recommended by Dr. Hannah Baczinski, Psychologist, Dakota Family Services. Dr. Baczinski says, "This book series for children goes through a variety of different uncomfortable emotions (e.g., anger, anxiety) in easy-to-understand words and colorful pictures. Each book talks about what can cause each emotion, as well as thoughts and physical sensations related to specific emotions. Each book offers a simple skill to help manage the emotion as well. For example, the anxiety book offers a simple skill of mindfulness and breathing through anxiety using the child’s own hand as a guide. I use these books in therapy with younger children as well as read them to my own kids!"
- Emotions, Feelings, and Moods: What is the Difference?
- National Institute of Mental Health
- Mood Disorder Questionnaire
Things to Think About
- Does your child experience severe and recurrent temper outbursts?
- Are your child's outbursts out of proportion to the event that set them off?
- Has your child experienced a depressed or irritable mood consistently for two weeks or more?
- Is it time to seek help from a therapist or other mental health professional?
About the Hosts
Dr. Megan Spencer is a clinical psychologist at Dakota Family Services. She is passionate about working with individuals and their families and highly values the therapeutic relationship. Dr. Spencer enjoys helping people better understand themselves and their psychological functioning. She looks forward to working with anyone who is looking to better understand and/or improve themselves or their children and families. Her practice includes diagnostic and psychological evaluations and individual cognitive behavioral therapy.
Transcript
Mood Disorders in Children and Adolescents
Featuring Dr. Megan Spencer, Psychologist, Dakota Family Services
Host Tim Unsinn (00:00):
Welcome to Mind Your Mind, a podcast presented by Dakota Family Services, an outpatient behavioral health clinic located in Minot, Bismarck, and Fargo, North Dakota. In this podcast, I will talk with our experts about understanding and nurturing our mental health and wellness. I'm your host, Tim Unsinn. Join me each episode as we explore the intricacies of our minds, decrease the stigma of mental illness, learn practical tips for managing our mental health and well-being, and recognize when it's time to ask for help. Join me now to mind your mind.
TU (00:31):
Welcome to this episode of Mind Your Mind. Our guest is Dr. Megan Spencer. Dr. Spencer is a clinical psychologist and provides diagnostic and psychological evaluations, and CBT. Dr. Spencer, it's great to have you on Mind Your Mind. Our topic is mood-related disorders in children and adolescents. However, before we get to the topic, let's talk about why you do what you do. Why is the work that you do important to you?
Dr. Megan Spencer (00:59):
Really it's about people. I love working with people and I truly do enjoy watching the journey of self-discovery and learning what's best for them.
TU (01:10):
I think the topic that we're going to hit today, parents are like yes, yes. Every child has got some kind of mood going on. So anyway, yeah, let's get right to it. Mood-related disorders in children and adolescents. What is a mood disorder versus normal changes in mood?
MS (01:30):
That's a great question. And to be honest, this is something that I do truly talk about on a pretty regular basis with people. And so the really cool thing about being humans is we get to experience emotion. We're supposed to experience sadness and happiness and joy and surprise and fear. Those are all normal. And so that's kind of the normal changes. But truly, the mood disorder is when those changes become more persistent and more intense. And so not necessarily, you know, fluctuating with changes in situations, but truly, being more enduring and more intense than what we would consider more normal fluctuations.
TU (02:16):
All right. So what are the mood-related disorders diagnosed in children and adolescents, knowing that there is a difference?
MS (02:23):
Absolutely. So, you know, there are definitely some disorders across the span that we hear about. But particularly with kiddos and adolescents, one we hear is Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder. And so, kind of a defining characteristic is gonna be really severe and recurrent temper outbursts. And so severe meaning, very intense, right. Kiddos have temper tantrums. That's not unusual. But this is really gonna be out of proportion in intensity and really duration in terms of how long those outbursts last. They can be verbal or behavioral. So, kind of verbal rages or physical aggression, whether that be to people or property. And again, those outbursts not only are out of proportion, but also inconsistent with that developmental level, which we really have to think about in terms of the age of the kiddo and their developmental level. And this is gonna be an outburst quite significant and inconsistent with that developmental level.
