Suicide attempts nearly doubled from 2008 to 2015.

In a study published on Wednesday, researchers delved into the issue of suicidality, which encompasses both actual acts of self-harm and suicidal thoughts. The study highlighted a concerning trend - suicidality has been on the rise among adolescents over the past decade. In the United States, youth suicidal ideation or suicide attempts nearly doubled from 2008 to 2015.

The research identified various risk factors contributing to teen suicide. Mental illnesses like depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder were found to be significant factors. Additionally, changes associated with puberty or substance use disorder were identified as potential triggers. Exposure to violence or bullying, access to guns or medication, and experiencing the loss of a close family member or friend were also highlighted as factors that could exacerbate the risk of suicide among teenagers. Understanding and addressing these risk factors are essential for developing effective interventions and support systems to safeguard the well-being of adolescents.

According to Harvard researchers, the shift to remote learning during the Covid pandemic had significant social-emotional impacts on students. Families reported observing an increase in temper tantrums, anxiety, and difficulty managing emotions, especially among younger children. The lack of in-person instruction also led to learning deficits among children, as noted in an analysis published in the Nature Human Behaviour journal. Additionally, limited face-to-face interaction affected children's normal social development.

School guidance counselors also noticed a surge in cases of depression and anxiety during the pandemic, as reported by the New York Times. A Pew Research Center survey revealed that 40% of parents expressed that mental health concerns were a more significant worry than physical threats, drugs, alcohol, or teen pregnancy.

Overall, the pandemic has underscored the importance of social-emotional well-being and mental health support for students, emphasizing the need for effective strategies to address the challenges brought about by remote learning and its impact on young minds.

Researchers with the University of Texas’s Houston School of Public Health studied more than 73,000 emergency department visits and hospitalizations between 2016 and 2021, of which there were an average of 964 suicide-related visits per 100,000 children between ages 10 and 18 each year.

Balancing Work and Leisure: The Importance of Self-Care for Self-Employed Individuals

The perception of leisure time as "wasted" when one is their own boss or self-employed can have negative consequences on their well-being and work-life balance. This mindset stems from the pressure to constantly be productive and make money, which can lead to burnout and stress.

It's essential for self-employed individuals to recognize the importance of leisure time and taking breaks for their mental and physical health. Engaging in leisure activities, such as spending time with family and friends, pursuing hobbies, or simply relaxing, is vital for recharging and maintaining overall happiness.

Balancing work and leisure is crucial for long-term success and productivity. Studies have shown that taking breaks and having leisure time can actually improve focus, creativity, and decision-making abilities. It allows the mind to rest and rejuvenate, ultimately leading to increased efficiency and effectiveness when returning to work.

Shifting the perspective from viewing leisure time as "wasted" to understanding it as a necessary part of a healthy and fulfilling life can greatly improve the well-being and job satisfaction of self-employed individuals. Setting boundaries and prioritizing self-care is essential for avoiding burnout and ensuring sustainable success in any work environment.

Pricing your working hours is essential to success, but one study found that pricing your off-work hours can make that time unpleasant. When using some of that time to accomplish something that is supposed to be enjoyable, those who think about all time in terms of money become more impatient, according to Canadian researchers.

Overworking and eventual burnout can therefore be quite problematic for independent contractors. Of course, many full-time employees who have a boss overwork as well. According to Pew Research Center statistics from March 2023, many employees sacrifice their free time to work. The study of about 6,000 US employees, including around 5,100 who are not self-employed, found that while 62% of respondents think having time off is a valuable perk of their employment.