Truly interesting conversation this week with Physician and author, Dr. Greg Hammer. Greg shared stories of his maternal grandmother, Kay. Kay's grandparents immigrated to the United States from Germany. Kay's mother and Kay were both born in the US. Greg says his grandmother was an aristocrat. She and Greg's grandfather started collecting art at a young age and the walls of their home, in the suburbs of Chicago, were covered in large canvases of work by Picasso, Manet, Monet, Calder, Modigliani and more. Greg would spend time with his grandmother going to museums in the Chicago area where he grew up. Grateful for all his memories of his grandmother and her sharing her passion for art, Greg claims to be an art collector now as well.
Dr. Greg Hammer, is a Former Professor at Stanford University School of Medicine, Physician, Best-Selling Author, and Mindfulness Expert.
It was a wonderful conversation as he shared stories of his grandmother and her love for art and he declaration about using proper english grammar. Greg shares how he inherited that same consciousness as to being respectful to the english language.
A Best Selling Author with an eye on being active and healthy, his recent book is about adults, caregivers, teachers helping teenagers reduce their stress levels by using his meditative technique incorporating Gratitude, Acceptance, Intention and Non judgement in a 3-4 minute daily meditation that anyone can do. He explains and walks us through a short meditation during this conversation.
It's important for all of us to have balance in our lives-mental and physical balance and peace.
It was a real pleasure speaking and meeting Dr. Greg Hammer.
architectInformation about his most recent book: A Mindful Teen: Helping Today’s Teenagers Thrive through Gratitude, Acceptance, Intention, and Non judgement
Topic: Coping Strategies for Youth this National Suicide Prevention Month
Talk Points:
Destigmatization is the key - Suicide is preventable through awareness, education, and accessible resources.
The more we discuss mental health in productive ways, the better primed we will be to catch the warning signs before they progress into something serious.
Openly discussing mental health encourages youth to initiate those conversations for themselves and ask for help should they need it.
Today’s teens face stressors that older generations never imagined
Social media, smartphones, and the internet – and AI
After-effects of COVID lockdown and isolation
The great political divide, affecting relationships in and outside of families
Increasingly competitive college admission and tuition
The economic pressures their families face
The Role of Parents and Parenting - Cultivating Compassion, Forgiveness, and Empathy
The Risks and How to Spot Them
*Early Detection can save your child’s life - The warning signs that someone is struggling with their mental health can easily be overlooked (especially amongst teenagers).
*The most common symptoms of depression and anxiety (i.e. changes in behavior and mood, irritability, changes in sleep habits, changes in eating habits, withdrawing socially) are also commonly associated with the standard growing pains and hormonal shifts of adolescence. So, how do you know the difference?
If something feels off with your child, the best thing you can do is ask.
Sit down with your child and have a gentle, but honest conversation about your concerns. You may have to speak with them multiple times before they’re ready to open up. Trust your instincts and be gently persistent.
Consult a Mental Health Professional: There is no shame in asking for help for both teens and adults.
Mindfulness at Home - Encouraging children to practice mindfulness daily can help build their mental and emotional resilience and protect their mental health in the short and long term.
*Mindfulness can be a great tool to help teens rewire their brains away from the negativity on which they dwell. It can neutralize their tendency to ruminate over the past, often leading to depression, and to overthinking the future, creating fear and anxiety.
The GAIN Method - Gratitude, Acceptance, Intention, and Nonjudgment are the pillars of happiness for teens - and for the rest of us.
Website:https://amindfulteen.com/
Facebook: @GregHammerMD; https://www.facebook.com/greghammermd/
Instagram: @greghammermd; https://www.instagram.com/greghammermd/