Category: Mental Health

Categories
Adolescence Mental Health Parenting Recovery

Why is it so Hard to Say “No”?

Adolescents look to adults for security, safety, and to be positive examples; this also means they tend to push buttons and test boundaries – “No” is often low on the list of a teen’s favorite words.  As adults, we have to make a concerted effort to create firm boundaries for our kids that are not only respectful, but geared toward creating an environment of emotional and physical safety. This means we have to say “no” even if it’s not a popular answer, and it means we have to hold the boundary surrounding that answer, regardless of the outcome. Remember, “No” is a complete sentence, and it’s perfectly okay to say it, own it, and honor it.

 

It’s easier to back out of a “No” than a “Yes.”

 

Imagine this scenario: Your teen is relentlessly asking you if they can hang out at a friend’s house; you are engrossed in a project or conversation. Out of frustration, you hastily give permission. However, a bit later, you realize you had said, “yes,” in error – you actually want your teen home for dinner, and being at a friend’s house means he or she won’t be home in time. So you change your mind. All of a sudden, you have an angry teen on your hands – you’re unfair, mean, et cetera. Speaking out of haste or frustration has a negative impact – it illustrates an unstable boundary and creates an environment where kids don’t know what to expect. In the scenario above, no one wins:  your teen is disappointed and angry at you, and you’re frustrated and angry at your teen.

 

Why is it so hard to say “No”? And better yet, why is it so hard for us to hear “No”?

 

“No” is a boundary. It is a way of advocating for ourselves and ensuring we are meeting our needs. It allows us to set boundaries so we can take care of ourselves and create healthy boundaries with others. “No” is not mean; it’s not spiteful. “No” is honest and it represents self-respect and self-awareness. It also cultivates emotional safety and stability.

 

Sometimes, saying “No” can feel like we are letting someone down, or maybe like we are letting ourselves down. Maybe we want to say, “Yes” when what we really need to say is “No.”  This is a hard skill to learn, for teens and adults.

 

If/when you are faced with a difficult situation where there might be pressure to say “Yes,” or where you are uncomfortable saying “No,” ask yourself the following questions:

  • Will the outcome be helpful or harmful to yourself or others?
  • Are my needs being met?
  • Is this “Yes” to please someone else or to honor myself?

 

Hearing “No” can be difficult because often times, the truth is, we aren’t really asking; we are making a veiled demand that is presented in the form of a question. The politeness we assumed in the asking then comes crashing down because the reality is, we weren’t asking in the first place. When things are in a stasis, this is a great conversation to have with your teen. And it’s a great perspective to be aware of for yourself. Are you really asking your teen to take out the trash, or you demanding that they do it? If they said, “No,” how would you respond?

 

Hearing “No” also can breed a sense of disappointment.  We may feel like we aren’t getting what we want. We may feel rejected. There is an unfortunate comfort in being polite and saying what we think others want to hear. When we are inauthentic and we omit our truth, we evoke a passive anger later on. Bringing some awareness into cultivates authentic and honest communication.

 

Setting and maintaining healthy boundaries is a lifetime practice. Some boundaries are easier set than others. Practicing saying “No” is a good start. In fact, it’s an empowering start.

Originally posted on September 15, 2014 @ 5:47 pm

Categories
Adolescence Family Feelings Mental Health Parenting Prevention Recovery

Why Listening to Your Adolescent is Invaluable

Do you know the difference between hearing someone and listening to what they are saying to you?

 

Hearing refers to the reception and perception of sound, whereas listening is an action: Listening refers to actively paying attention to what is being said. It also requires the listener’s full attention to the speaker, demonstrated by eye contact, and positive body language. In other words, you can’t listen fully to someone if you are also on your phone, your computer, or watching television. This is an important piece to understand as we positively shift the way we interact with adolescents.

 

One thing I often hear from teens is that they don’t feel like the adults in their lives are listening. The polarizing statement, “You never LISTEN to ME!” punctuated by a slammed door is not an unusual experience for parents of teens. In order to listen to our kids, we have to set aside our reactions and our need to direct or advise. Sometimes, kids need to vent and our best response can be something like, “It sounds frustrating when…” or maybe, “I hear how frustrated you are.” We have to remember that adolescents feel things far more intensely than we do as adults. An issue that is banal to us can FEEL like the end of times.

 

Adolescents have reduced dopamine and serotonin levels, making them more prone to high-risk activities and addiction. A child who feels listened to and heard, has a higher chance of making a healthy decision than the kid who is perpetually dismissed, talked over or ignored. When a child is saying, “I hate you,” or “This sucks!” there’s probably something else there. They don’t really hate you, but they may not be able to communicate that beyond the natural reactivity of their developing brain. What would happen if we listened instead of reacted? A statement like:  “When you are ready, I am available to listen to you” can go a long way with a teenager.

 

Our children mimic our reactions, our problem-solving methods, and our behavioral examples. If we are always nervous, they may be nervous. If we are angry all the time, they may be angry all the time. If we are overcautious, they may be overcautious. The list goes on but the outcome is the same.

