Shrinking It Down: Mental Health Made Simple Podcast By Gene Beresin MD MA and Khadijah Booth Watkins MD MPH cover art

Shrinking It Down: Mental Health Made Simple

Shrinking It Down: Mental Health Made Simple

By: Gene Beresin MD MA and Khadijah Booth Watkins MD MPH
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"Shrinking It Down" highlights the fact that youth mental health is anything but simple! Child & adolescent psychiatrists Dr. Gene Beresin and Dr. Khadijah Booth Watkins help parents and other caring adults to navigate tough questions about child and teen mental health. From depression and learning disorders, to digital media and societal concerns, Shrinking It Down covers it all.


Tune in the THIRD Thursday of every month. Subscribe wherever you stream.


About Us: The Clay Center for Young Healthy Minds at Massachusetts General Hospital is a multi-media educational resource to help adults support the mental, emotional, and behavioral well-being of young people through innovative education. Visit us online at mghclaycenter.org.


This podcast is for educational purposes only. The Clay Center does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any health-related questions you may have.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

All rights reserved Hygiene & Healthy Living Parenting & Families Psychology Psychology & Mental Health Relationships Social Sciences
Episodes
  • Talking with Your Kids about the War in Iran

    Talking with Your Kids about the War in Iran
    Mar 19 2026

    When the world feels uncertain and headlines hit close to home, how can parents help their children feel safe?


    In this episode, of Shrinking it Down: Mental Health Made Simple, Gene and Khadijah explore how families can support children during times of political conflict, such as the current War in Iran. They break down how children and teens at different developmental stages process stress, from preschoolers who may regress to teens grappling with more complex emotions and questions. Tune in for advice and real-life strategies for supporting kids through uncertainty.


    Media List
    • Helping Kids of All Ages in the Face of Terrorism or War (MGH Clay Center)
    • Expert tips on how to talk to teens about war in Iran (WCVB)
    • Breaking News and Kids (MGH Clay Center)
    • Self-Care Resources - Videos, Toolkit, More (MGH Clay Center)


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    34 mins
  • Teen Romance in the Digital Era

    Teen Romance in the Digital Era
    Feb 19 2026

    In this Valetine's Day special of Shrinking it Down, Gene and Khadijah explore how teen romance is being reshaped in the digital age. From texting and social media to AI chatbots, they unpack the ways technology is transforming how teens connect, communicate, and even break up. While some online spaces can create a sense of closeness and constant connection, they also bring new challenges such as comparison culture, ghosting, and difficulty navigating face-to-face relationships.

    Tune in for practical guidance on the importance of modeling healthy relationships, staying informed about their children's digital worlds, and when to worry about a breakup.

    Media List
    • Exploring the World of AI Therapy (MGH Clay Center)
    • How Teens Incorporate Online Platforms and Digital Devices Into Their Romantic Relationships (Pew Research Center)
    • Hit Send, No Wait: The Dangers Of A Hyper-Personal Online Life (MGH Clay Center)
    • Social Media & Body Image (Shrinking it Down)
    • Teens, Technology and Romantic Relationship (Pew Research Center)
    • The Power of Peer Support (Shrinking it Down)
    • Conflict Resolution Course (MGH Clay Center)
    • Ways to Help Your Lonely Teenager (MGH Clay Center)

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    38 mins
  • Anxiety in the Family: Helping One Child Without Leaving Others Behind

    Anxiety in the Family: Helping One Child Without Leaving Others Behind
    Dec 18 2025

    In this special episode of Shrinking it Down: Mental Health Made Simple, Gene and Khadijah explore how parents can talk openly with children about a sibling’s anxiety. Joined by co-founder of InStride Health, Dr. Kat Boger, they discuss age-appropriate explanations, reducing stigma, supporting siblings’ emotional needs, and avoiding unhelpful family accommodations. They offer practical, compassionate guidance for helping the whole family build resilience together. Tune in for important and practical advice on supporting your child with anxiety!


    Media List
    • About (InStride Health)
    • Anxiety Disorders (MGH Clay Center)
    • Talking to Kids About a Sibling's Mental Illness (MGH Clay Center)
    • Growing Up With a Sibling With a Disability (MGH Clay Center)
    • No Kings


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    42 mins
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