Teens in Crisis

Resource Resonates as a Tool to Understand, Explore, and Open Communication about Mental Health and Emotional Well-Being

Many teens are in crisis. Parents may not feel equipped to identify mental health issues, let alone prepared to handle them. The mental health crisis is deep and real for teens and parents seeking answers. After seeing the same issues repeatedly come up in their practices, youth mental health experts Dr. Caroline Danda and Carron Montgomery created the newest book for their Invisible Riptide series, From Surviving to Vibing: Filling in the Gaps, available in stores and online now. 

The second title in the Invisible Riptide series serves as a mental health resource for teens, tweens, young adults and their parents in recognizing issues, opening communication and creating a path for connection.  

From Surviving to Vibing offers a solution for those who do not have access to a therapist or other mental health resources. Tying into the title, the book helps people get from simply getting by to thriving by establishing meaningful connections that lead to a more fulfilling life. It is meant to empower and motivate individuals to create boundaries and make choices by using guidelines and questions aimed at cultivating positive friend groups and promoting positive self-esteem. 

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 the mental health issues that affect them. “Although adults may remember being insecure and vulnerable at that age, it’s almost impossible to grasp how much the pandemic and social media have magnified those issues,” says Danda. “Filling in the gaps across generations creates a shared, more accurate understanding that promotes connection and discussion so you can use your voice to advocate and work together.”

The first book in the series, The Invisible Riptide, explains the silent emotional tsunami going on in the world, which was exacerbated by the pandemic, and offers ways to re-connect and re-regulate. Even though the illustrated book appears to be designed for younger children, it is a book for all ages. The simple and colorful presentation offers tools on how to normalize and work through emotional experiences, becoming more resilient through connections with each other.

About the Authors

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.  

Caroline Danda, PHD, LP 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 health and helping youth and their families not only resolve current challenges but also develop foundational skills for thriving. Teaming up with Carron Montgomery was a natural extension of her passion, allowing her to bring her wisdom and experience outside of her office to fill the gaps. 

Caroline and Carron plan to continue this book series, pairing the launch of each book with demonstrations of activities for parents and youth, discussion questions and clinical resource guides for therapists and counselors. Additional information on upcoming books and resources can be found at theinvisibleriptide.com.