Top Teen Mental Health Care in Southern California

The transition from childhood to adulthood is not easy. The numerous changes; physical, social, intellectual, hormonal, sexual and emotional, usually come with several challenges which may sometimes overwhelm teenagers. For many kids, a combination of all these challenges often results in one mental health disorder or another; most of which are a cause for concern, some even life-threatening. Mental health disorders include anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, borderline personality disorder, attention deficit disorder (ADD), post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and bipolar stress among others. If they are not helped in time, the teens can resort to drugs, alcohol and eating disorders.  

How to tell if he or she needs teen mental health care

Mood swings – as a parent you know your teen better than anyone else. You should be able to tell if it’s a teen mood swing or a mental problem.

Self medicating – if there are any indicators of use of drugs, an eating disorder, self harm or other forms of escape, it might be time to seek teen mental healthcare.

Performance in school – mental problems can affect grades at school. You can tell this by dwindling performances.

Relationship with peers – teens with mental disorders also show signs of strained relationships with their peers.

Behavioral changes – again you should be able to tell if your teen is behaving abnormally.

Physical symptoms – these usually include decreased energy, changes in eating habits, frequent headaches & stomachaches and even backaches.

Teen mental health care: what are the available treatment options?

Mental disorders in teens are treatable. Depending on the seriousness of the condition, the teen will need inpatient or outpatient treatment.

• Inpatient programs – if the condition is already in its advanced stages, the teen will need inpatient treatment in the facility.
• Outpatient treatment – for moderate disorders, the teen can be allowed to receive intensive care during the day and return home for the night. He or she will have several sessions with a counselor every month. The family might be asked to periodically attend selected sessions.

There are usually therapies for both the teen and the family. Teens are generally taught how mental illness works and coached on how to control it. The family is educated on how to help the teen and the signs of relapse.

Call Visions Adolescent Treatment Center at 866-889-3665. Or click below to schedule your consultation.

When a parent discovers that their child is taking drugs, they normally do not know what to make of it and reactions vary. Feelings of anger, betrayal, fear, helplessness and guilt make it harder for a parent to handle the matter objectively.

CDC puts the number of teens using heroin at around 3%, with the number being feared to be higher.  A worrying trend is the increasing cases of heroin use in teens from the middle class and living in the suburbs. This trend has been attributed to the abuse of prescription drugs such as OxyContin, Xanax and Vicodin.

There are a number of reasons why teens turn to heroin. Obvious reasons include ease of access to heroin and peer pressure. Subtler reasons are usually psychological, emotional or social such as a need to fit in, problems at home and high-risk taking behavior that comes with adolescence.

The abuse of prescription drugs is one of the leading reasons for the increasing heroin use in teens. They have been identified as gateway drugs to heroin use in teens. Prescription painkillers are made from opiates, and teens are able to access the prescription drugs easily from home or their friends.

The need for a stronger high at a lower cost and the fact that prescription drugs contain opiates makes some of the teens turn to heroin. Prescription drugs are more expensive than heroin for attaining the same high and more accessible to teen, thus the teen starts using heroin.

Another leading cause of heroin use in teens is for recreation, peer pressure and emotional distress. Given that the number of 7-12 years old using heroin has been on the increase, the chances of a teen using heroin have also increased. This is due to peer pressure and wanting to fit it, or simply out of boredom and flirting with danger and terming is as fun. Problems at home or school makes it easier for a kid to get into the wrong company and start using heroin or to seek it out.

Given that heroin use in teens is on the rise, it is advisable for a parent to ensure that their child is not abusing heroin or other substances. In case a parent fears that their child is using, it is imperative that they seek help from professionals, such as Visions Adolescent Treatment Centers.

As parents we never expect to be asking ourselves this question; yet denying that it applies to our child is to stand by and watch them surrender themselves fully to addiction, and possibly watch them forever be out of reach of our help.  You anticipate that you will give your child all the best of everything; that you can provide for them better than your parent’s did for you and that they will grow up to be healthy and happy; one never foresees the depths and devastation of addiction taking hold of our child and removing from them every joy and bit of family peace your home once had.

So just where do parents turn when their worst nightmare has come true and addiction has stolen from them the single most important thing in their life? Parents can turn to Visions Teen Treatment Facility in Southern California. 50% of Visions Teen program participants come from the state of California; the other 50% come from around the U.S. and even countries outside the U.S.  Teens come from all over because Visions Teen offers a specific individualized treatment plan that addresses not only the addiction of your teen, but the affects the addiction has had upon the family, and we structure specific treatments to promote recovery for the entire family.

