Author: VISIONS

Categories
Anxiety

Can You Grow Out of Anxiety?

Can you grow out of anxiety? This article explores the relationship between age and anxiety, shedding light on whether anxiety can naturally wane as individuals mature. Let’s dive into the different factors influencing anxiety disorders across a person’s life, and gain insights into managing anxiety symptoms at different stages of life.

Some kids are a little shy. Some kids are easily startled. Some kids worry more about things than others. Personality traits are sometimes learned, sometimes born, and sometimes both. But anxiety as a long-term state of mind is different. 

To be anxious is to be worried or nervous. It’s a normal response to certain circumstances. Some people are more likely to become nervous or react with worry to situations. But that state of anxiety passes. We become calmer when we realize that the danger is gone, or that there isn’t anything to worry about. Most people learning to drive for the first time are nervous behind the steering wheel – but by the thousandth mile, even a nervous learner becomes a much more confident driver. 

Anxiety that doesn’t pass – anxiety that persists or occurs out of nowhere – is not a normal reaction. It is often the sign of an anxiety disorder, a type of mental health issue with neurological, psychological, and social factors. People with anxiety disorders cannot shake the feeling that things will go wrong, even if they have no reason to. Their worries preoccupy and consume them and can be debilitating. Without treatment or a serious change of circumstance, anxiety disorders don’t go away – and they usually aren’t outgrown. 

Anxiety disorders can occur at any age. Even young children (aged 6 and under) can experience abnormal episodes of anxiety and suffer from panic attacks. Anxiety also affects the elderly and is becoming a growing issue among society’s oldest. While anxiety disorders have a typical age of onset in the late teens and early 20s, they can also be diagnosed much later in life, or earlier. Like many other mental health conditions, the signs and symptoms of an anxiety disorder can differ between age groups. 

Anxiety Disorders in Children

Some anxious feelings and patterns of worry are normal in children. Kids can be afraid of the dark, afraid of being alone, or afraid of going to school. Most of the time, they outgrow these worries – but when they persist, they can be an early sign of an anxiety disorder. Common symptoms of potential anxiety disorders among young children include: 

  • Extremely afraid of being away from their parents for any period of time, also known as separation anxiety. 
  • Being afraid of going to school, or being around strangers, as a form of social anxiety. 
  • Being worried about bad things happening all the time, also known as generalized anxiety.
  • Extreme fear of a specific thing, situation, or feeling, to the point that they bring it up or are worried about it randomly.  
  • Experiencing random episodes of sudden, intense fear, increased heart rate, and dizziness, also known as a panic attack. 
  • Physical symptoms, especially stomachaches and headaches because of stress and worry. Kids can also get stress-related ulcers and mouth sores. 

Risk factors for childhood anxiety include environmental ones, such as a stressful home environment, early history of abuse, or witnessing violence, but can also include internal factors such as genetics. A family history of anxiety disorders can increase the risk of developing an anxiety disorder, especially if it’s a close relation (older sibling or parent). 

Differentiating between normal childhood fears and anxiety can be difficult. It’s important not to pathologize a child’s personality, but if their worries are interfering with life and school to the point that they cannot connect with other kids or are struggling, then consider talking to a pediatrician about screening for anxiety or another health issue. 

Teenage Anxiety

The teen years are the most common for an onset of anxiety disorders, for biological, social, and psychological reasons. Teens are undergoing rapid hormonal changes, which can affect mood and mental wellbeing, as well as a growing awareness of social hierarchies and interpersonal relationships. 

Teens are grappling with the mounting responsibilities of oncoming adulthood, while slowly maturing out of their childhoods. The teen years are wrought with elements of sudden, unwanted, and even violent change. 

Whereas children are worried about being away from their parents or among strangers, teenagers become more worried about other people’s perception of them, their place in the world, as well as academic pressures or career anxiety. Signs of teen anxiety include: 

  • Lowered self-esteem
  • Self-inflicted isolation
  • Avoiding relationships with other people
  • Difficulty focusing or retaining information
  • Higher irritability than children or adults
  • Greater degree of perfectionism (and mounting frustration)
  • Frequent negative self-talk
  • Constant complaints of fatigue 
  • Unexplained nausea, stomach aches, or loss of appetite

Anxiety disorders are more common than any other type of mental health issue, including depression and substance use issues. However, anxiety disorders often co-occur with other conditions such as those. Teens with diagnosed anxiety disorders also have a higher likelihood of early high-risk sexual behavior, binge drinking, early drug use, and unsafe/drunk driving. 

Does Anxiety Go Away?

You can outgrow some fears, like the fear of the dark, or what’s underneath your bed. But mental health issues, when left unaddressed, don’t usually magically disappear. Most anxiety disorders tend to be chronic if not treated. 

Even ADHD, which is often considered a childhood condition, can still be diagnosed in adults, and is becoming more prevalent as people gain awareness of the signs. 

While growing older might not resolve your anxiety on its own, getting treatment can – the earlier, the better. Visions offers residential care programs for teens with mental health issues.

Our treatment modalities allow for a comprehensive holistic approach for conditions such as social anxiety, panic disorder, or substance use disorder. We leverage psychotherapy as well as experiential therapies. Learn more about our programs through our website, or give us a call. 

Categories
Mental Health

Talking with Your Teen During Depression Awareness Month

Mood disorders like depression have become an increasingly prevalent issue for young teens. Behavioral researchers and psychologists have determined dozens of potential factors to help explain why depression is becoming more common, from screen time and its impact on sleep to the changes in social behavior brought on by new technologies, as well as socioeconomic context, academic pressure, awareness, better screening tools, and even genes. 

Surveys estimate that about one in ten teens struggles with severe long-term depression, and every fifth teen has seriously considered suicide.  

Generating awareness and a better understanding of mood disorders like depression helps parents and teachers better screen for the early warning signs, identify teens that need help, and prevent tragedies. But it’s not just about sheer numbers and statistical risks. It’s about how teens feel – and making sure they’re heard and understood. 

Take the opportunity this month, during Depression Awareness Month, to talk to your teen about the signs and symptoms of teen depression, and what they should know about getting help – whether for someone they know, or even for themselves. 

Approaches to Initiating Conversations

It isn’t easy to talk about depression, or any mental health condition. Mental health issues are often still poorly understood and heavily stigmatized. 

Whereas we see a common cold or a broken bone as par for the course in life – an unfortunate thing that happens – we’re more likely to see mental health issues as a personal failing, especially in ourselves. It’s important to confront that line of thinking. 

If you want to talk to your teen about depression – whether in general, or because you want to know if they’re feeling alright – then pick the right time and place. 

When your teen is open to talking, or talking about their day, segue into mentioning your concern about mental health issues or mental health resources at school, perhaps because you’ve recently read about Depression Awareness Month, and it crossed your mind. 

Or take the opportunity on a weekend, while spending time together as a family, to use the quiet time between activities to ask your teen how they’re doing – in earnest – and just listen. 