 

I am prone to sarcasm. I have a sarcastic sense of humor and have my whole life. This has come back to bite me in the bum with my son, who’s 13 and…sarcastic. Instead of punishing him about the trouble this sarcasm often breeds, we looked at this and processed as a family. Our conclusion: We will curb our sarcasm as a family in an effort to shift the negative perspective others may have. My son felt listened to, we felt listened to, and in the end, a dedicated period of reflective listening proved to be an effective and positive way of dealing with a burgeoning family issue.  We have conversations like this often and as a result, we have a teenager who is willing to share his frustrations and difficulties with us more transparently than most. Conversely, I have observed some of his classmates spinning down the spiral of negative and harmful reactions: eating or starving to process their feelings, cutting themselves as a means of processing their feelings, smoking to process their feelings, et cetera. There isn’t an easy fix, silver bullet, or magic potion. Creating an environment where listening is part of an everyday process takes work and dedication. And sometimes, we may have to drop our parental need to “fix” things so we can listen.

Originally posted on September 10, 2014 @ 1:06 pm

Categories
Adolescence Feelings Mental Health Recovery Self-Care

Parenting Teenagers and Maintaining Our Self-Regulation

Teenagers are changeable creatures. Their moods shift rapidly, their bodies change non- stop, and it’s sometimes difficult to notice if something is really wrong or if the persistent eye-rolling, parental irritation is par for the course. In addition to the eye-rolling, teenagers are also not known for their critical thinking skills or wise decision-making. This might mean they will intentionally like/not like a person or situation you dislike, or they may do something just because you don’t approve. It’s frustrating for parents, but it may also be a subtle sign for us pause and look at the larger picture.

 

Sometimes, your child may align themselves with a friend or their family whom you view as undesirable. Perhaps you know something your teenager doesn’t know, but you have to keep it to yourself. Or perhaps you are relying on your parental intuition. Unfortunately, to a teenager, you’re just being annoying and reactive. This reactivity will only push your teen away from you and into the arms of that which you fear.

 

Parents are wise to take some steps to curb reactivity. As we encourage our teenagers to self-regulate, we have to self-regulate too! We have to mirror the behaviors we want.

 

Our reactions are often fueled by our experiences and the stories from the past. These stories inform our present, particularly when we are dysregulated. Bearing witness to our children’s difficulties is not easy when we haven’t been able to grapple with our own.

 

Understanding how to self-regulate allows us to tap into our internal resources so we can be less reactive.  The process of self-regulation requires us to tap into our mind and body connection. When a person is dysregulated, they are disconnected. A fundamental tool in learning to self-regulate is learning to connect with our physical sensations and our bodies. When we are dysregulated, we are reactive rather than responsive. Likewise, when we are self-regulated, we are responsive rather than reactive.

 

A dysregulated parent is an ineffective parent. Perpetual negative reactions propel our teens to become dysregulated as well. This is where parents need to take their own time out and get to a quiet space so they can begin to self-regulate.

 

1: Walk away from the situation so you can check in with yourself.

2: Bring your attention to your feet, and your hands and notice your surroundings.

3: Bring your attention to your belly and your heart: are you angry? Why? Are you scared? Why? What’s present for you?

4: Take 5-10 minutes to allow your breath to settle. Count to 10 slowly, paying close attention to your inhales and exhales.

5: SHAKE IT OUT! Literally: stand up and shake your legs and arms.

 

When we are regulated, we can come to wiser, more succinct means of communication. Perhaps we can even find a way to persuade our teenagers from doing something we don’t like, or perhaps this is an opportunity to revisit the difficult situation at hand with compassion, kindness and a willingness to listen. One thing that I know for a fact is this: Teenagers all want to be seen, heard, and respected.

Originally posted on September 5, 2014 @ 1:16 pm

Categories
Mental Health Personality Disorder Recovery

New Study: Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Borderline Personality Disorders in Adolescents

In recent news, a study from the Dr. Paul Ammiger and his esteemed colleagues recently published the results of their study, which investigated whether or not Omega-3 fatty acids would “improve functioning and psychiatric symptoms in young people with borderline personality disorder (BPD) who also meet ultra-high risk criteria for psychosis.” The study showed a decrease in the severity of symptoms in young adults who were at high risk for developing psychosis. The study studied 81 young people between the ages of 14-18 who were at “high risk for psychosis.” From this group, they found 15 who had borderline personality disorder.

 

For a period of 12 weeks, half of the group took 700 mg of EPA and 480 mg of DHA a day, while the other half took a placebo. Of those taking the placebo, 29% showed signs of psychosis. However, those taking the Omega-3 fatty acids showed significant improvement.

 

This is really encouraging. Borderline personality disorders are tricky and can be hard to address. The major symptoms revolve around interpersonal interactions, negative sense of self, significant mood swings, and impulsivity. The work involved in treating all mental illness requires a nexus of therapeutic support and a desire for positive change from the patient themselves. We’ve learned that applying Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), for example, has shown positive results in the treatment of Borderline Personality Disorders–recent studies have confirmed this, showing lower suicide rates, less self-harming incidents, and less self-removal from treatment.