TU (03:30):
I would think as a parent, you're able to distinguish between that brief mood change to mood disorder, to that very aggressive or very, you know, prolonged kind of thing.
MS (03:42):
Yes. It's the intensity of it that is really one big piece. And then that duration how long it lasts, past what you would think would be a trigger or a cause of that.
TU (03:54):
So what are some of the causes for that?
MS (03:56):
In terms of Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder, causes can be a few different things. You know, in terms of day-to-day, it could be, you know, they're playing a game and the power goes out and so their game shuts down. And, you know, typically a kiddo might get upset. But this kiddo or adolescent kind of gets out of control. They might, you know, start throwing things. They might start yelling and screaming. And they can't necessarily calm in a fairly meaningful way or within a certain amount of time, if that makes sense.
TU (04:37):
Yeah. Not able to handle that short-term stress.
MS (04:41):
Exactly.
TU (04:42):
It's like not seeing the light end of the tunnel, but seeing that stress and it's like the end of the world.
MS (04:47):
Exactly. And they can't necessarily see that, okay, wait, like five minutes, the electricity will come back on, I'll get my game back. It's just that kind of immediate outburst, right. But the other piece to that is the mood between those outbursts, between those temper tantrums are truly more irritable. So it's not, you know, the kiddo is happy and easygoing and then they kind of are, you know, a stressor happens and they have an outburst. For this particular disorder, the mood is persistently irritable or angry between those temper outbursts. So one of the other disorders we hear a lot about with kiddos and adolescents is those Major Depressive Disorders. And so a lot of time we hear with depressive disorders that real depressed and down mood, which most certainly can be the case. But there's also in kiddos and adolescents, there is that piece where yes, their mood may be more depressed and down for that more intense and prolonged time, but it also could be an irritable mood. And so the difference here though, is with the depressive disorders, the depressed or irritable mood is truly every day, nearly most of the day, but for really, truly a two-week period and not persistent, like with the Disruptive Mood Dysregulation. So this is for about a two-week period, they experience the change in mood and then it eventually remits or goes away and they kind of experience more normal moods. And then the other part of that is, sometimes in kiddos, they might not be able to explain it, but it could be observable, right. They could be just more frustrated, easily. It could be more tearful, more crying.
MS (06:31):
The other part of that is they're, you know, things that they normally enjoy, we hear a lot about, that they just don't wanna do it, right. That motivation, that interest is gone. The energy is low. They just kind of seem more, you know, mopy, sitting around, not really active like they normally are. Sleep sometimes during that same two-week period might be disturbed in that, you know, when they typically sleep seven to nine hours, now they're wanting to sleep 10, 11, 12 hours, or even the opposite. They're waking up earlier in the morning, they're not sleeping like they normally do. We might also hear some adolescents talk about, you know, feeling kind of restless or being or opposite being really slowed down. Another thing is they might have difficulties with being able to concentrate and focus. So that can be another symptom of that kind of depressive disorders.
MS (07:28):
And lastly, the one I wanna make sure I also mention is called Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder. And this specifically relates to females only. And the symptoms then kind of relate to some of those Major Depressive Disorder symptoms I just mentioned. But what this truly relates to is those symptoms occur the majority of the menstrual cycle. And so, for the majority of that female menstrual cycle, they experience those depressive episode symptoms. But then those symptoms start to improve within a few days after the onset of menses, but then become minimal or absent for the weeks post-menses, or once that period has resolved. And so some of those symptoms may also include mood swings. Again, not normal fluctuations, but more intense. And then suddenly feeling sad or tearful. They might experience anxiety or tension, or again, feeling kind of keyed up or on edge, as well as changes in appetite, feeling overwhelmed. There might be also accompanying physical symptoms like joint or muscle pain, sensations of feeling bloated. And so these are all kind of symptoms related to those disorders that we see in children and adolescents. But aren't certainly an exhaustive list, but the more common.
TU (08:56):
Now as a parent, I can imagine parents that are dealing with this, may be hearing this for the very first time. So what can you do if you suspect your child or adolescent, may be struggling with mood-related disorder?