If your teen has been having a hard time recently, always focus on compassion before rationality. You may be in a completely different headspace, and while the solution to your teen’s problems might seem straightforward, there are reasons that they’re having a hard time regardless. Avoid using words or phrases like “just” or “I would” or “you should”. Instead, keep asking questions. Ask your teen what they think they should do next. 

If your teen admits that they’ve been having an especially hard time recently – or may even be depressed – comfort them. Depression isn’t a personal failing, and it isn’t permanent. Tell them that they aren’t alone, and that, sometimes, talking about these feelings can help fight them. 

Recognizing Signs of Teen Depression

Depression is a kind of mood disorder, one characterized by low mood over longer periods. Low mood can include unprompted feelings of loneliness, emptiness, hopelessness, and worthlessness, with no apparent trigger or reason. Sometimes, depressive episodes can be kicked off by grief or sadness – but other times, they come out of nowhere. 

Recognizing depression in a teen is as much about keeping an eye out for changes in how they talk and act, as well as regularly checking in with your teen to see how they feel. Watch out for: 

  • Sudden behavioral changes.
    • No longer hanging out with friends/change in friend group. 
    • Sudden loss of interest in hobbies. 
    • Struggles to have fun.
    • Sudden drop in appetite. 
    • Increased appetite, but mostly binges. 
    • Oversleeping or being unable to fall asleep at night.  
  • Changes in a teen’s mood and words. 
    • Frequently talking about death or making light of death and suicide. 
    • Often takes the blame, sees self as the problem. 
    • Often talks about how things might be easier without themselves, or if they left. 
    • Sudden changes in how they communicate, shutting down/talking less. 
    • Random bursts of irritability.
  • Unforeseen or unexplained physical and cognitive symptoms. 
    • Random stomach aches with no other cause. 
    • Feeling constantly lethargic, despite oversleeping or napping. 
    • Unable to perform physically, whether at work or sports. 
    • Struggling to think and focus, lapses in memory, can’t listen well, dropped grades.   

Screening for depression usually involves asking a teen a few questions to determine if they’re potentially depressed. 

However, a doctor must make a diagnosis for depression. Sometimes, the symptoms of depression can overlap with other problems. Sometimes, they’re pointing towards a different condition. There are strict criteria for various kinds of depression – the most common kind is major depressive disorder, but teens can also be affected by bipolar disorder, dysthymia, premenstrual dysphoric disorder, and other mood disorders. 

Depression is a condition that often invites co-occurring disorders. This means that teens who are depressed have a much higher likelihood of also struggling with other mental health conditions, either before or after the onset of their depressive symptoms. 

Strategies for Supporting Your Teen

A parent’s support is incredibly powerful in the fight against depression. Being there for your teen through thick and thin can make a huge difference, but knowing how to support them is important. 

First and foremost, talk to a professional together. Encourage your teen to talk to a therapist and go to their sessions together. 

Talk to the therapist about family therapy – many therapists like to work with clients and their families to better understand the at-home dynamic, and address ways in which family members can improve their well-being together. 

When at home, take your teen’s needs into consideration while taking care of yourself. Encourage good mental and physical self-care through better habits of your own. Teens remain susceptible to their parents’ behaviors and convictions – use that influence positively. 

Remember to cut them some slack. Depression is hard because it’s an insidious and invisible opponent. A depressed teen will think slower, remember things later, and become overly self-critical when making a mistake – which invites a vicious cycle. Give your teen breathers, work with them to help support them through tough times or academic pressures or encourage them to take a step back and take more frequent breaks. 

We at Visions provide professional mental health treatments for teens struggling with depression and other mental health issues, through our designated residential treatment programs. Give us a call today to find out more about our programs, and how they might help your teen. 

Categories
Alcohol

The Dangers of Teenage Binge Drinking

There are many dangers of teenage binge drinking, including severe health effects like liver damage, impaired judgment leading to risky behaviors, and long-lasting impacts on mental health. The risks extend beyond the immediate, potentially affecting educational performance and future well-being.

The issue of teenage binge drinking is more than just a phase – it’s a widespread problem that exposes teens to a myriad of health and safety risks. While society often dismisses it as a youthful indiscretion, the consequences can be severe and long-lasting. Parents, educators, and healthcare providers must understand the full scope of the problem to protect the well-being of our youth. In this article, we explore the dangers of teenage binge drinking, offering a comprehensive look at what’s at stake.

What is Binge Drinking?

Binge drinking is generally defined as consuming enough alcohol within a short time frame, usually two hours, to bring blood alcohol concentration levels to 0.08% or higher. For males, this typically amounts to five or more drinks, and for females, four or more drinks. While the term is often associated with college-aged young adults, it is a concerning trend among high school students as well.

The Dangers of Teenage Binge Drinking

The risks associated with binge drinking are severe and can have life-altering effects. From impaired cognitive function to the potential for alcohol poisoning, binge drinking is a high-risk activity that should not be taken lightly.

Here are 10 dangers of teenage binge drinking you should know.

1. Liver Damage

The liver plays a crucial role in detoxifying the body, including the metabolism of alcohol. However, the liver can only metabolize a certain amount of alcohol per hour.

Binge drinking overwhelms this natural detoxification process, causing alcohol to accumulate in the bloodstream and inflict damage on liver cells. Initially, this might lead to fatty liver disease, an early stage of liver dysfunction that is often reversible. However, continued abuse of alcohol may lead to more severe conditions like alcoholic hepatitis, an inflammation of the liver.

Over the long term, consistent binge drinking can result in cirrhosis, a scarring of the liver tissue that can be fatal. For teens, the risk is heightened, as their bodies are still developing, making them more susceptible to long-lasting damage.

2. Impaired Judgment

One of the most immediate and observable effects of binge drinking is impaired judgment. Alcohol inhibits the function of the prefrontal cortex, the area of the brain responsible for rational thinking and decision-making.

As a result, teens who binge drink often engage in risky behaviors they might otherwise avoid. This includes driving under the influence, which puts not only the intoxicated individual at risk but also everyone else on the road. Lowered inhibitions may also result in unsafe sexual practices, potentially leading to unwanted pregnancies or sexually transmitted infections. The consequences of a single night of impaired judgment can thus have far-reaching effects on a teenager’s life.

3. Alcohol Poisoning

Alcohol poisoning is an acute medical emergency that can occur when large amounts of alcohol are consumed in a short period. The condition is especially dangerous because it can suppress vital life functions like breathing and heart rate.

Symptoms of alcohol poisoning include extreme confusion, vomiting, seizures, slow or irregular breathing, and unconsciousness. In severe cases, alcohol poisoning can lead to coma or even death. Immediate medical intervention is crucial, often involving supportive treatments to safeguard breathing and heart function.

For teens, the risk of alcohol poisoning is particularly alarming because they are often inexperienced with alcohol, unaware of their limits, and more likely to engage in binge drinking behaviors.