 

Psychiatry is still a relatively young science, and growth and change are happening quickly as practitioners eagerly seek resolution to some of the most challenging psychological issues. Dr. Ammiger’s discovery regarding the use of Omega-3 fatty acids is profound. The study, though small in scope, produced impressive results: the data “suggests that omega-3 fatty acids, at the right doses for a long-enough period of time, can significantly improve the quality of life for people with borderline personality disorder.”

 

More research around the use of Omega-3 fatty acids will need to be done to ultimately determine the long term efficacy of Omega-3 fatty acids, but Ammiger’s study has shone a light into what is a dark corner for many.

_______________________________

References used for this blog:

Omega-3s in adolescents with borderline personality disorder

Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation in adolescents with borderline personality disorder and ultra-high risk criteria for psychosis: a post hoc subgroup analysis of a double-blind, randomized controlled trial.

 

Originally posted on September 4, 2014 @ 12:17 pm

Categories
Anxiety Mental Health Recovery

Anxiety Doesn’t Have to Rule Your Life

Did you know that 8% of teens between the ages of 13–18 have an anxiety disorder? And did you also know that of these teens, only 18% of them receive mental-health care?

 

Some anxiety is a function of being a human being. It’s not unusual for anxiety to present itself in predictable situations (going on a job interview, starting a new school, speaking up for ourselves), but for most, it fades as soon as the initial fear passes. Anxiety is our nervous system’s way of telling us we are overwhelmed and need to pause. Anxiety is also our sympathetic nervous system’s fight-or-flight response in action; the anxiety is the red flag letting us know we are emotionally under fire. If you don’t suffer from an anxiety disorder, chances are your parasympathetic nervous system will automatically engage, arresting the fight or flight response and engaging its remarkable rest-and-digest function. However, for someone who suffers from an anxiety disorder, the sympathetic nervous system gets stuck in the “on” position, forcing it to stay in its fight-or-flight response longer than is emotionally sustainable.  The parasympathetic nervous system, aka, the rest-and-digest function of our bodies, gets shoved to the side and is unable to do its job.

How is anxiety usually treated?

 

Medication is one option typically given to anxiety sufferers. It is not a cure, but rather a means of managing the symptoms.  Often patients are given:

 

Antidepressants

  • SSRIs, Tricyclics, MAOIs, anti-anxiety medications
  • Anti-anxiety drugs:
    • Benzodiazepines
    • Beta-blockers – which treat the physical symptoms of anxiety

 

Clinicians, on the other hand, use therapeutic modalities like:

 

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
  • Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
  • Exposure Based Behavioral Therapy
  • EMDR
  • Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction

 

In addition to treatment, you can also try any one of all of these tools to help manage anxiety:

 

1: Mindful breathing: Practice exhaling on a longer count than your inhale. This is a wonderful tool to use to bring the heart rate down, provide oxygen to the blood and to the lungs, and also engage the parasympathetic nervous system.

 

2: Visualization: Close your eyes and visualize a place that elicits a state of calm. It could be the beach, the mountains, a forest, being in the ocean, or doing something else that you love. This is a way of accessing one of your resources—something that calms you and engages your body’s nervous system.

 

3: Get active: Studies show that exercising every day will increase relaxation, reduce stress, and make you happier. Go endorphins! So, go to the gym, go for a run, do a strong yoga class, do some jumping jacks, skateboard, or roller skate.

 

4: Create a gratitude journal or a gratitude list.  Write down 5 things you are grateful for and challenge yourself to write this list every single day. There’s been a recent Facebook chain going around, asking people to post three things a day for seven days that they’re grateful for and then tag three more people each day to do the same. It’s been a neat phenomenon to watch people share their gratitude.

 

5:  Focus on a meaningful, goal orienting activity: playing a game with a friend, building something, creating art, or singing.

 

6: Accept that you are anxious. Accepting how you feel doesn’t mean you like it or are choosing to be anxious; it means accepting how things are in the present moment. If we obsess about how anxious we feel, our anxiety will increase. Ajhan Sumedo, a Buddhist monk, says, “Right now, it’s like this.” This phrase encourages acceptance and allows us to stay in the present. When we are anxious, we are stuck in the future.

 

Ignoring our anxiety or self-medicating to relieve our suffering, leaves us vulnerable to persistent dysregulation and despair. When we address anxiety and face it head on, we cultivate the development of self-regulatory techniques. With ample clinical support (when needed), the establishment and consistent use of self-regulatory tools, and a broad support system in place, things can and will get better.

Originally posted on August 22, 2014 @ 8:58 am

Categories
Addiction Anxiety Depression Mental Health Prevention

The Dangers of DMT and Psychedelic Experimentation

DMT (Dimethyltryptamine) is a short-acting, albeit powerful psychedelic drug in the tryptamine family. Additionally, the use of Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), an older class of anti-depressant drugs, has been found to increase the effects of DMT.  This chemical structure of DMT has the same or similar chemical structure as the natural neurotransmitter serotonin and the hormone melatonin found in the brain.  Our bodies actually produce DMT, but science hasn’t determined its purpose thus far. It is derived from the essential amino acid tryptophan and produced by the same enzyme INMT during the body’s normal metabolism. Some researches have postulated that brain’s production of DMT may be related to the organic cause of some mental illness.

