changing minds

Girls’ self-confidence takes a nose dive during the tween and teen years, and as early as age 8, research suggests. Here are tips from a D.C. confidence coach on how to help girls — or yourself.

Maryland mom Mandie Peters’ first-grader is energetic and loves school. But distance learning has had a devastating impact on the child’s mental health. “I’m not just overreacting on this stuff. This is something that’s real,” Peters said, beginning to cry. News4’s Eun Yang reports.

News4’s Tracee Wilkins talks to an expert about dealing with unexpected loss and mental health issues.

Crittenton Services of Greater Washington is a local nonprofit that has been a lifeline for at-risk teen girls struggling with their mental health, particularly during the pandemic.

Crittenton Services of Greater Washington focuses on empowering middle and high school girls from diverse backgrounds attending schools in D.C. or Montgomery County. News4’s Juliana Valencia spoke with some girls who have been directly helped by the program.

Money is tight, there’s a rise in COVID-19 cases and many of us are missing friends and family. But D.C.-area clinical psychologist Roz Aker Black says practicing gratitude can help you feel better. News4’s Juliana Valencia reports.

2020 has been a stressful year to say the least. As those wanting to relieve stress or anxiety look for alternatives to alcohol or binge eating, more people have tried CBD. Local entrepreneur Barbara Biddle said her CBD businesses are booming. She owns District Hemp Botanicals with stores in Dupont Circle, Leesburg and Manassas, Virginia. Biddle, who started using CBD…

More people are turning to CBD for stress management during the pandemic. The owner of D.C.’s District Hemp says CBD products are an alternative to alcohol that don’t cause overt intoxication. News4’s Juliana Valencia reports.

COVID-19 can be a strain on mental health. News4’s Doreen Gentzler spoke with a child and adolescent psychiatrist about ways to can support loved ones.

While you may be finding ways to deal with the stress and uncertainty, kids and teens may be struggling.

Saturday is World Mental Health Day – and a Northern Virginia nonprofit wants us take it as an opportunity to talk about our wellbeing. News4’s Juliana Valencia reports on the NAMI Mental Health for All walks that are coming up. Learn more at www.nami-northernvirginia.org

Virginia State Police are investigating the death of a woman who authorities say fatally shot herself while being transported to a mental hospital in a patrol vehicle

Moral injury can take place in high stakes situations like combat and can lead to depression, substance abuse and suicide. Experts say frontline workers are facing these types of circumstances today. News4’s Doreen Gentzler reports.

“She was a wonderful student, a tremendous person, and will be deeply missed by our school community,” says Kipp Quest Academy, as the community reels from the death of a 3rd grader. News4’s Aimee Cho reports.