4. Mental Health Impact

The relationship between binge drinking and mental health is complex and concerning. Excessive drinking has been found to exacerbate existing mental health conditions, but it can also be the catalyst for the onset of new disorders.

Alcohol is a depressant, which means it can severely affect mood and emotional well-being. For teens who binge drink, there’s an increased likelihood of experiencing depressive episodes, heightened anxiety, and elevated stress levels. Additionally, the act of binge drinking often serves as a coping mechanism for underlying emotional or psychological issues, creating a vicious cycle that worsens mental health over time.

It’s not uncommon for adolescents to develop co-occurring disorders, where a substance abuse problem exists alongside another mental health issue like depression or anxiety, complicating treatment and recovery.

5. Educational Consequences

The toll that binge drinking takes on academic life can be both immediate and long-lasting.

In the short term, hangovers and lack of sleep from a night of heavy drinking can lead to poor concentration, missed assignments, and tardiness or absenteeism. This pattern often results in deteriorating grades and disciplinary issues. Moreover, cognitive impairments linked to binge drinking can affect a teen’s ability to process information, engage in critical thinking, and retain knowledge—factors crucial for academic success.

The cumulative effect can lead to academic probation or even expulsion, narrowing future educational and career opportunities. The long-term consequences extend beyond school, potentially affecting job prospects and lifetime earnings.

6. Long-Term Addiction

The connection between adolescent binge drinking and long-term addiction is particularly alarming. The adolescent brain is still in the process of developing, making it more susceptible to the addictive properties of substances like alcohol. Studies have shown that individuals who begin drinking before the age of 15 are four times more likely to develop alcohol dependence at some point in their lives compared to those who start drinking at age 21 or later.

Early exposure to alcohol can normalize the act of heavy drinking, ingraining unhealthy patterns that persist into adulthood. This normalization can lead to a diminished perception of the risks associated with alcohol, making it easier to slip into a cycle of dependence that requires professional intervention to break.

7. Relationship Strains

Binge drinking can take a severe toll on relationships, both familial and social. It often results in mistrust, broken commitments, and emotional distance between the teen and their family members or friends. The erratic behaviors associated with binge drinking can alienate peers and can even lead to conflicts that have legal ramifications. In intimate relationships, binge drinking may contribute to toxicity or abuse, setting a dangerous pattern that could persist into adulthood.

Family dynamics are particularly affected. Parents find it hard to trust a child who is consistently drinking to excess, and this can result in strained communications and escalating tensions at home. In the worst scenarios, siblings and other family members might also be negatively influenced or directly harmed by the teen’s behavior.

8. Legal Troubles

The legal implications of teenage binge drinking are both immediate and long-lasting. Underage drinking is illegal in many jurisdictions, and getting caught can lead to a range of consequences including fines, community service, and even jail time for repeat offenders.

A criminal record can have a detrimental impact on a teen’s future, affecting college admissions, employment opportunities, and even housing applications. Drunk driving charges can result in the suspension of a driver’s license, significantly limiting one’s freedom and mobility. Moreover, legal troubles can bring about a cascade of other problems, including family strife and damage to one’s reputation, which can be hard to repair.

9. Physical Harm

Binge drinking doesn’t just harm internal organs; it can also result in immediate physical harm. Alcohol-induced clumsiness and impaired judgment can lead to accidents like falls, car crashes, or physical altercations.

Additionally, binge drinking is often linked to violence, either as the perpetrator or the victim. Physical injuries resulting from these incidents can range from minor to severe, including broken bones, concussions, or more dire consequences. In extreme cases, binge drinking can even result in death, whether from a fatal accident or from acute alcohol poisoning.

10. Developmental Effects

The teenage years are a critical period for brain and body development. Consistent binge drinking can have a profound impact on this delicate process. Alcohol affects the development of the brain’s frontal lobes, essential for functions such as planning, forming judgments, and maintaining self-control.

This disruption in brain development can lead to learning difficulties and hinder academic performance. Furthermore, alcohol can interfere with the adolescent hormonal balance necessary for puberty, growth, and the development of healthy bone density. The consequences are not just limited to physical health but extend to emotional and psychological well-being, potentially affecting a teen’s quality of life well into adulthood.

Substance Abuse Treatment at Visions

Visions Teen Treatment Centers specialize in tackling the tough issues affecting today’s youth.

Our highly qualified staff and evidence-based approaches provide a safe and supportive atmosphere for adolescents grappling with substance abuse. Why let another day go by when help is within reach?

Contact us to start your path toward healing.

Conclusion

Teenage binge drinking is a serious problem with far-reaching consequences. Understanding the risks is the first step in prevention and treatment. As a parent, guardian, or caregiver, it’s crucial to educate ourselves and our teens about the dangers associated with binge drinking.

Don’t let your teen navigate these risks alone—seek professional help to guide them toward a safer, healthier future. Reach out to us today to learn more about our treatment options.

Categories
Alcohol

The Effects of Teenage Drinking on the Body

Teenage drinking can have severe and long-lasting effects on the body, from impaired cognitive function to damage to vital organs. Beyond immediate consequences like poor decision-making and accidents, the physiological impact can ripple into adulthood, affecting one’s overall health and well-being.

While many adolescents may view drinking as a rite of passage, the consequences of underage drinking are far more serious than many realize. Not only does it impair judgment and lead to risky behaviors, but it also has significant physiological impacts. As a teen’s body is still developing, the adverse effects of alcohol can be more pronounced and have lasting consequences. In this article, you will discover the effects of teenage drinking on the body.

10 Effects of Teenage Drinking on the Body

The risks associated with teenage drinking are multifaceted and often extend beyond the immediate repercussions. Long-term, underage drinking can cause irreversible damage to vital organs, interfere with healthy development, and contribute to chronic health issues.

Here are some of the negative effects of teenage drinking on the body.

1. Liver Damage

The liver plays a critical role in the body’s metabolic processes, including detoxifying chemicals and metabolizing drugs. For teenagers, whose bodies are still in the development stage, the liver is especially susceptible to the damaging effects of alcohol. Drinking can lead to liver inflammation, known as alcoholic hepatitis, a condition that can cause symptoms like jaundice, abdominal pain, and nausea. In severe cases, it can result in fatty liver, an early stage of alcoholic liver disease, and even escalate to liver cirrhosis. The latter involves the scarring of liver tissue and can severely hamper the liver’s ability to function, leading to a host of health problems that could necessitate a liver transplant in extreme cases.

2. Brain Development

The adolescent brain is still under construction, with key areas involved in decision-making and impulse control being some of the last to develop. Alcohol exposure during this crucial time can impede neural connections, affecting cognitive functions like memory, attention, and spatial skills. The long-term repercussions can be especially severe, including diminished cognitive abilities and even an increased risk of developing neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s later in life. Furthermore, alcohol’s depressant qualities can exacerbate or precipitate mental health conditions such as depression or anxiety, further adding to the challenges an adolescent may face.