MS (09:10):
First and foremost, I always say communication. Always talk, right? Doing things behind a kiddo or adolescent's back is only gonna make things worse, more times than not. And so if you suspect there is something going on, they're struggling more than maybe you would think is typical or normal, ask them about it, talk to them about it, say you're concerned, right? Because look, kids wanna know that we're there for them, and we're recognizing things are off, right. That shows that we care, that shows that we're there. And so if you suspect this particular, you know, a disruptive mood dysregulation, ask them and say, you're concerned and ask what's going on. And if they, you know, if they can't necessarily pinpoint it, or know why or what to do, get help, right. See if you, as a family can figure out a way to manage it. And if you can't, there's certainly, people out there that can help. Like psychologists, mental health professionals.
TU (10:12):
You're listening to Mind Your Mind. Our guest is Dr. Megan Spencer. We are talking about mood-related disorders in children and adolescents. And now we're just kind of wrapping up here talking about, you know, if you suspect your child or adolescent, may be struggling with this. So as a parent, having that conversation. Imagine that: communication, conversation with our kids. Unplugging everything and just have a conversation.
MS (10:34):
Yes.
TU (10:35):
So what are some ways as a parent, just maybe one or two that a parent can address this? I know talking is one way, but how do we have that conversation that's not going to trigger, maybe, some of that emotion.
MS (10:49):
So, the important thing is kind of when and how. So in all reality, when your kiddo or adolescent is already upset, having that conversation probably isn't the best time. So having it when your kid or adolescent is more in a calmer or neutral state. And then the other part of it is really how you approach it. Tone of voice and being more calm in your demeanor and more calm in how you approach the conversation in your tone can truly make a difference because it's really about, you know, removing defensiveness and opening up that line of communication.
TU (11:30):
Great advice. That's kind of what I was looking for. As a parent, you don't want to hit the problem when it's hot, you want to get it when it's cold and easy to the conversation or easier, if you will.
MS (11:39):
Yep. Absolutely.
TU (11:41):
All right. You've been listening to Mind Your Mind. Our guest has been Dr. Megan, Spencer. Dr. Spencer, before we wrap up, I do have a last question for you and you know, what's coming, you've prepared. What do you do personally, to mind your mind?
MS (11:54):
So for me, it's, with the weather getting better, again, it's always with my family, watching my kids grow and, the wonders of the world is awesome through their eyes, but also getting outside with the kiddos and the family.
TU (12:08):
Awesome. Thank you so much for your time. Always appreciate your time and talent. Thank you.
TU (12:13):
Thank you for joining us for Mind Your Mind, a podcast presented by Dakota Family Services. You can't have health without behavioral health. Remember to mind your mind. For more information, links to additional resources, contact information, and much more, go to dakotafamilyservices.org.
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Autism is sometimes perceived as a disorder that only affects children and adolescents, but it is actually a lifelong diagnosis. In this special Community Chat episode of Mind Your Mind, psychologists Dr. Hannah Baczynski and Dr. Megan Spencer explore the symptoms and nuances of autism in adults, touching on the history of autism spectrum disorder, the research surrounding it, how autism commonly presents in adults, and more.;
Spirituality & Mental Health
Though spirituality is often associated with religion, it can mean much more than simply attending religious services or praying. In this episode of Mind Your Mind, host Tim Unsinn and psychiatrist Dr. Wayne Martinsen define spirituality and discuss its relevance in daily life, touching on ways people experience, express, and cultivate spirituality. They also talk about the link between spirituality, religion and meaning in life.;
Setting Healthy & Realistic Goals
Setting goals is easy. Working towards them is hard. In this episode of Mind Your Mind, host Tim Unsinn talks with Dakota Family Services therapist Christy Wilkie about how to set healthy, realistic goals, as well as the importance of managing your expectations and staying persistent. Whether you’re starting an exercise routine, writing a book, trying a new diet, or building your career, keep these tips in mind when setting your next big goal.;
Facing Your Fears
Fear is powerful. It can cause us to avoid problems, people, and even opportunities in our life. But it can also be overcome. In this episode of Mind Your Mind, host Tim Unsinn speaks with Falan Johnson, a therapist at Dakota Family Services, about the function of fear and how to face it. Learn where fear comes from, how to identify it, and how to calm down and build confidence when you’re feeling afraid.;
The Three R's: Regulate, Relate & Reason
In this episode of Mind Your Mind, our host Tim Unsinn talks with Dakota Family Services therapist Jessie Mertz about the “3 R’s”—Regulate, Relate, and Reason. They discuss what each term means, how they build upon each other, and how this approach can help you calm others who are experiencing distress.;
What is Schizophrenia?
