Supporting Your Child's Mental Health and Your Own With Dr. Alfiee

In this episode of *Thriving Kids*, Dr. Dave Anderson is joined by Dr.  Alfiee Breland-Noble — better known as Dr. Alfiee — psychologist, founder of The AAKOMA Project, and author of *Rise and Thrive: An intentional guide to caring for your mental health*. Together, they discuss youth mental health, the importance of community-based care, and how parents, caregivers, and mental health professionals can better support young people as they navigate stress, stigma, social media, and the challenges of growing up today.   In this episode, they cover: - How political news, social media, and stigma affect young people’s emotional well-being - Why social media can be both risky and meaningful for marginalized kids - How community-based organizations can help make mental health care more accessible - Why representation, empathy, and cultural understanding matter in mental health support Key takeaways · Young people are managing a wide range of stressors, including anxiety, depression, political unrest, and the lingering effects of the pandemic. · Social media can pose real risks for kids and teens, but it can also provide connection, community, and support — especially for young people who may feel isolated offline. · Stigma remains a major barrier to mental health care, even as conversations about mental health become more common in popular culture. · Community-based organizations can play a powerful role in helping families access mental health support from people they already know and trust. · Representation matters, but so does what Dr. Alfiee calls an “empathy match” — the feeling that someone understands your experience and can meet you with compassion.   Further reading Does Social Media Use Cause Depression? – Child Mind Institute Quick Guide to Anxiety in Children – Child Mind Institute Dr. Alfiee – Dr. Alfiee’s website with research, interviews, and more Rise and Thrive by Dr. Alfiee Couched in Color – A podcast with Dr. Alfiee The AAKOMA Project