3. Heart Issues

Heart health is not usually a primary concern for teenagers, but excessive drinking can lay the groundwork for cardiovascular problems that typically don’t manifest until later in life. Alcohol can increase the levels of some fats in the bloodstream, leading to high cholesterol and hypertension, both of which are risk factors for heart disease. Furthermore, binge drinking episodes can lead to irregular heartbeats, known as arrhythmias, and an elevated risk for cardiomyopathy, a condition where the heart muscle weakens. These factors can create a cascade of cardiovascular issues, making early intervention crucial to prevent more severe problems as one ages.

4. Hormonal Imbalance

The teenage years are a critical period for hormonal development, which not only influences physical growth but also mood and brain chemistry. Consuming alcohol can significantly disrupt this delicate balance. For instance, alcohol can interfere with the body’s production of testosterone and estrogen, the primary male and female sex hormones, potentially leading to fertility issues and even sexual dysfunction in the long run. Additionally, alcohol has been found to interfere with the stress hormone cortisol, which could contribute to mental health issues like anxiety and depression. Hormonal imbalances could also affect metabolic rates, sleep patterns, and immune function, complicating the already tumultuous period of adolescence.

5. Increased Risk of Addiction

Adolescents are particularly vulnerable to developing addictive behaviors because their brains are still in a crucial stage of development, especially in the areas responsible for impulse control and judgment. Alcohol is an addictive substance, and early exposure significantly increases the risk of developing alcohol use disorders later in life. Teenagers who begin drinking before the age of 15 are four times more likely to become addicted to alcohol compared to those who start at age 21 or later. Early alcohol use not only predisposes an individual to alcohol addiction but can also serve as a gateway to other substance abuses like opioids, stimulants, or sedatives.

6. Poor Academic Performance

The brain regions that control attention, memory, and executive functions like planning and organization are still maturing during the teen years. Alcohol can severely disrupt these processes, leading to an immediate impact on academic performance. Lack of focus, decreased cognitive abilities, and memory lapses can make it difficult for teens to perform well in school, leading to falling grades and increased dropout rates. The effects of alcohol on academic performance aren’t just immediate; they can also have long-term repercussions. Poor grades can limit future educational and job opportunities, setting the stage for a cascade of life-altering consequences.

7. Mental Health Effects

Teenage years are a formative period for mental health, and the introduction of alcohol can complicate this development significantly. Alcohol is a depressant, which means it can dampen mood and contribute to conditions like depression and anxiety. Moreover, excessive drinking can lead to episodes of anger, aggressiveness, and even symptoms of more severe mental health disorders like bipolar disorder. Alcohol can also increase suicidal ideation and risk-taking behavior, making it a critical concern for adolescents who are already more susceptible to these tendencies.

8. Impaired Judgment

One of the immediate effects of alcohol consumption is impaired judgment, a factor that can have dire consequences for teenagers. This impairment can lead to risky behaviors like unsafe sex, reckless driving, or engaging in violent activities. The lack of judgment can also result in long-lasting repercussions like legal troubles or significant harm to themselves or others. The regions of the brain responsible for decision-making are still developing in adolescents, making the influence of alcohol on judgment even more potent and potentially dangerous during this life stage.

9. Digestive Problems

While the liver is the organ most commonly associated with alcohol metabolism, the digestive system is not immune to the effects of alcohol. Chronic drinking can lead to a range of gastrointestinal issues including gastritis, acid reflux, and ulcers. In the long term, this can result in nutritional deficiencies as the body struggles to absorb essential nutrients. For teenagers, who are still growing and require a balanced diet for proper development, this can be particularly detrimental.

10. Immune System Suppression

The immune system is another critical system that alcohol can adversely affect. Regular drinking, even in small amounts, can interfere with the body’s ability to fight off infections. For teenagers, this means an increased susceptibility to illnesses ranging from the common cold to more severe infections. A compromised immune system can lead to more frequent sickness, which can again have knock-on effects on school attendance and academic performance. It can also make vaccinations less effective and slow down the body’s ability to heal from injuries or surgeries.

Substance Abuse Treatment at Visions

If you or a teen you know is struggling with substance abuse, it’s not too late to seek help. At Visions, we specialize in adolescent substance abuse treatment, offering a comprehensive, personalized approach to recovery. With our highly trained staff and evidence-based methods, we provide a safe environment where teenagers can confront their issues head-on and begin the path to recovery. Contact us today to explore how we can help your family.

Conclusion

Teenage drinking poses severe and long-lasting consequences on both physical and emotional well-being. The risks are too great to ignore, and early intervention is key to preventing long-term damage. For those in need, expert help is available to navigate the challenging journey of recovery. Don’t wait for the situation to worsen; take action today to ensure a healthier tomorrow.

Categories
Substance Abuse

What to Do If My Teenager is Doing Drugs

Binge drinking, marijuana, hallucinogens, and depressants like benzodiazepine still rank at the top of the list of common substances for experimenting teens. But how dangerous is drug experimentation, and what should you do if your teenager is doing drugs? Let’s take a look at different approaches to teen drug use. 

We read time and time again that today’s youth are using fewer drugs than previous generations. Teens today seem to wait longer before experimenting with drugs, or don’t use them at all. 

On the other hand, there are frightening statistics on how drug use has sharply increased after the pandemic, and how opioid overdoses have skyrocketed in last few decades, even from non-opioid drugs (due to the use of fentanyl as an additive). 

Knowing what teens are most likely to experiment with is important. While half of surveyed teens have experimented with a drug before, the breakdown of these drugs heavily skews towards alcohol and marijuana. While alcohol and cannabis are far and away the most commonly abused drugs by teens, about 7.5 percent of teens have tried a hallucinogen, 7 percent of 12th graders have tried depressants (such as benzodiazepines or tranquilizers), and 5.9 percent have tried LSD. 

Drugs like heroin, methamphetamine and cocaine are rarely a teen problem – less than one percent (and in heroin’s case just 0.02 percent) of teens have tried these drugs. 

It can be immensely worrying to find out that your teen has been experimenting with drugs – especially more dangerous substances, such as prescription pills. Even seemingly legitimate prescription drugs can be sourced dubiously and laced with additives to make them more potent, and more deadly. Furthermore, today’s strains of cannabis are far more powerful than previous generations, due to the selective cultivation of marijuana with higher concentrations of THC.

However, let’s remember that not all cases of drug exposure will lead to addiction. Yes, early drug use correlates with substance use problems later in life, as teens that start using drugs early on often share other life factors that make them more susceptible to addiction. But your first thought when finding out that your teen has had a beer or tried weed shouldn’t be to picture them as a struggling addict. There are still many steps and opportunities for intervention before things get that bad. Let us dial back a bit and explore the issue step by step. 

Why Do Teens Experiment with Drugs?

Teens continue to try drugs the same reason other generations of teens have tried drugs:

  • Due to substance abuse in the family. 
  • As an extreme form of escapism, or to cope with difficult circumstances. 
  • Because it is expected or normalized socially, such as alcohol consumption and binge drinking. 
  • As an act of defiance, or rebellion against authority. 
  • Sheer teenage curiosity. 

