This month, we’re exploring how today’s fast-paced, always-on world impacts your brain and body. From social media’s effect on memory and attention, to why our minds get pulled into apocalyptic TikTok trends, to what your sleep posture may reveal about stress and anxiety—there are so many ways modern life shapes our mental health.
You’ll also find timely resources: everything you need to know about ADHD (including screeners for kids and adults), practical strategies for supporting children during meltdowns, tools for coping with violence in the news, and our popular school-based anxiety toolkit. Plus—we’re excited to share a few LOA updates, including new insurance coverage and our expansion into Arlington Heights.
No matter what you’re facing, remember you don’t have to figure it out alone. We’re here to help—with same-day appointments available.
Warmly,
Dr. Debra Kissen
In This Issue:
Take the Quiz: Is Tech Stealing Your Memory? Discover how endless scrolling impacts your focus and see if tech is shrinking your brain.
ADHD and Executive Functioning Explained: Get a clear overview of ADHD and executive functioning, plus practical insights on how to make them work for you.
Countering Fear: Viral Fandoms and Future Tripping: Dr. Kissen explains in Forbes how “RaptureTok” fuels fear-driven fandoms—plus discover three practical hacks to stop future tripping.
10 ADAA-Approved Tips to Calm Anxiety Fast: Learn practical, expert-approved ways to manage anxious thoughts, ease spirals, and feel more grounded every day.
Sleep Positions Reveal Surprising Links to Anxiety: Find out what your go-to sleep style might say about your stress levels—and take the quiz to learn more.
7 Keys to Calming Chaos During Meltdowns: Discover what to say—and what not to say—when your child is in meltdown mode.
Get the Free Anxiety Toolkit Today: Many school professionals are already using this free, practical toolkit filled with strategies and worksheets to support anxious students— take a look!
News from Light On Anxiety: Big updates! We’ll soon be accepting United Healthcare and are opening our seventh location in Arlington Heights this fall.
Is Tech Shrinking Your Memory and Attention? Take the Quiz
Think your brain is handling endless scrolling just fine? Take our quick quiz to find out if constant pings, late-night swipes, and nonstop multitasking are secretly hijacking your memory and attention. This blog breaks down what’s really happening behind the scenes and shares simple hacks to reclaim your focus. Ready to see if your brain is thriving—or just surviving online?
What is ADHD & Executive Functioning and How to Make It Your Superpower
ADHD is when your brain works differently, making it harder to focus, stay organized, or sit still. It’s not about being “lazy”—your brain just runs on a different channel. The part of the brain that helps with planning, memory, and managing emotions (called executive functions) works differently with ADHD. With the right support and strategies, you can learn to turn ADHD into your superpower—find out more about how to make it work for you.
TikTok’s "RaptureTok" trend shows how people can get caught up in scary end-of-the-world ideas, even if there's no real proof. Dr. Kissen speaks to this phenomenon with Forbes, and further explores how it is related to "future tripping" when our brains ask "what if" about bad things that may happen in her blog. Together, these resources show how easy it is to overreact and let fears take control. Here's a hack to help: pause, focus on what is real right now, and remind yourself that not every viral video or "what if" is worth spiraling over.
ADAA Approved Practical Tips if You’re Feeling Anxious
Scary news can leave your chest tight and your mind racing with “what ifs.” Dr. Kissen and the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA), the leading authority on anxiety and depression, offer proven ways to ease that spiral. If you keep it all to yourself or just scroll through people who think the same way, it can feel even worse. Reaching out to a friend, taking a quick break, or doing something kind for someone else can help you feel stronger—and you can read this article for more ideas on how to calm your mind and feel better.
The Surprising Connection Between How You Sleep and Anxiety
Ever thought about how your “resting sleep position” might say something about your stress? TikTok’s been buzzing with the “mummy,” stomach sprawl, fetal curl, and pillow hug—and yeah, they can show how much stress your body’s holding onto. Stress doesn’t just stay in your head; it also shows up in how you sleep at night. So what’s your go-to sleep style—and do you think it’s your brain’s way of saying it needs a break? Take the Quiz.
The 7 Keys to Calming Chaos: What to Say (and Not Say) in a Meltdown
When your kid is in full meltdown mode, it can feel like a storm you don’t know how to stop. The hard part is, their “alarm system” brain is running the show, so logic and problem-solving just won’t land. Saying things like “calm down” or “it’ll be fine” usually backfires and leaves you both more frustrated. What helps instead is simple, reassuring phrases like “I’m here” or “I believe in you,” which calm the storm and bring you closer.
The Anxiety Toolkit Every School Professional Needs
The Anxiety Toolkit for Education-Based Professionals is a ready-to-use resource designed to support anxious students in school settings. It offers step-by-step guides for identifying signs of anxiety, plus practical strategies that can be used right in the classroom. Worksheets, activities, and assessments make it easy to turn knowledge into action and track progress over time. With this toolkit, educators and student support staff can confidently create a calmer, more supportive learning environment for every child.
We’ll soon be accepting United Healthcare, making it easier for individuals and families to access the care they need. This update means less stress about coverage and more focus on getting the right support.
Brand New Light On Anxiety Office!
We’re so excited to share that our brand-new Arlington Heights office is opening this fall! Soon, you’ll be able to access compassionate, expert care even closer to home — we can’t wait to welcome you in person. Our new address is 180 W. Campbell Street, Arlington Heights, IL 60005.
.png?upscale=true&width=560&upscale=true&name=image%20(9).png)