Our Visions Teen programs offer recovery treatments to meet all three of the basic needs addicted teens have; problems that affect them substantially physically, mentally and spiritually.  We design an individualized program to meet the physical and mental needs of your teen and discover the root of the problems and the best methods of treatment for the teen’s entire condition, both in their addiction as well as their mental health. Our programs are fully encompassing, offering your teen a choice of treatment in a residential setting, outpatient care, and long term residential treatment.

Each teen will have a team of professionals to address the underlying reasons behind their drug use and mental distress.  Participants are assessed and seen by a psychiatrist; a therapist, who works in conjunction with the family; a counselor and mentor. The Visions Teen treatment philosophy ensures that your teen always has someone to speak to aid them in addressing their subconscious reasons for drug use. Let Vision Teen aid your family in returning to the healthy state you thought forever lost; our counselors are standing by at 866-889-3665.

Teens and people suffering from bipolar disorder experience mood swings and can quickly switch from having a manic episode, when they feel hyperactive and high, to having a depressive one, when they feel low and sometimes even suicidal. It is believed to be predominantly be a result of genetic changes in one’s body, though drug use and other factors are believed to contributing factors.

Bipolar disorder affects about 1% of the population and usually manifests itself by the age of 35. Though it rarely affects children, it does affect children as young as 6 years old. Since a teenager’s body is undergoing a lot of changes, bipolar teen disorder cases are more prevalent among teens than younger children. Adolescents with teen bipolar disorder find it harder to control their impulses, have a hard time performing well in school despite being bright, get in trouble more often and may be depressed and even suicidal.

Those suffering from bipolar teen disorder display manic and/ or depressive symptoms. The depressive symptoms include lethargy, feelings of low self-esteem, loss of interest in things that the adolescent was into, poor concentration and feeling worthless. Manic symptoms displayed by teen bipolar disorder sufferers include overconfidence in one’s abilities and an inflated ego, high-risk taking behavior because of the overconfidence, insomnia, hyperactivity, being highly distractible and loquacity.

Since manic symptoms displayed by those affected by teen bipolar disorder closely resemble those of children or teens suffering from attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), it is important for a parent to ensure that their child is correctly diagnosed. This is due to the fact that ADHD’s treatment typically consists of stimulants, which adversely affect people suffering from bipolar disorders by triggering manic episodes.  Symptoms could also be a result of conduct problems, making the correct diagnosis critical to ensure the right problem is being addressed.

Adolescents suffering from teen bipolar disorder face many challenges dealing with themselves and others, making it critical to get help. An incorrect diagnosis could actually make the condition worse, which makes important for a parent who thinks that their kid is suffering from teen bipolar disorder to ensure that their child gets proper diagnosis and treatment.

Professionals in rehabilitation and therapy centers such as Visions Teens Adolescent Treatment Centers do thorough evaluations to ensure that those with teen bipolar disorder in Southern California and elsewhere are correctly diagnosed and treated. Call today.

How Do I Know If My Daughter Has an Eating Disorder

There are many reasons why children, teenagers, and adults develop eating disorders. However, a look at the available data reveals that there are considerably more girls and women suffering from eating disorders. Various statistics paint a bleak picture when it comes to girls and women, weight control and eating disorders: for example, about 9 in 10 women have tried to control their weight through dieting which though not in itself alarming, shows how much stock people place on being slim and lean. About 4 teenage girls in every 10 suffers from or has suffered from an eating disorder at one time or another.  

It is therefore important for a parent of a teenage girl to know the signs to look out for in order to determine if their daughter is suffering from an eating disorder. There are quite a number of eating disorders such as binge eating, anorexia, bulimia, and others. Knowing about them and being able to determine if your daughter is suffering from them helps a parent to know exactly which eating disorder their daughter could be suffering from and how best to deal with it.

However, most teenagers with eating disorders take great measures to ensure that those around them do not notice it, especially if they are suffering from bulimia or anorexia. Thus, it is important for a parent to be observant and know the signs that may point to an eating disorder.

Some of the symptoms include an obsession with not gaining weight or losing it, an unhealthy obsession with eating right and dieting, avoiding functions and places where food is presented, performing certain rituals while preparing food and eating, and visiting the toilet immediately after eating.

Other signs that may not necessarily mean that someone is suffering from an eating disorder, but should nonetheless act as red flags, include exercising obsessively, sudden mood changes, lethargy and fatigue, and constantly weighing oneself.

Physical signs of an eating disorder may also manifest themselves as time passes. They will usually differ according to the eating disorder a teenager is suffering from. Tooth decay and discoloration, dried and parched lips, flaky and dry skin, broken and cracked nails, and a sudden change in body weight, whether it is weight loss (bulimia or anorexia), or weight gain (binge eating) are just some of the complications and signs that may arise as a result of eating disorders.