There are risk factors that greatly increase a teen’s likelihood of continuing to use drugs, rather than looking for a novel experience. These include: 

  • Family history of addiction (a predisposition toward drug use). 
  • A history of mental health issues (depression and anxiety correlate more heavily with substance use). 
  • A history of self-harm without suicidal intent. 
  • Accessibility to drugs (teen substance use problems are more common in areas where it is easier to find illicit substances, or it’s easier for teens to acquire alcohol). 
  • Being part of the LGBTQ+ community (many teens in the LGBTQ+ community face rising intolerance and greater social stigma). 
  • Early experimentation (earlier exposure to addictive drugs can make addiction more likely). 
  • Socioeconomic status (poverty is a risk factor for drug use). 

If you’ve found out that your teen has tried a drug before, focusing on protective factors can reduce the likelihood of an addiction. This includes: 

  • Avoiding drug use at home, including drinking and smoking. 
  • Making your personal stance on drugs clear. 
  • Improving your teen’s knowledge of the long-term effects of drug use, both physical and mental. 
  • Helping your teen deal with their stressors, including symptoms of anxiety or depression. 
  • Providing support for your teen’s identity. 
  • Helping them improve their relationship within the community or find positive social relationships together. 

Does My Teen Have a Drug Problem?

Recognizing the difference between trying out drinking and a serious problem is a matter of observing changes in your teen’s behavior and watching out for certain red flags. A physician’s diagnosis is still needed to determine whether a teen has a substance use disorder – but parents and friends can help screen for addiction by keeping an eye out for changes such as: 

  • A loss of interest in old hobbies. 
  • Physical signs of drug use, such as bloodshot eyes, slurring, frequent hangovers. 
  • Physical evidence of drug use, such as drug paraphernalia, hiding alcohol, and drug stashes. 
  • Lying about where they’ve been, or what they’ve been doing. 
  • One or more unsuccessful attempts to stop using. 

If your teen’s experimentation has become habit-forming, then it’s important to take immediate action. Talk to your teen about considering a treatment program to help them quit drinking or stop using drugs. 

If your teen doesn’t recognize that their behavior has become problematic, talk to a professional about staging an intervention. Interventions help people realize that they’ve much farther along on the path to addiction than they might have realized, and that they need serious help to stop. 

Working with your teen to find a solution can help. Offer to help them look for treatment options, take them to appointments, and support them throughout the recovery process. 

If you or someone you know is struggling with a substance use problem, it’s time to get professional help. Visions offers residential care programs for teens with drug problems. We also offer individualized treatment plans for teens to continue their recovery progress, and work on their sobriety skills. We integrate different treatment modalities to provide a holistic treatment plan for teens, utilizing talk therapy as well as experiential therapies, and the medical expertise of our staff. Learn more about our modalities and residential treatment programs by contacting us today. 

 

Categories
Marijuana

The Long-Term Effects of Dabbing

Cannabis dabbing is an emerging trend that utilizes sticky resin or residue to create a stronger high. Cannabis dabbing enables teens to extract higher concentrations of THC from the same amount of cannabis than through conventional smoking. This can have long-term effects on teens and adults alike. 

Dabbing refers to inhaling the smoke of a concentrated “dab” of cannabis oil or cannabis resin, which typically amounts to a much higher concentration of THC from the same plant or amount of dried cannabis. Dabs can be prepared alone or purchased from specialty shops, and usually have a sticky brown appearance, like sap or resin.

A dab is prepared through a variety of different methods, and each will have their own levels of THC concentration. Some cannabis enthusiasts design or sell devices built to extract a specific kind of residue from dried cannabis for dabbing. Others purchase dabs from stores that manufacture them from their own product.

Some of the methods of acquiring a cannabis dab can be dangerous, but the main health risk of dabbing is the inhalation of a much higher concentration of THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol. THC is the psychoactive component in cannabis, and it is what gives cannabis its characteristic high. 

While THC cannot cause death by overdose, excessive amounts of THC consumption can trigger high levels of anxiety, or trigger a psychotic episode (as in, symptoms of psychosis, such as disorientation, dissociation, and hallucination). Higher concentrations of THC can also put users in danger if they try to drive or operate heavy machinery. 

Dabbing is growing in popularity among young adults and teens. While recreational marijuana usage is selectively legalized in the United States, there are still health risks associated with long-term cannabis usage, and it is illegal for teens to purchase or use marijuana. Nevertheless, teens with access to the drug may use cannabis dabs rather than smoking the dried material itself. 

How is Dabbing Performed? 

There is no specific standard for isolating the resin or oil in cannabis, although multiple different methods have sprung up over recent years. Dabbing is an umbrella term that refers to the inhalation of most cannabis concentrates, usually through heating up the concentrate directly or indirectly, and inhaling the resulting vapors. 

Cannabis concentrates can be prepared through water-based processing, dry processing, dry ice-based processing, and solvent-based processing. Solvent-based processing utilizes different chemicals, most commonly lighter fluid (butane), but also ether, alcohol, or propane. Some people use a nonflammable solvent, such as carbon dioxide. 

Solvent-based preparation methods are popular because they are relatively simple to execute at home. They require the use of a tube, a solvent, and a filtering device. The dried cannabis is inserted in a tube and mixed with a solvent, and most of the solvent is removed through the filter to leave behind the residue once finished. The resulting residue is mostly free from the solvent because most volatile solvents evaporate completely over time, leaving only the concentrate behind. 

Butane-prepared cannabis concentrate is also known as butane hash oil and has a variety of common names such as amber, black glass, wax, shatter, budder, or butane honey oil. Some of these names differ depending on the color and consistency of the resulting product – it can vary from runny, to waxy, to crystalline. 

Once the cannabis concentrate is created or acquired, it can be lit and consumed in a variety of ways. Some involve using a blowtorch to heat water and create a vapor stream to heat the concentrate on a specialized dish. Others utilize heated metal, such as a nail or curling iron, to create a vapor. There are also electronic devices specifically designed for cannabis concentrates. Different temperatures create different kinds of vapor or smoke. 

What Are the Long-Term Effects of Dabbing?

There are a number of concerns and risks associated with dabbing. The first and most severe risk is the risk of fire. While instructions for creating solvent-based dabs are available throughout the internet, improper handling of a solvent is a serious fire hazard. 

There have been reports of multiple deaths due to improper preparation of a cannabis dab at home. Improper storage of cannabis for creating concentrates can also result in the inhalation or ingestion of dangerous microbes and fungi. Furthermore, improper dabbing can also involve solvent inhalation. Inhaling solvents can be dangerous for the brain and lungs. 

Why High Levels of THC Are Dangerous

Aside from the risks of preparing cannabis concentrates, the consumption of cannabis dabs can also be harmful. Some teens are more susceptible to the risks of psychosis via high concentrations of THC and may not realize that consuming concentrated THC may trigger their symptoms. 