 

Adolescents are naturally curious creatures. They want to know about the world that they live in and they want to understand why it is the way it is. Developmentally this leads to a natural curiosity about the nature of the world and spiritual matters. During the 1960s, well-respected researchers looked into the potential of psychedelic drugs to treat mental illness, including depression. The ’60s generation took this as a cue to experiment with their minds. What we have learned since then is such experimentation is potentially dangerous and harmful, especially for those with a latent tendency toward depression, anxiety, schizophrenia and other forms of mental illness.

 

Psychedelic drugs have a distinct effect on brain chemistry. Some of them have chemical structures similar to natural neurotransmitters and almost all of them are classified as alkaloid. Historically, psychedelic drugs have been used by ancient cultures for spiritual practice and ceremony. And science has used psychedelic drugs for research.

 

However, psychedelics are significantly abused.

 

One of the most dangerous components of psychedelic drugs is the potential negative effect on people already vulnerable to mental illness. The user is, in effect, playing with his or her brain chemistry without direct knowledge of any short- or long-term effects these drugs may have. And someone who has an undiagnosed or untreated mental illness can adversely affect his or her mental health with the use of psychedelic drugs, or any drugs for that matter. Drugs like DMT, though old, are no different. DMT works fast, it has an intense effect that lasts for 15 minutes but purportedly feels like several hours. This can be an overwhelming experience, especially in cases of untreated or undiagnosed mental illness.

 

The bottom like is this: Experimenting with your mind is dangerous. Curious or not, this type of psychological misadventure is not worth the risk and the potential fallout.

 

Originally posted on August 20, 2014 @ 12:43 pm

Categories
Mental Health Recovery

Teen Mental Health Treatment

Children experiencing mental health problems require special care due to their unique developmental issues, contradictions in values, and belief systems. Visions Adolescent Treatment Centers were created in 2002 to provide cutting edge mental health, substance abuse, and family treatment. The majority of their patients come from southern California while others come from big cities like NYC, Chicago, and internationally.  

Mental health illness can be brought on by varying factors such as genetics or environmental exposure in the womb. Such disorder affects mood, thought, and behavior. Symptoms can usually be managed with proper medication and counseling.

Some common symptoms that may require teen mental health treatment are:

  • Exhilarating highs and depressive lows
  • Confused thinking or poor concentration
  • Excessive fears or worries
  • Withdrawal from friends and activities
  • Delusions, paranoia, or hallucinations
  • Excessive anger or hostility

Visions’ centers offer different programs that provide clinically-based teen mental health treatment for adolescents aged 13 to 18 years and their families.

Visions Adolescent Residential Treatment

In the hills of Malibu lies Visions Residential Treatment Center. A Mediterranean style home sits in a 25 acre gated community. The average length of stay is 45 to 90 days. A day and night staff supervise sleeping quarters separated for male and female patients. Crisis intervention is available on a 24-hour basis.

Founding clinicians have stayed with Visions while new team members are added for continued program growth. All Visions personnel are highly skilled professionals who specialize in adolescent recovery. The medical doctor conducts a history and physical exam for medical clearance. A psychiatric director performs the psychiatric evaluation to determine admission. Each patient is assigned a licensed therapist and counselor to work with throughout the teen mental health treatment program. A registered dietitian provides nutritional assessment for each patient and dietary consultation as needed. An activities director leads a physical fitness program “tailor-made” for each individual. Visions Residential offers on-site schooling while providing teen mental health treatment.

Other specialists called on as required include:

  • Supervising Nurse
  • Psychologists
  • Equine Therapist
  • Art Therapists
  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Informed Programming

Visions’ focus is not on the child alone but advocates for the family as a whole. Mental health issues affect the entire family. Studies have shown that family participation increases the success of teen mental health treatment. A family therapist leads a Multi-Family Group, Individual Family Sessions, and Family Education. Family passes are an incentive for good behavior and allows for outings every Sunday and Monday.

Visions’ goal for teen mental health treatment is as follows:

  • Encourage and motivate the adolescent to achieve and sustain a healthy lifestyle
  • Help the adolescent to develop new, more effective problem-solving strategies
  • Assess and meet the psychological and psychiatric needs of the adolescent
  • Assist the adolescent with recognizing and acknowledging the existence of destructive behaviors and mental health issues in their lives, and the impact they have on their family, friends, and future

Visions Residential is a private pay program and full payment is required from the family. Our team will assist with insurance benefit verification and utilization review.

Visions Adolescent Outpatient Counseling

Visions provides two Los Angeles outpatient centers for teen mental health treatment. Sessions are held in the afternoons, allowing the child to resume daily activities and go home to family afterwards.

Visions’ outpatient program has a variety of specialists that take part in the teen mental health treatment. Each adolescent is assigned a personal counselor to work with throughout treatment.

Other consultants utilized for teen mental health treatment as needed include:

  • Licensed Therapists
  • Psychologists
  • Psychiatrist
  • Medical Doctors
  • Registered Dietician
  • Art Therapist
  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

1st Step Program is the introduction to the treatment process. The program helps families reintegrate into everyday life after long term treatment. It includes:

  • 8 Weeks of Clinical Support
  • 2 to 3 Nights Per Week
  • 1 Individual Session

Intensive Outpatient Program is the next step in the care process. The staff helps with family communication and addresses existing psychiatric and/or therapeutic needs. It includes:

  • 1 Year of Clinical Support
  • Individual Sessions
  • Family Sessions

Visions Outpatient works out of network with insurance. We will provide the following services to our outpatient families – benefit verification, pre-authorization, utilization review, and billing and collections.  

