This week’s Northern Express — sister publication of The Ticker — is the mental health issue, and five local therapists gave us their take on what they're seeing in their practices.

For kids:  “I think from my perspective, [the way kids are expressing anxiety and depression] really comes from an attachment to screens,” says Steve Andrews, a counselor at Kids Creek Family Counseling LLC.

Beyond the obvious signs of self-harm behavior or talk or violent behavior, it may be time to seek help for your child if you notice they are more reserved, isolating themselves more, sleeping more or being more private, or their personality has changed (either way—much quieter or much more outgoing).

For adults:  Sherry Guthrie, MS, LPC, ACS, and owner of Petoskey Professional Counselors, LLC, has worked with adults for 30 years, and she sees concerns ranging from “who I am?” in adults 18-29, “how do I navigate all of this?” amongst the 30-50 age group, and “what have I done with my life?” from the older crowd.

“A lot of people come in and are worried about the political environment, the sociopolitical environment, the protections for people themselves including their children if they are in marginalized groups or LBGTQ+,” she adds.

For couples:  A couples therapist with Rooted in Change, Kate Chanda, LLPC, wishes more couples would seek help before things reach a crisis point. She points to early signs of strife, like shutting down emotionally, withdrawing, or avoiding difficult conversations. On the flip side, sometimes couples just recognize that they’re growing apart, or that their relationship just doesn’t feel the same.

“So often, by the time couples come into counseling, there are layers and layers of hurt that have built up over time,” Chanda explains. “Couples counseling doesn’t have to be a last resort. Sometimes it’s an opportunity to slow down, reconnect, and learn how to navigate the challenges of life together before those challenges become overwhelming.”

Read more here.

Pick up a free copy of this week’s Northern Express, available to read online or at one of nearly 650 spots in 13 counties across northern Michigan.