There is also medical literature detailing acute and chronic lung impairment due to butane hash oil consumption, as well as damage to the heart. 

Research also shows that repetitive consumption of high levels of THC can impair cognition and cause short-term memory loss. Teenage brains may be more susceptible to these risks, due to being in development. While rare, recurring cannabis usage can also lead to withdrawal symptoms, including anxiety, irritability, depression, tremors, loss of appetite, and abdominal pain. 

Cannabis is generally seen as a safer drug than alcohol or other hard drugs. But dabbing enables people to consume far higher concentrations of THC than normal, whereas THC levels in cannabis products have already been increasing rapidly over the past two decades. Teens today have access to far more THC than previous generations, and these new methods can prove dangerous in both the short- and long-term. 

If you or someone you know is frequently consuming concentrated cannabis, be sure that they understand the risks, especially if they are underage. Teens mistake cannabis as being risk-free, but it can result in both psychological and physical damage. 

We at Visions help teens through our residential treatment programs. If your teen has been struggling to stop using cannabis, we can work with them to help them overcome their addiction. Give us a call today to find out more.  

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Uncategorized

8 Common Reasons Teens Use Drugs

About a fifth of 10th graders and a third of 12th graders have reported using an illicit substance in the past year. While alcohol and cannabis usage are highest, teens also illegally use prescription medication, painkillers, nicotine, and other drugs such as cocaine and amphetamines. What draws teens to drugs?

Whether it’s alcohol or heroin, early drug use can have a devastating effect on a teen’s long-term health – today more than ever, as more and more counterfeit pills and designer drugs feature extraordinarily dangerous drugs like fentanyl. 

But the keyword here is can. Many teens experiment with a few substances during high school or college, and don’t end up addicted. Others, however, are not so lucky. 

A lack of knowledge and understanding of the risk of drug use, natural curiosity, and the glamorization of drug use are some of the reasons why many teens are drawn to substances like cannabis, alcohol, and prescription drugs. A lack of self-preservation – or more accurately, an inability to appropriately gauge and process risk – also help explain why teens are much more eager to try things than adults might be. Let’s explore some other reasons teens use drugs and what that might mean for communities. 

Peer Pressure

Peer pressure is a classic. You see someone popular do something, so you feel compelled to do it too. Not all teens will follow the leader – but in certain groups, especially tight-knit cliques, where drug use might be expected to a degree, it becomes normal to smoke a bowl or have a beer while underage. 

The desire to fit in is stronger with teens than adults, partially because the teen brain is more incentivized to seek and form social connections than the adult brain. 

Teenage Curiosity

Are teens really more curious than adults? Maybe. It would be more accurate to say that teen psychology is hardwired towards experimentation – teens are at a point in their personal development where they still need to figure out who, and what, they are. 

Add to that a level of carelessness that doesn’t go away until the mid-20s, and it helps explain why teens tend to be a bit more daring than their older counterparts. This goes for drug use, as well. 

Self-Medication

Not all teen drug use is fueled by whimsy. Some teens turn to certain drugs – like alcohol, or cannabis – as a relaxation tool. Others use prescription amphetamines or drugs like Ritalin to help them concentrate, stay awake to study longer, or overcome academic pressure. 

A big problem with self-medication is that it often utilizes an addictive substance to temporarily distract from a long-term problem. The result, in too many cases, is teen addiction. 

Rebellion Against Authority

Some teenagers use drugs as a form of rebellion against parental or societal norms, seeking independence and control over their lives. This cliché has its own psychological purpose – to help teens figure out what makes them who they are in spite of their environment, or in opposition to it. 

Drugs are far from the only way to do that, but being so taboo while simultaneously being accessible makes them a common tool for rebellion, whether in the form of a few beers and cigarettes after school or something stronger. 

Ease of Access

Speaking of accessibility, easy access to drugs is another contributing factor. Prescription medication can often be found at home, or while visiting a relative. Alcohol and cigarettes can be stolen from the pantry or acquired through an adult patsy at the nearest convenience store. Some drugs are harder to come by, but surveys show that most teens know where to find nearly any drug they want (through the Internet). 

Media and Pop Culture

Media is powerful. It helps shape societal norms and culture. For example, underage drinking is tacitly accepted – it’s often considered a rite of passage, or a coming-of-age trope in shows and movies. It wasn’t too long ago that the same could be said about cigarettes. Many celebrities openly drink, smoke, and use illicit substances. For some teens, knowing that their favorite pop star has done a few lines before a show might empower them to give it a try the next time the opportunity presents itself at a party. 

Ignorance of the Dangers of Drug Use

Teens know about hangovers and drug overdoses. Some teens might even know about the importance of staying hydrated while using amphetamines or other stimulants. But they might not be aware of the severity of the long-term effects of certain drugs, or the power of addiction. 

Teens might not be aware that alcohol withdrawal can kill, or that long-term drinking causes permanent neuropathy and pain. They might not know that many prescription drugs sold illegally are often counterfeit, and laced with powerful drugs that can cause a swift overdose death before the paramedics have the chance to arrive at the scene. Many teens don’t realize that vaping still presents serious risks for the lungs. 

Family History

A family history of substance abuse can increase a teen’s susceptibility to drug experimentation due to genetic and environmental factors. If alcoholism is a problem in the family, then a teen is more likely to struggle with alcohol addiction than their friends, even if they start drinking at the same time. If teens are used to certain kinds of drug use at home, they’re far more likely to continue that same drug use in their own adult lives. 

It’s crucial for parents, guardians, and educators to engage in open and non-judgmental conversations with teenagers about the risks associated with drug use and to provide support and resources for healthy coping strategies and alternatives.

If you or a loved one are struggling with drug use, then seeking help is important. We at Visions offer residential care programs for teens with drug problems and offer individualized treatment plans to help teens manage and overcome addiction. Give us a call today to learn more about our programs and treatment modalities. 

Categories
Depression

How to Get a Depressed Teenager Out of Bed

When you’re dealing with depression, even simple tasks like getting out of bed or putting on new clothes can feel like an insurmountable challenge. Motivation isn’t always enough. Routines, healthy habits, and professional treatment are important. Find out how to support your teen and get them the help they need to manage depressive thoughts and combat them effectively. 

A teenager struggling to get out of bed in the morning is fighting to find a reason to exist. They want to feel better, feel happier, do things, and experience joy. But with depression, it can seem like there’s a huge wall between what they want, and what they’re currently capable of. 

Pulling them out of bed might help get them on their feet when they otherwise can’t, but it’s not a good long-term solution. If you want to help your depressed teenager out of bed at a consistent rate, then you will need to help them address depression – and everything that comes with it. 

Is It Depression?

When it comes to getting a depressed teenager out of bed, stern voices and stiff arms will not help; what you need, first and foremost, is the patience of a saint. 

Depression is a difficult and insidious condition. It disguises itself as our own voice, doing nothing but bringing us down thought by thought. Neurologically, there are numerous different suggested pathological theories for how mood disorders like major depressive disorder develop – differences in the transfer of information across synapses, brain chemical deficiencies, imbalances, endocrine disorders. Some of these theories have more evidence than others, but there is no clear answer. 