Discharge and Aftercare is given to each adolescent upon leaving the residential and outpatient teen mental health treatment. The discharge plan is created by the counselor with help from the patient and treatment team. The plan addresses continuing care which may include family relations, academic needs, and social needs.

The Fourth Dimension is the Vision Alumni Program for patients discharged from the residential and outpatient programs. Aftercare groups are offered on an on-going basis with attendance of up to two groups a week. Individual sessions are available on a fee for service basis. An alumni coordinator makes support calls for crisis intervention and relapse prevention so the child never feels alone.

The alumni group holds annual events such as:

  • Winter Ski/Snowboard Trip
  • Alumni Family Weekend
  • Alumni vs. Staff Softball Game
  • Knott’s Scary Farm Night
  • Magic Mountain

Visions Adolescent Day School

Visions provides a safe learning environment for those unable to function in a regular school. The program has open enrollment and curriculum accreditation is transferable. Many graduates have continued on to esteemed colleges and universities.

  • Individualized Educational Planning
  • 3 to 1 Student to Staff Ratio
  • Individualized Counseling
  • Education from Remedial to Honors Level

Don’t wait any longer for teen mental health treatment. Early intervention leads to a healthy and successful adult.

Please click below to schedule your consultation or call us at 866-889-3665.

Originally posted on August 17, 2014 @ 8:01 am

Categories
Mental Health

How Nutrition Affects Mental Health: A Focus on Teens

Just as our mental health has an impact on our physical well-being, so does our mood influence how and what we eat – and the reverse is true in both cases, as improving physical health and eating healthy has shown to have a significant impact on mood and mental health. A good diet correlates with fewer instances of depression, even when accounting for other factors and stressors, and improving one’s nutrition can relieve and reduce anxiety. Clinical nutrition plays a significant role in treating conditions such as depression, emphasizing the importance of systematic research and professional collaboration in advancing the field.

This is doubly important for teens, who are still growing and need as many quality nutrients as possible to reach their full potential. How and why food interacts with the mind is a complex question, and the answer lies in the many interactions between nutrition, nutrients and the brain, as well as the effects of so-called micronutrients – minerals, vitamins, beneficial fatty acids, antioxidants, and polyphenols.

On the flip side, there are the negative effects of certain additives, calorie-dense but low-nutrient foods, diet-related inflammation, and meals loaded with simple sugars and trans fats. Maximizing the good and minimizing the bad – and identifying between them, as well as cost-effective and simple ways to eat “clean” – can go a long way towards reducing symptoms and helping in the management of anxiety and depression.

 

The Link Between Nutrition and Mental Health

The relationship between nutrition and mental health is complex and bidirectional. A growing body of research suggests that a healthy diet rich in nutrient-dense foods can have a positive impact on mental health, while a diet high in processed foods can exacerbate mental health conditions. The brain is an organ with high metabolic and nutrient demands, and a diet that provides adequate building blocks for monoamine neurotransmitters, such as omega-3 fatty acids, can support mental wellbeing.

Eating a variety of nutrient-dense foods, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, ensures that the brain receives the essential vitamins and minerals it needs to function optimally. On the other hand, processed foods, which are often high in unhealthy fats, sugars, and additives, can lead to inflammation and oxidative stress, negatively impacting mental health. By prioritizing a healthy diet, teens can support their mental wellbeing and reduce the risk of developing mental health conditions.

 

How Nutrition Shapes the Developing Teenage Brain

A healthy diet and a conscious approach to nutrition is no substitute for an individually-tailored treatment plan – but it can be a critical part of it. Identifying a teen’s eating habits and improving on them can help improve symptoms of mental health conditions by:

Nutritional counseling, through structured dietary interventions like the Mediterranean diet, can also play a significant role in enhancing mental well-being and self-efficacy.

Improving Mood and Mental Wellbeing via Key Nutrients

The mysteries and complexities of the mind are ultimately tied to the mechanical and physical nature of the brain, and like most things, the brain needs fuel to run well. Premium fuel does less damage and gives you more mileage, and the same goes for food. The Mediterranean diet, known for its rich inclusion of fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats, has been shown to reduce symptoms of depression and improve mental health outcomes. Key nutrients can protect the brain from oxidative stress, eliminate potential deficiencies, and correlate with better mood regulation. These include:

  • Polyphenols: A family of thousands of different compounds (mostly found in plants) thought to play a role in anti-inflammation.
  • Omega-3: A fatty acid found mostly in oily fish, certain types of algae, and flax, and a key nutrient that is often missing in standard Western diets and correlates with better heart and brain health.
  • Vitamin D: The most important source being ultraviolet light. Vitamin D supplementation is not heavily researched, and a good dietary source would be eggs and fish. However, making sure to get plenty of outdoor activity in during the summer months is often enough to reduce the likelihood of deficiency. Vitamin D may be linked to seasonal affective disorder.
  • Folic Acid: A deficiency of which is often linked to depressive symptoms and low mood. Folate supplementation may help improve mood regulation and serotonin levels.
  • Tryptophan: An amino acid found in several different protein sources, may have a link to serotonin release and mood regulation. However, more research is needed.

