Mental health issues in youth have been steadily increasing in the last decade, even prior to the pandemic. Now more than ever, teens are in crisis and need support to navigate the riptide of emotions they are experiencing. Many parents also do not feel equipped to identify mental health issues, let alone feel prepared to handle them. The mental health crisis is deep and real for teens and parents seeking answers. After seeing the same issues repeat themselves in their practices, youth mental health experts Dr. Caroline Danda and Carron Montgomery published the newest book in The Invisible Riptide series, From Surviving to Vibing: Filling in the Gaps. This book serves as a mental health resource for teens, tweens, young adults, and their caregivers to help recognize issues, open communication, and create connection.

This impactful book offers a solution for those who do not have access to a therapist or other mental health resources. The book helps people go from simply getting by to thriving by learning to establish meaningful connections that lead to a more fulfilling life. By providing guidelines and impactful questions, the book helps readers navigate emotions, identify values, and make choices that cultivate positive friend groups and promote self-esteem. From Surviving to Vibing is full of information about mental health and building resilience that everyone needs.

The book is not just for teens and young adults. Parents can use the book to gain insight into the world their children are experiencing and learn more about mental health issues that are affecting them. Although adults may remember being insecure and vulnerable at that age, it is almost impossible to grasp how much the pandemic and social media have magnified those issues. Filling in the gaps across generations creates a shared, more accurate understanding that promotes connection and discussion.

This book is a valuable resource for any organization where youth and families gather. Mental health issues are complex, run deep, and have been steadily increasing over the last decade. It can be intimidating for parents and caregivers to tackle these issues alone. Now, they don't have to. With this book, you can help your children take on life's most daunting challenges.
About the Author: Carron Montgomery is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Registered Play Therapist, and Level II trained EMDR therapist. Carron utilizes a client-centered approach that includes the importance of collaborating with each client's team of professionals and primary caregivers. At the beginning of the pandemic, she saw a huge need for education and support that was not being addressed. She trained local school counselors and began writing to provide additional resources to the community and as a voice for her clients. Her passion for community, connection, and supporting everyone's well-being is evident throughout her work and The Invisible Riptide series.Dr. Caroline Danda is a clinical psychologist in private practice who specializes in working with children and adolescents with anxiety, depression, and other emotional or behavioral regulation problems. She loves working with children and teens who have big emotions. She has a passion for normalizing mental and emotional well-being and helping youth and their families not only resolve current challenges but also develop foundational skills for thriving. The partnership with Carron Montgomery is a natural extension of her passion, allowing her to bring her wisdom and experience outside of her office to fill the gaps.David Gentile Is a beautiful artist and soul. He retired and found his love of drawing while he was the president of BCBSKC. A coworker entered him in a drawing contest and his hobby turned into a passion. After his retirement David began doodling, as he calls it, for fun and a creative outlet.