In many cases, genes have a role to play. In most cases, there are environmental risk factors that exacerbate and reaffirm negative thinking, such as abuse, stress, grief, or poverty. Depression isn’t just like feeling sad – it’s about feeling low. Low energy, low mood, low self-esteem. That feeling remains consistent, even in the face of something to smile about. 

Signs and symptoms of depression in teens include: 

  • A constant low mood, at home, at school, and everywhere else. 
  • Loss of interest in old hobbies and activities. 
  • A sudden change in friends, or social isolation. 
  • A jump in reckless behavior and uncharacteristic risk-taking. 
  • A much lower self-esteem than usual. 
  • Restlessness, or oversleeping. 
  • Chronic mental and physical fatigue. 
  • Unexplained pains with no physical cause. 
  • Evidence of self-harm. 

Only a doctor can assess and diagnose a mood disorder like depression in a teen. If you are worried about your teen’s mental health, talk to them about visiting a mental health professional together. 

Related: 9 Warning Signs of Adolescent Depression

Open Communication

One of the best things friends and family can do to help address depression is to talk about it and talk about it openly. If you or another loved one have had experience dealing with a diagnosed mood disorder, then talk about how you felt. Emphasize sharing your feelings. Emphasize the fact that your teen is not alone, even among friends and family, for feeling inexplicably and randomly sad. 

Acknowledging that depression exists helps teens identify their negative thoughts and feelings with being depressed and begin isolating some of that negativity with the context of a mental health issue, rather than an inherent personal quality. Being depressed isn’t part of who your teen is – it’s something they’re experiencing. And there are ways to fight it. 

Set Realistic Goals

Sometimes, depression can spiral with a negative, recursive thought. A teen might get hung up on the fact that they can’t seem to get out of bed. They feel guilty and chastise themselves for being too powerless for something so “simple”. They feel empty and disillusioned. “Why even bother”, they might think. Then they turn over one more time. They wake up, and the cycle repeats itself. 

Goal setting can be a positive way to combat this line of thinking for teens with depression. We aren’t talking about long-term goals here, but short, realistic, daily to-do lists. Something like drinking a certain amount of water each day, or remembering to have a small breakfast, or consistently waking up at a certain time. 

You will need to help your teen set and achieve these goals, for a while – until they become routine. 

Establish a Routine

Short-term goals lead to healthy habits and a consistent routine. Prioritize elements in a routine that are proven to help manage negative thoughts: a healthy sleep cycle with enough daily rest, some exercise, and a better balance between a teen’s daily responsibilities and their personal recreation. Motivation comes and goes. But self-discipline and consistency can provide structure and a sense of stability – and help boost a teen’s self-esteem. 

Reinforce the Routine

There will be days when your teen won’t drink enough water. There will be days they can’t seem to fall asleep until late into the night, and struggle to wake up. There will be days where the routine breaks, the thoughts get stronger, and the feelings of failing – of being bad – creep back up. 

Don’t judge, don’t chastise. Your teen is doing more than their fair share of both, and it’s simply pushing them further down. When the routine breaks, help your teen get back into it. The sooner, the better. Be gentle. But be persistent. 

Seek Professional Help

Parents can do much at home to help support their teen. But if it becomes clearer that this isn’t just a depressive episode, but something more long-term, then it becomes important to consult a mental health professional. 

Involve your teen in their treatment decisions! Review your options together. Visit therapists or counselors. Learn about how different treatment options work together. 

Talk therapy and medication are effective first-line treatments for teen depression and can help teens bring their emotional baseline to a point where their healthy habits and routines – which you can reinforce at home – help build the emotional resilience needed to strongly resist another depressive episode in the future. 

Having access to mental health resources is also important when your teen decides that they need more help, or if they want to learn more about identifying symptoms when they appear. If you’re concerned about your teen’s mental health, consult a mental health expert who can provide guidance and support tailored to their needs. 

We at Visions specialize in providing residential care for teens with serious mental health issues, such as major depressive disorder or bipolar disorder. If your teen has been struggling with their low mood for a while, then consider giving us a call today.  

Categories
Mental Health

How Does Mental Health Affect Students?

Mental health issues, such as anxiety, depression, and ADHD have become more common among teens and young adults, affecting their academic performance and professional prospects. Let’s examine some of the factors behind the increase in mental health issues, and how parental and institutional support are necessary in helping teens fulfill their potential. 

CDC analyses from 2021 found that about 4 in 10 high school students expressed persistent sadness or feelings of hopelessness in the last year. It’s clear, especially in the post-COVID landscape, that teens need help managing and improving their mental health, and that schools and communities alike need to pick up the slack on mental health initiatives. 

But do these feelings of hopelessness translate to problems at school? The answer is yes. From low mood and depression to episodes of substance use, teen mental health issues reduce focus, affect cognition, and pull a teen’s attention away from their academic goals and responsibilities – and, as a result, their future. 

Poor mental health during the teen years can cut into your teen’s early life success. Addressing the factors that contribute to a student’s mental health is important, not just for their academic success, but for their general wellness. 

What Affects Student Mental Health?

Teens have been struggling with mental health issues long before COVID. While the pandemic accentuated many of these problems due to financial woes, trouble at home, the effects of the virus itself, and social isolation, mental health rates among the youth have risen starkly in recent years. At least part of that can be explained by an improvement in the awareness and understanding of mental health issues. Today’s high school students are more comfortable openly admitting to feeling lonely or sad, sometimes to a significant degree. 

But there are other contributing factors, as well. Racism and prejudice have been on a sharp increase. LGBTQ+ teens in particular are far more likely to consider suicide than their heterosexual peers, and LGBTQ+ teens have been targeted by more hate crimes and acts of violence in the last few years. 

Social media may have a role to play, as well. Teens are ever more reliant on technology to interface with peers, especially during the pandemic years. But too much screen time or too much of an online presence can negatively impact teen self-worth and self-esteem. Research from tech firms shows that their products and algorithms also affect teen mental health rates, and even inadvertently promoted eating disorders. 

There’s no question that teens have a lot to deal with right now. 

How Does Mental Health Affect Students?

Poor mental health correlates strongly with poor academic performance, and problems with productivity and personal potential in early adulthood. Teens with mental health problems aren’t just struggling to pass classes, but will have a harder time with decision making, time management, executive functioning, prioritization, and their physical health. They’re more likely to get less sleep, more likely to experience drug use at an earlier age, more likely to experience violence, and are at a higher risk of unsafe sexual behaviors. Poor mental health can affect a teen’s life in many ways, including: 

  • Academic Impact
    • Decline in Academic Performance
    • Difficulty Concentrating and Learning
    • Increased Absenteeism
    • Impact on Career Goals
  • Relationships
    • Isolation and Loneliness
    • Strained Friendships
    • Impact on Family Dynamics
    • Barriers to Social Engagement
  • Physical Health
    • Sleep Disruptions
    • Changes in Appetite and Nutrition
    • Physical Symptoms of Stress
    • Long-term Health Consequences
  • Behavioral Changes
    • Risky Behaviors and Substance Abuse
    • Self-harm and Suicidal Thoughts
    • Coping Mechanisms and Maladaptive Behaviors
    • Impact on Decision-Making

Improving Access to Resources

Students need to know that they have someone to turn to, whether at home or at school. Making kids aware of their options is important. Talk to your teen and their school about finding local resources, getting the number of the available counselor or mental health professional, or about helping your teen talk to a therapist.