Better Gut Health with Nutrient Dense Foods

Scientists have increasingly been paying more attention to the neurological role that our gut plays, to the point that our digestive tract has colloquially been named the “second brain”. Every human body contains billions of bacteria living in a microbiome within our digestive system, and careful balance and health of these bacteria seems to play a vital role in mood, emotion, and even thoughts.

Our guts are individual enough that people will be sensitive to different foods, meaning your teen may require minor dietary adjustments to keep their gut healthy, and in turn influence their mental health. Probiotic foods have long been associated with better gut health. Some teens are more sensitive to certain foods that may negatively impact their gut. Dietary choices can also significantly influence psychological health, improving mental well-being through proper nutrition.

Experimenting with probiotic foods and food sensitivity diets may impact your teen’s mental as well as physical health. Future, more in-depth gut-related treatments for mood and mental health may include fecal transplants, but it will take time before we fully unlock the mysteries between the gut and our mental health.

Addressing Inflammation via Food

Inflammation is a critical function in the body for preserving important life processes and fighting off potential foreign bodies and infections. It is by no means “bad”. But prolonged inflammation, and inflammatory foods, are associated with several chronic illnesses, stressors, and low mood, as well as much more oxidative stress.

Managing sources of inflammation from outside via anti-inflammatory foods may help certain teens better manage both their physical and mental health. Polyphenols and antioxidants may help reduce unnecessary or excessive inflammation or aid the body’s own antioxidant functions. Additionally, focusing on simple, healthy food can play a crucial role in reducing inflammation and supporting mental health.

The Impact of Nutrition on Mental Illnesses

Nutrition plays a critical role in the prevention and treatment of mental illnesses, including major depressive disorder, anxiety disorders, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). A diet rich in healthy fats, such as those found in olive oil, and nutrient-dense foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, can help alleviate depressive symptoms and improve mental health outcomes. Conversely, a diet high in processed foods and added sugars can exacerbate mental health conditions and worsen symptoms.

Healthy fats, like those in olive oil, support brain health by providing essential fatty acids that are crucial for brain function. Nutrient-dense foods supply the vitamins and minerals necessary for neurotransmitter production and mood regulation. By incorporating these foods into their diet, teens can better manage symptoms of mental illnesses and support their overall mental health.

Healthy Eating Habits for Teens

Establishing healthy eating habits during adolescence is crucial for supporting mental health and wellbeing. Teens should aim to eat a balanced diet that includes a variety of nutrient-dense foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Avoiding processed and sugary foods, and limiting screen time and sedentary activities, can also help support mental health. Additionally, teens should prioritize regular meals and snacks, and stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day.

Encouraging teens to develop healthy eating habits early on can set the foundation for a lifetime of good mental and physical health. Simple changes, like incorporating more fruits and vegetables into meals and choosing whole grains over refined ones, can make a significant difference. Staying hydrated and maintaining a regular eating schedule can also help stabilize mood and energy levels.

The Benefits of Homegrown Food

There’s more to food than just eating it, and another way in which our diet and nutrition may play a role in treating mental health issues is by taking more interest in the way we grow and precure our own food. Even when space is an issue, certain herbs and spices can be grown on minimal real estate with nothing but a south-facing window and some do-it-yourself (DIY) pots.

For families with more space, setting up a small vegetable patch can be incredibly rewarding, and can make for a source of nutritious food. Pumpkins, leafy greens, potatoes, peppers, and various herbs can easily be grown in a backyard, and gardening has a number of benefits from the rewarding feeling of nurturing something, to the benefit of an outdoor physical activity. A meta-analysis on the topic shows that growing your own vegetables can have a tremendous effect on mood and mental health.

Why Teens Should Learn to Cook for Healthy Eating

Growing and eating good food can affect mental health, and so can preparing it. Not only does preparing a meal help teens cultivate a greater understanding and respect for the ingredients they’re working with, but cooking itself is a creative craft, one that requires a lot of improvisation and leaves room for experimentation with a myriad of potential results.

Not everyone can be a great cook, but it does not take much effort or practice to be a good cook. Learning to prepare and enjoy a variety of meals can also instill a sense of independence and freedom, and help a teen feel like they are ready to live on their own at some point.

While formal research on the topic has led to positive albeit limited results, demanding more qualitative research, cooking interventions may be an effective way to further boost a teen’s self-esteem, help them embrace a creative endeavor, potentially discover a new talent, and learn to provide for themselves and feel accomplished in the process.

Food, from its origins in the soil to how it interacts with the bacteria in our gut, plays an important role in our mental and physical development and health. We eat and enjoy food every day, usually multiple times a day, and developing a healthy relationship with nutrition pays dividends.

The Role of Social Connection in Nutrition and Mental Health

Social connection plays a critical role in nutrition and mental health, and eating with others can have numerous psychological, social, and biological benefits. Sharing meals with family and friends can provide a sense of rhythm and regularity in life, and can help support mental health by reducing stress and improving mood. Additionally, cooking and preparing meals with others can foster social connection and community, and can help promote healthy eating habits.