Schizophrenia is a chronic, complex mental health disorder that affects around 1% of people in the United States. In this episode of Mind Your Mind, host Tim Unsinn and psychiatrist Dr. Wayne Martinsen discuss the symptoms and implications of schizophrenia, touching on its many effects on individual and family life. Learn about how schizophrenia is treated, how it affects physical health, when it tends to develop, and how it is perceived between cultures.;
How to Have a Conversation About Mental Health
Although the stigma surrounding mental health is gradually disappearing, it can still be tricky knowing how to talk about it. In this episode of Mind Your Mind, host Tim Unsinn and psychologist Megan Spencer explore how to have a conversation with someone about their mental health, including signs that you should talk to them, how to start the conversation, and some possible reactions to expect from the other person.;
The Benefits of Being Outside
Are you feeling cooped up indoors? Join host Tim Unsinn and therapist Lucas Mitzel in this episode of Mind Your Mind as they discuss the importance of getting outside on your mental health. Learn about the benefits of green and blue spaces, activities you can do while outside, and how being outside can help improve symptoms of different mental health diagnoses.;
Dealing With Burnout
In this episode of Mind Your Mind, Tim Unsinn talks with psychologist Dr. Hannah Baczynski about the signs of burnout, how to prevent it, and how to know if your burnout is related to general life stressors or a mental health disorder. They also talk about the difference between fatigue and burnout, as well as how to support yourself and alleviate burnout when you’re experiencing it.;
Living with Chronic Illness
Many of us know someone who has been diagnosed with a chronic illness, or have been diagnosed with one ourselves. In this episode of Mind Your Mind, host Tim Unsinn talks with therapist April Morris about how chronic illness can impact daily living and mental health, as well as how to seek support if you have been diagnosed with a chronic illness.;
Bipolar Disorder: Understanding the Highs and Lows
Although the term ‘bipolar’ is sometimes used as slang to describe someone who is moody or indecisive, true bipolar disorder is a complex and sometimes severe mental health disorder that affects the way a person thinks, feels, and behaves. In this episode of Mind Your Mind, host Tim Unsinn discusses bipolar disorder with nurse practitioner Amanda Daggett, touching on what the disorder is, what its symptoms look like, and how it can be treated.;
Social Media: Managing Emotions & Setting Boundaries
How much time do you spend each day looking at your phone? An hour or two? Multiple hours? In this episode of Mind Your Mind, host Tim Unsinn meets with therapist Christy Wilkie to discuss how social media use can impact our mental health, relationships, and behavior. Learn tips for monitoring your child’s internet use, as well as how to manage your own time spent on social media.;
Understanding OCD
While OCD is sometimes perceived as simply a desire to keep things neat and organized, it can actually have much more severe symptoms for those who experience it. In this episode of Mind Your Mind, host Tim Unsinn meets with psychologist Dr. Megan Spencer to talk about who Obsessive Compulsive Disorder affects, what its signs and symptoms are, and how to seek help if you or a loved one has been diagnosed with OCD.;
Breaking Bad Habits
Bad habits can be easy to start but sometimes very difficult to stop. In this episode of Mind Your Mind, host Tim Unsinn and therapist Falan Johnson talk about breaking bad habits, including where habits come from, how to know if a habit is bad, and steps you can take to stop it.;
Finding a Therapist
Are you looking for some help on your mental health journey? In this episode of Mind Your Mind, host Tim Unsinn and therapist Jessie Mertz talk about how to find a therapist, including what you should know when searching and what questions to ask when you meet a therapist for the first time. They also touch on what the letters after a therapist’s name mean, and how they apply to the type of services or treatment you might be looking for.;