Teen mental health is an important topic. As the stigma surrounding mental health issues lifts, more and more people are beginning to talk about how they feel, causing mental health rates to continue to rise. While encouraging people to speak up about their mental health is a good thing, it’s also become a cause for concern among many parents and educators. We field a lot of questions about teen mental health here at Visions, such as: 

Can mental health issues affect a student’s career goals? Poorer academic performance can limit a teen’s career options, but unaddressed mental health problems can also make it harder for teens to succeed in their chosen line of work. While people with mental health problems are protected from discrimination, they can still be terminated or refused certain opportunities because of productivity deficits or behavioral issues at work. 

Does stigma still play a role in students seeking help? Stigma is still very much a problem among students. While today’s teens are more understanding and tolerant of certain mental health issues, kids are kids, and kids can be cruel. Many teens won’t want to speak up about how they feel because they’re worried about victimization. Encouraging teens to talk to an adult or speak with a counselor about how they really feel is important. 

How can I help my teen manage their stress and prioritize their mental health? Being a role model is a good start. Teens are still impressionable and are more likely to pick up habits that they’re used to seeing in their peers and parents. Sometimes, the first step towards helping your teen prioritize their self-care and pick up better coping habits is to show that you can do so too. 

Conclusion: Better mental health screening tools, better access to mental healthcare within the community and at school, better measures taken to improve student mental health, support the continued growth of mental health awareness, and tackle the stigmatization of mental health issues all go a long way towards normalizing and addressing the issue of mental health in modern society, especially among our students. 

For teens struggling with mental health problems at school and at home, seeking treatment is important. Conditions like generalized anxiety or major depression do not go away on their own. We at Visions can work with your teen to provide them with an individualized treatment plan and ensure that they continue to keep up with their peers at school while getting help. Give us a call today to get started. 

Categories
Mental Health

The Mental Health Checklist for Students

Is your teen ready for the new school year? Emotional preparedness is just as important as academic preparedness, especially if your teen wants good grades. Mental health issues are on a steep rise in the scholastic post-pandemic landscape. Help your teen prep for the challenges ahead with this comprehensive mental health checklist for students. 

For teens, the transition from high school to college represents a major milestone in life. That can be quite nerve-wracking, not in the least because of the academic requirements that many colleges demand. Whether your teen has a dream college in mind, has their eyes set on a trade school, or plans to enter the workforce after graduation, the last years of high school are marked by the anticipation of adulthood. 

But with that transition comes a whole new slew of challenges and difficulties. Helping your teen build emotional resilience and develop a healthy level of independence will be important. Is your teen ready for what’s ahead?

Let’s go over a mental health checklist and find out.   

The Mental Health Checklist for Students

Creating a mental health checklist for students is an excellent way to promote emotional well-being, and remind teens that it’s okay – important, even – to check in with themselves and others, talk about how they feel, and be cognizant of the different ways stress can negatively impact the mind and body.

Here are a few things to consider when organizing a a mental health checklist for students: 

Developing Daily Habits for Mental Wellness

Improving your mental health starts with the day-to-day – from the way you get up in the morning to the way you end your day at night. The first step towards ensuring that your teen is ready for school is to help them get back into a healthy daily rhythm, including encouraging them to start their own morning routine, prioritize their sleep, get enough exercise, and more. Some important daily habits include:

  • Is your teen prioritizing their sleep? 
  • Is your teen eating a healthy diet? 
  • Is your teen keeping up with their water intake? 
  • Is your teen getting enough exercise? 

Stress Management and Coping Checklist

A daily routine can do a lot to help build resilience against stressors. But when the going gets tough, it’s important for your teen to know the right and wrong way to deal with their problems – and blow off some steam. How do their coping mechanisms look? Are they the type of person to channel their energy into destructive behaviors, or something positive? It’s important to consider this objectively. Your teen will probably have hobbies you don’t understand or enjoy quite as much. But are they hurting them, or are they a healthy outlet? Some questions for stress management and coping include:

  • Is your teen identifying their stressors? 
  • Does your teen employ effective coping strategies? 
  • Does your teen ask for help when they need it? 
  • Is your teen managing their time effectively? 
  • Does your teen practice some sort of self-care? 

A Social and Support Checklist

It’s important to look out for one another. Nurturing healthy relationships with others is not just a great way to build a long-term support network, but it can also be reflective of your teen’s mental health. A checklist for social health and mental health support might include: 

  • Is your teen hanging out with their friends? 
  • Does your teen set healthy boundaries with others? 
  • Does your teen ask for help with relationship problems? 

Balancing School Goals and Mental Health

It’s important to prioritize effectively in life, but there is such a thing as working too much. Don’t encourage your teen to burnout – encourage, instead, a healthy balance between school work and fun. School-life balance questions and a checklist for managing academic goals might include questions such as: 

  • Is your teen setting realistic academic goals for themselves?
  • Does your teen know how to manage their academic stress? 
  • Is your teen effectively utilizing academic support resources? 
  • Is your teen doing a good job of balancing their social life and academic responsibilities?

The Mental Health Access Checklist

Access to mental health resources is important. Knowing who to call or where to turn when your teen feels overwhelmed or needs to seek help on behalf of a friend is crucial. Encourage your teen to get informed about their options at school, and keep certain numbers and contacts on hand at home, as well. Important mental health resources that your teen should be aware of include: 

Teens are at the perfect age to begin developing healthy habits to improve their mental well-being and develop their own coping skills for dealing with life’s greatest stressors. Parents and peers have no way of telling what the future holds, and it will be impossible to protect your loved one from life’s curveballs or help them prepare for every inevitable outcome. However, you can build your teen’s resilience against the worst life has to offer and give them the self-confidence and the skillset they need to succeed. 

Just as it’s important to help your teen become self-sufficient, it’s also important to ensure that they’re nurturing their social circle and staying connected with their peers. Having a positive support group can make all the difference when motivation, self-care, and discipline are not enough. 

Knowing how and where to look for professional mental health services is crucial. Mental health checklists and a robust schedule can improve your teen’s mental well-being. If you or your teen worry that they’re affected by a mental health issue, seek professional help. We at Visions Treatment Centers specialize in providing intensive care programs for teens with mental health problems, including substance use disorder, personality disorders, eating disorders, depression, anxiety, and much more. Call us today at (818) 889 3665 or contact us online to find out more. 

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