In October of 2021, the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Academy of Child and
Adolescent Psychiatry, and the Children’s Hospital Association declared a national emergency in child
and adolescent mental health, citing the serious toll of the COVID-19 pandemic on top of existing
challenges. Our community’s youth have been impacted as we see an increase in the number of young
people who are facing mental health challenges, including higher levels of anxiety and stress. Tammy
Sassaman, a Licensed Mental Health Practitioner and a Certified Master Social Worker with 20 years of
experience as a clinical supervisor and therapist, will discuss the following:
• How stress affects levels of anxiety and how our brain responds
• The cycle of anxiety and how it impacts behavior
• How stress and anxiety have a physical impact on the body
• The overall impacts of social media on personal well-being
• Strategies of how to cope with anxiety, manage stress, and effective self-care