Coping with Rejection
Whether it’s from asking someone on a date or applying for a job, we all experience rejection at some point in our lives. In this episode of Mind Your Mind, host Tim Unsinn talks with therapist April Morris about how to cope with rejection, including the common coping stages, the importance of acceptance, and how rejection can impact people differently.;
Borderline Personality Disorder
Like other personality disorders, borderline personality disorder is a commonly misunderstood and stigmatized mental illness. In this episode of Mind Your Mind, host Tim Unsinn talks with Lucas Mitzel, a therapist at Dakota Family Services, about what BPD is, how it affects someone’s behavior, and where to seek treatment if your child has been diagnosed with BPD.;
Psychological Assessments: What to Expect
Do you think you might be suffering from an undiagnosed mental disorder? If so, a psychological assessment might be able to help. In this episode of Mind Your Mind, psychologist Dr. Hannah Baczynski and host Tim Unsinn talk about what to expect from a psychological assessment, including what an assessment might include, what information you might receive from the psychologist, and what you should communicate with your psychologist before and after receiving an assessment.;
Supplements in Psychiatry
In this episode of Mind Your Mind, host Tim Unsinn and Amanda Daggett explore the topic of using supplements for mental health. In addition to talking about some of the most commonly used supplements like melatonin and St. John’s Wort, they also discuss the benefits, the risks, and the research surrounding various supplements.;
Seasonal Affective Disorder (Community Chat Series)
Feeling like you’ve got the winter blues? If you’re noticing symptoms of depression with the change of seasons, it may be a sign that you’re suffering from Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD. In this special Community Chat episode of Mind Your Mind, therapists Christy Wilkie and Lucas Mitzel discuss the common symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder, how it can affect other mental health disorders, and some useful tips, tricks, and resources for managing symptoms of SAD.;
Trying New Things With Confidence
Join Christy and Lucas, therapists at Dakota Family Services, as they share practical tips for building confidence when trying new things. From managing self-doubt to building resilience, this episode will empower you to approach new experiences with a positive mindset.;
Relationships are Hard
In this episode, Christy and Lucas explore why relationships can be so hard. Join them as they discuss the characteristics of both healthy and toxic relationships, talk about the difference between normal conflict and abuse, and help you discover your love languages so you and your partner can best express your love to each other.;
Is Everybody Anxious?
In this episode, Christy and Lucas explore anxiety. Join them as they discuss the signs and symptoms of an anxiety disorder, what you can do to decrease your anxiety, and how to best help loved ones struggling with anxiety.;
Is Everyone Feeling Sad
In this episode, Christy and Lucas explore depression. Join them as they discuss the signs and symptoms of Major Depressive Disorder, what you can do to help yourself feel better, and what you can do to help your loved ones. They will talk about coping strategies, therapy interventions, and ways to help you identify when your child might need extra help.;
Change is Hard
Change is inevitable. Join Christy and Lucas as they explore big and small changes and how they impact you. Learn why change can be so hard, even good change, and discover ways to manage it effectively.;
We Need to Talk About Suicide
In this episode of "Is It Just Me," Christy and Lucas discuss the very important topic of suicide. Listen to learn about risk factors, warning signs, and what you can do to help a loved one who is struggling. Remember, you are not alone. If you need immediate assistance, call 911. If you need to talk to someone, call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.;
Do We Need to Get Outside?
