Eating Disorders

Our brains develop from the back to the front. The prefrontal cortex — important for impulse control, managing emotions, planning, organization and finishing tasks — is the last to develop, and is not fully mature until our mid-twenties. How does this impact teen behavior and decision making and how can parents make sure we still matter? Don’t miss today’s inspiring episode featuring CHC’s own Dr. Erin Hoolihan, Licensed Clinical Psychologist, as she explains how parents can tap into, connect with, be understanding of and provide a safe haven for our teens and their developing brains.

Data shows that calls to the helpline for the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) increased 40% in the first year of the pandemic. Sometimes symptoms might fly under the radar or be dismissed as ‘just a phase,’ but the shame, guilt and health complications associated with eating disorders are risks we can’t ignore. On today’s podcast episode, we sit down with CHC’s own Alexa Wilmarth, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, who has worked with adolescents with eating disorders in both outpatient and residential treatment settings. Listen today as Alexa shares warning signs, insights, co-occurring mental health disorders and advice for parents on this timely topic.