Episode 64: Early Empowerment of Mental Well-Being in Our Youth with Dr. Marie Dona

In this episode with Dr. Marie Donna, we talk about why kids’ mental health matters and how early support can change everything. Dr. Donna shares how anxiety, depression, and ADHD can show up as tummy aches or behavior changes. We also talk about the power of kind words, curiosity, and how raising emotionally healthy kids starts with us. 

 

Key Takeaways:  

Mental Health Is Primary Care - Mental health deserves the same priority as physical health and shouldn’t be treated as an afterthought or a specialty service. When we view mental wellness as part of our routine care, early intervention becomes possible, even before visible symptoms arise.  

 

Kids Show Stress Differently - Children often express anxiety or depression through stomach aches, headaches, or changes in behavior. Since they may not have the language to explain how they feel, it's important for parents to pay attention, ask thoughtful questions, and make it safe for kids to talk about what’s going on. 

 

Vulnerability Builds Trust - When parents share their own experiences with sadness or mental health, it helps children feel safe to open up. This kind of honest conversation can lead to early support and connection, reminding kids they’re not alone in what they’re feeling. 

 

Look Beyond the Behavior - What looks like misbehavior is often a child’s response to trauma or unmet mental health needs. Early intervention, understanding their background, and recognizing the signs of conditions can shift the narrative from blame to support. 

 

The Impact of Self-Belief on a Child's Performance - When children begin to believe they are "dumb" or a "problem," it can severely affect their motivation and performance. Parents should listen closely to their child's self-talk and address any negative beliefs early.  

 

How Therapy Supports Early Emotional Wellness - Therapy is not just for crises. It can be a regular check-in that helps children feel safe, heard, and supported. When done early and consistently, it encourages open conversations and addresses issues before they grow. 

 

Helpful Resource: 

• Addressing Bias and Encouraging Open Communication - Sometimes, teachers may have biased views that affect how they see a child. Parents should ask their child what happened to hear their side of the story, helping clear up misunderstandings and ensure their child feels heard. 

• Parents Must Do Their Inner Work - Breaking cycles of trauma starts with parents doing their own healing so they can listen better and support their children more wisely. 

 

Notable Highlights: 

"Mental health should be a primary care. It's treated like it's specialty care, but it really should be primary care." 

"People's mental health, their well-being is such a huge contributing factor to someone's life, their overall enjoyment of it, their ability to live through it." 

 

 

About Dr. Marie Dona 

Dr. Marie R. Dona is a triple board-certified psychiatrist who works with children, teens, adults, and women during and after pregnancy. She treats a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, ADHD, PTSD, and more. With years of training and experience in hospitals and mental health settings, Dr. Dona provides thoughtful, personalized care to people of all backgrounds. 

 

Follow Dr. Marie Dona 

Website: https://www.donawellnessclinic.com/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/donawellnessclinic 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/dona-wellness-clinic/ 

Twitter: https://x.com/donawellnessclinic 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/donawellnessclinic 

Email: [e-mail] 

 

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