Eating together allows for meaningful conversations and strengthens relationships, which can be particularly beneficial for teens navigating the challenges of adolescence. The act of preparing and sharing meals can create a supportive environment that encourages healthy eating habits and provides emotional support. By prioritizing social connections around food, teens can enhance their mental health and overall wellbeing.

Categories
Mental Health Parenting Therapy

Can a Teenager Refuse Mental Health Treatment? How to Get Someone Mental Help When They Refuse

Can a teenager refuse mental health treatment?

It’s an important question many parents ask themselves when faced with a teen who refuses to get help for their worsening mental health symptoms. The answer is that it depends. For the most part, minors cannot refuse care – but some states do insist that mental healthcare providers need a minor’s consent to continue treatment. It is crucial to seek help from a qualified health professional when a teen refuses treatment. Most therapists and psychiatrists will not work with a teen if they are not interested in seeking help, unless their care has been court-appointed.

If your teen is an adult – meaning, 18 or older – then there’s nothing you can do to force them to seek treatment. The most you can do with a teen under the age of 18 is force them to show up to the therapist’s office – but without their consent and willing participation, the whole exercise can feel a little pointless. And remember, depending on the state you live in, you may not be able to force your teen into any kind of mental health treatment without their consent.

An inpatient program can help, a little bit. You can make your minor go to rehab, but it’ll likely damage your relationship with them if it isn’t something they ever agreed to, and it can take a lot of time for them to begin opening up to the lessons they will potentially learn while in recovery. Consulting a healthcare provider is essential to manage mental health conditions effectively and ensure the involvement of qualified professionals. This can be a very expensive mistake.

 

Understanding Mental Illness

Mental illness, also known as a mental health disorder, encompasses a wide range of conditions that affect an individual’s mood, thinking, and behavior. These conditions can arise from a complex interplay of genetic, environmental, and psychological factors. Mental illnesses do not discriminate; they can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, or background.

What is mental illness?

Mental illness is a serious health condition that impacts millions of people worldwide. It can manifest in various forms, such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and many others. These conditions can significantly affect an individual’s daily life, relationships, and overall well-being. Understanding the nature of mental illness is the first step in recognizing the need for mental health treatment and support.

Recognizing the Signs of Mental Health Issues

Recognizing the signs of mental health issues is crucial for providing timely support and treatment. Mental health issues can present differently in different individuals, making it essential to be aware of the common signs and symptoms.

Identifying mental health issues in teenagers

Teenagers are particularly vulnerable to mental health issues due to the significant physical, emotional, and social changes they experience during this stage. Some common signs of mental health issues in teenagers include:

  • Changes in mood or behavior
  • Difficulty sleeping or concentrating
  • Loss of interest in activities they once enjoyed
  • Changes in appetite or weight
  • Physical symptoms such as headaches or unexplained pain
  • Withdrawal from social activities and friends
  • Increased irritability or aggression

Being vigilant about these signs can help in identifying mental health problems early, allowing for timely intervention and support from mental health professionals.

The Role of Stigma in Refusing Mental Health Treatment

Stigma plays a significant role in the refusal of mental health treatment. Many individuals with mental health conditions fear being judged, labeled, or ostracized by their community, which can prevent them from seeking the help they need.

How stigma affects mental health treatment refusal

Stigma can affect mental health treatment refusal in several ways:

  • Fear of being labeled as “crazy” or “weak”
  • Fear of being judged by family, friends, or the community
  • Fear of losing employment or social status
  • Fear of being institutionalized or hospitalized
  • Lack of understanding about mental health conditions and treatment options

By understanding the role of stigma in refusing mental health treatment, we can work towards creating a more supportive and non-judgmental environment. This encourages individuals to seek help without fear of being stigmatized, ultimately leading to better mental health outcomes for everyone involved.

What Should I Do If a Teen Refuses Treatment for Serious Mental Illness?

Depending on your teen’s condition, they may be interned in a psychiatric hospital or may be forced to go to rehab against their will. Psychiatric hospitalization is a short-term treatment plan utilized in cases where people suffer from an acute episode of self-harm, suicide, psychosis, or other mental health conditions that cause harm to themselves or others around them. Outpatient treatment can be a viable option for teens who refuse inpatient care, providing structured support without the need for hospitalization.

After psychiatric hospitalization, a person is often referred to an inpatient program or an intensive outpatient program, such as a partial hospitalization program, to transition back to living at home. All in all, it can take multiple weeks for them to return home and feel better.

In some cases, a court might force someone to go into rehab for their condition. Court-mandated or court-ordered rehab is only imposed in cases where people committed a crime in connection to their drug use. If your teen went on a drinking spree and drove drunk, endangering others, they may choose to go to rehab instead of facing jail time.

Serious mental illness, such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, presents unique challenges and often requires comprehensive treatment plans. But if you’re aware of your teen’s condition and its worsening symptoms, you will want to fight as hard as you can to make sure it doesn’t have to come to that. You can work with a therapist to convince your teen that getting help is the best thing for them to do right now.