Join Lucas and Christy as they explore the power of spending time outdoors on mental and emotional well-being. Discover practical tips, personal anecdotes, and expert insights on the benefits of getting outside and reconnecting with nature.;
Exploring ADHD
In this episode of "Is It Just Me?" Lucas and Christy discuss ADHD, shedding light on its prevalence and impact on daily life. Learn practical strategies for managing symptoms and understand why your friend or loved one with ADHD does the things they do.;
Internet Safety and Mental Health
In this episode of "Is It Just Me?", join our hosts Christy and Lucas as they delve into the complex relationship between the internet and mental health. With the digital age bringing information and social connections to our fingertips, it also presents unique challenges and opportunities for our safety and psychological well-being.;
Boosting Self-Esteem: From Marathons to Daily Triumphs
In this episode of "Is It Just Me?", Christy and Lucas discuss how common it is for people to see themselves differently from others. Using their own personal triumphs and challenges as examples, they outline the things that shape our self-esteem. Additionally, they share simple daily practices to help listeners recognize and celebrate their own personal victories. This episode is filled with tips and engaging stories aimed at encouraging listeners to undertake challenges that foster self-growth and personal confidence.;
Therapy Unveiled: What to Know Before You Go
In this episode of "Is It Just Me," Lucas and Christy talk about what it's like to begin therapy. Feeling apprehensive about starting therapy is normal, but surmountable. Together, Lucas and Christy unravel common myths about therapy and emphasize the role of therapy in disrupting negative life patterns and routines that are no longer serving you.;
Coping with the Back-to-School Blues
In the latest episode of “Is It Just Me?” Christy and Lucas tackle the transition from leisurely summer days to structured school schedules with warmth and wisdom. This episode is a must-listen for parents seeking guidance and strategies to help navigate the shift with confidence. Learn how to handle changes in routine, the importance of communication, and strategies to help the entire family adjust to and embrace the new normal. Listening to this episode can be your first step toward making back-to-school a season of growth and positive change for all.;
The Art of Overcoming Trauma
In this month’s episode of the "Is It Just Me?" podcast, Lucas Mitzel and Christy Wilkie, Dakota Family Services, dive into the complexities of trauma and its therapy. The episode sheds light on Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) and the importance of creating a trauma narrative as a cornerstone of healing. The thoughtful discussions aim to educate listeners on the intricacies of trauma, the innovative methods used in therapy, and the role of caregivers in the recovery process. Through expert insights and compassionate storytelling, Lucas and Christy provide practical advice and real-world examples for individuals who have experienced trauma.;
Navigating Life Through Mindfulness
In this episode of “Is It Just Me?”, Lucas and Christy delve into the world of mindfulness and relaxation techniques. From body scans to mindfulness exercises, they provide a soothing experience to help you unwind and distress. Discover practical tips and advice on incorporating mindfulness into your daily routine and learn how to prioritize mental well-being in today's fast-paced world.;
Mindfulness: Body Scan
In this special additional episode of “Is It Just Me” join therapist Lucas Mitzel as he gives listeners a transformative journey within their own body and mind. In this episode, Lucas guides listeners through a soothing body scan to promote calm, mindfulness, and inner peace. This episode offers a unique mixdown of gentle narration, and relaxation techniques, leaving you feeling refreshed, rejuvenated, and more connected to yourself.;
Game Plan for Mental Health
In this new episode of "Is It Just Me?" Lucas Mitzel and Christy Wilkie examine the intersection of sports and mental health, offering insightful conversations and expert advice to help young athletes, parents, and coaches navigate the emotional and psychological aspects of athletic performance. From discussing the impact of pressure and anxiety in sports to exploring the connection between mental well-being and athletic success, Christy and Lucas provide valuable perspectives and practical strategies for managing the mental game of sports.;
Beyond the Labels: Dismantling Myths About Mental Health
In this podcast episode of “Is It Just Me?” Lucas and Christy discuss the stigma and myths surrounding mental health. Through personal stories and insightful discussions, they aim to challenge misconceptions, break down barriers, and promote greater understanding and empathy towards people who have mental health challenges.;
Confronting Narcissism
In this episode of "Is It Just Me?" Lucas and Christy explore the complex topic of narcissism. They'll delve deep into the traits and behaviors of narcissistic individuals, as well as the difficulty of having a relationship with them and the impact they have on society. Through expert advice, relatable stories, and therapeutic insights, listeners will gain a better understanding of narcissism and learn tools to navigate interactions with narcissists more effectively.;
Can the World be Scary?
In this episode of "Is it Just Me?" join host Christy and Lucas as they talk about fear! Everyone experiences fear at some point in their lives. Sometimes this fear can become problematic, limiting your ability to live a full life. Christy and Lucas cover some of the science behind fear, define "phobia," talk about how they treat dysfunctional fear in therapy, and provide tips for what you can do at home to help yourself or your child with their fear.;
Is Parenting Hard?
In this episode of "Is It Just Me?," Christy and Lucas delve into the complex and challenging world of parenting, talking through different parenting types, styles, and approaches. Offering insights and discussions that aim to reduce the stigma around mental health, they provide invaluable guidance for parents, caregivers, and anyone involved in the journey of raising children. From the difficulties of disruption and life routines to the necessity of a united parental front, no topic is left unexplored in this candid and informative episode.;