The Cost of Constant Connection: The Relationship Between Device Dependency and Mental Health
Learn how mobile device dependence is harming youth mental health and what families can do to restore connection and resilience.

Learn how mobile device dependence is harming youth mental health and what families can do to restore connection and resilience.
Dr. Adrian Hickmon, Ph.D 12-Step Fellowships, including resources like Celebrate Recovery, are very helpful for some of our graduates, especially in their first couple of years after graduation. As a Christ-centered program, Capstone uses the AA 12 Steps from a Christian perspective. The 12 Steps process follows the Beatitudes, beginning with “Blessed are the poor … Read more
Dr. Adrian Hickmon, Ph.D Trauma lies on a continuum but is always about a fight-flight-freeze response. When we are faced with a threat, a message is sent to the amygdala in the limbic system of the brain. The amygdala assesses the threat and sends a message to the brain stem to activate the fight-flight-freeze response. … Read more
The next time you are out to dinner with friends, in the car with your family, or sitting in a waiting room – take a moment to look around and see how many people are on their phones. Technology addiction is a leading addiction in teens and young adults. Some may ask, “What’s the big … Read more
Distance, broken heart emojis, minimal eye contact, awkward silence, and sentiments of apology are just a few of the gestures that I’ve seen from well-meaning people as they attempt to comfort their grieving loved one. Naturally, people grasp for the right words to say to someone who has just experienced significant loss. How do we … Read more
When the relationship with your son becomes strained, it can be easy to lose sight of the things that once brought them happiness. It makes perfect sense to not prioritize fun family activities if you are in crisis just trying to make it through the day. Moreover, it may have been a long time since … Read more
Trigger warning: This article mentions suicide and defines passive or chronic suicidal ideation. If you or someone you know is concerned regarding suicidal ideation or thoughts of suicide, call or text the suicide and crisis lifeline at 988. What is passive suicidal ideation? When a person has a desire to no longer live, but no … Read more
If you are concerned about your son’s pornography use, you are far from alone. For years there has been a gradual rise in sexual compulsions and behaviors among adolescents. The overwhelming ease of access to pornographic content has had a major impact on content viewed by adolescents and adults alike. Many parents find themselves at … Read more
Most often when it comes to helping a teen or young adult in crisis, time is of the essence. Parents can understandably become overwhelmed with questions about the right next steps for their struggling son. Where do we even start? Who do we talk to? What will we do about school? If this cannot be … Read more
Dr. Adrian Hickmon, Ph.D., Clinical Architect of Capstone Wellness The research shows that most fully matured adults with addictions have experienced trauma. It’s something we treat every day at Capstone — a Christian trauma treatment center that’s served thousands of young men with a wide range of struggles, addictions and hurts. The word “trauma” has … Read more