Should I Even Force Mental Health Treatment on My Teen?

It’s rare for your only option to be to force your teen into treatment, whether it’s a therapist’s office or an inpatient facility for drug use. You may still have options in between. Understanding and supporting various mental health care options is crucial in encouraging your teen to seek the help they need.

The most obvious downside to seeking forced treatment is that your teen doesn’t want it. This means they won’t be receptive to treatment. They won’t trust their treatment providers, be dismissive towards therapists and other treatment specialists and professionals, and have a harder time benefiting from treatment in any possible way.

It’s hard enough as it is to successfully seek help for conditions like teen depression, drug addiction, and teenage anxiety and come out the other end with improved symptoms and a better quality of life. It’s much harder when you start off vehemently against the idea of getting help. However, you may have other options.

Talking to a Mental Health Professional About Interventions

Interventions are basically confrontations between loved ones or family members with the goal of convincing the target person to seek the help they need. Interventions might feel famously cliché, but when done right, they can break through to a person and make them realize that getting treatment really is the best thing for them and what they need to do right now.

Teens may be becoming adults, but they’re still ultimately children, and they may be your children. Mental health symptoms can be scary and make the world a more terrifying place to be in. Seeking help might be something they’ve been conditioned to avoid or not accept, and helping them remember or learn that it’s okay to be helped can open them up to finally seeking care.

It’s important to talk from the heart here, but it’s also important to stick to the framework your therapist provides. It’s easy for interventions to break down into arguments, and that will not be conducive to your goal.

Try To “Sell” Your Teen on Mental Health Treatment

Your teen might have all manner of misconceptions about what treatment really means. Maybe they’re worried about having to take medications and being forced to endure all manner of side effects. Maybe they’ve heard horror stories about bad therapists and poor experiences in rehab centers. It’s important to talk to them about their treatment expectations and find out what it is they’re specifically worried about.

Most teens who struggle with anxiety or depression to a debilitating degree are aware of the fact that they’re different and that they might have trouble with things other people don’t. Dealing with a mental health condition can be challenging, and understanding these challenges is crucial for providing the right support.

Talk to your teen about treatment and what it might mean for them. If your teen feels like committing to treatment ignores all the problems they’re facing at home, consider making a commitment for them. Talk to a therapist about family therapy or group therapy. Take notes and apply what you learn in therapy at home together. Addressing substance abuse issues alongside mental health conditions is also important, as integrated support can lead to better outcomes.

However, some conditions are harder to seek care for. For teens with schizophrenia, it might be hard to convince them to get help if they’re currently experiencing a psychotic break or have been more paranoid than usual.

Some personality disorders also feature paranoia as a primary symptom, which can make it harder to get treatment. Other conditions, like narcissistic personality disorder, may become violent or irritable if you imply that they need help. It may be in your best interest to talk to a therapist about approaching your teen with these conditions.

Commit To Mental Wellness at Home Together

One of the reasons group therapy is helpful to many people is because it helps remind them that they are not alone, and that they are not the only people who need help, or who are getting help. Accessing mental health services is crucial for ongoing support and can provide various resources and support systems. It also allows people to forge new friendships with others who have shared their experiences and have a unique insight into what it might be like to live with certain conditions.

If you and your teen both similarly struggle with certain symptoms, getting help together can not only improve your mental health but strengthen your bond as parent and child.

It’s not easy to convince someone who doesn’t think they need help that they should reach out for it. But if you reach out together, it might feel a little easier.

Categories
Depression Mental Health Recovery

Visions Remembers Robin Williams

It is with a heavy heart that I write this piece about comedic legend Robin Williams. He was someone that literally touched lives across generations. His comedic value was priceless, and he continued to break barriers throughout his career. Robin Williams also suffered deeply from substance abuse and mental illness, both of which were a common thread through his all-too-short life.

 

Here’s a touch of what Robin Williams taught me:

  • He taught me that being different was ok, if not downright cool.
  • He taught me to be who I am and to take risks.
  • He taught me to laugh in the face of adversity.
  • He reinvigorated my love of poetry.
  • He taught me that love is invaluable and that sometimes we have to do whatever we can to let it shine.

I only wish that the stigma of mental illness and substance abuse didn’t rest in his shadow. I wish he had time to see the outpouring of love and celebration for his genius. My hope is that we can SEE our loved ones who are suffering with kind and compassionate eyes, and that we can make efforts to normalize mental illness and substance abuse. Depression is serious business, it cannot be ignored or swept under the rug. Self-care is often low on the priority list in depression; it’s that thing often out of reach. It’s up to us to give depression and mental illness a voice.

We all have fond memories of Robin Williams, moments of his comedic genius (some of which are too rife with expletives to post  here), and moments of seriousness. Here are a few fine moments with Robin Williams that capture a mere smattering of his versatility and light:

 

His compassion in Patch:

 

Telling stories to heal in Fisher King:

https://youtu.be/6s26WxsgyKE

 

His quirkiness in Mork and Mindy:

https://youtu.be/v9g1yRXF8I8

 

And a reminder of the innate value of poetry in Dead Poets Society:

Originally posted on August 13, 2014 @ 9:52 am

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