Finding Help for Your daughter’s Depression

Children are known to be rebellious, moody, and emotional. This is considered normal childhood behavior. Depression, however, is a whole different thing. It is a mental condition which can linger for weeks or even months.  

Girls are more likely to experience depression than boys especially as they approach puberty. Although hormonal changes are not wholly to blame for depression in girls, these changes are known to contribute to pre-adolescent and adolescent stresses.

As a parent, the first thing you have to understand is that depression goes way beyond moodiness. Fortunately, depression in kids is treatable.

• Avoid assumptions

Talk to the family, school faculty, and fiends about it. It is also wise to take her to a pediatrician to make sure there are no physical issues such as pains, aches, and fatigue.

• Talk to her

If you show her love and understanding, she is likely to open up to you. To fully understand the causes of your daughter’s depression, you may have to learn more about the condition from a professional or by reading books. Make the communication as voluntary as possible, never pressuring her to talk.

• Find ways to keep her busy

Insist that they wake up as usual, do the dishes, make their beds and join the family at meals. They should also complete their homework in time. When kids are depressed, they tend to prefer to stay alone, away from others. You shouldn’t let them behave this way. Being depressed should never be an excuse to skip responsibilities. Of course you shouldn’t yell at them, but you have to coach them.

• Encourage them to find engaging activities

Exercising daily or 3 to 4 times a week will help them forget about their troubles for a while. They can also keep journals, as writing or scribbling will help them express their feelings. They can also often find support from peer and family members whom she’s comfortable sharing her feelings with.

• Seek professional treatment

If she is not showing signs of improvement after trying this, see a clinical social worker or a professional counselor for help.

Summary

Depression affects 5% of adolescents so you should never worry too much if your daughter shows symptoms of being depressed. If you act accordingly, you will help her get through the bad times.

Schedule your consultation or call us at 866-889-3665.

Molly and the Effects it is Having On Our children

Molly, short for “molecule” is a 3, 4-Methylenedioxy-N-methylmphetamine (MDMA) chemical popular in the streets and in parties where it is normally used as Ecstasy – which it is actually not. The drug comes in crystal or powder form.  

The effects of MDMA resemble those of both psychedelics and stimulants. A normal dose of the drug lasts approximately four to six hours in the body. Molly increases the activity of neurotransmitters within the brain which results in users feeling energized, happy and empathetic towards others.

Effects of Molly on our children

• Feeling of openness, unafraid and strong connection to people around them

This is the main reason why the drug is frequented in parties and social settings. The effects of MDMA are stimulated by sound, smells, touch and visuals. It causes dilation of the pupils and sensitivity to light. As sensations heighten, these children will want to intensify their feelings by talking, dancing and uncontrolled touching.

• Hyperthermia

Hyperthermia refers to a life-threatening increase in body temperature. Interestingly, the condition is not directly triggered by the drug, but by excessive physical application such as dancing. Molly makes children want to dance a lot so they will often dance until they are completely worn out. If the “party” was taking place in an overheated environment and the child fails to replenish fluids, there is a high risk of hyperthermia.

• Molly being illegal, has no known “safe” dose

You will be surprised that a number of drugs sold as Molly or Ecstasy are not actually MDMA’s. Besides, Molly powder may contain varying levels of Methylene-dioxyamphetamine as well as several other stimulants like Caffeine or anesthetics like Ketamine. All these can amplify potential harms of the drug.

• Molly also has several other side effects including dizziness, chilling, blurred vision, sweating, nausea and forceful clenching of the teeth (also known as bruxism)

Summary

The Drugs Enforcement Administration (DEA) categorizes Molly as a schedule-1 controlled substance to mean that it has a high potential to be abused and is not accepted in medical treatment. You should therefore help your kid stay away from the drug from an early age.

Schedule your consultation or call us at 866-889-3665.

Forgiveness is Key When It Comes To Being Sober

Emotional distress has been found to be a trigger for substance abuse. People who are feeling angry, anxious, resentment and experiencing other emotions strongly, both negative and positive such as euphoria, may find themselves using drugs more and more. This can lead to addiction and using drugs as a coping mechanism when faced with unfavourable conditions. 

Once someone has decided to break their substance abuse habits and embarked on recovery and being sober, it is important for them to include forgiveness as a step in their therapy. When one holds on to resentment towards others or themselves while fighting a drug or substance abuse addiction, it is easy to relapse to cope with the emotional stress.

Whether one is just starting therapy so as to get sober or have been sober for a while, forgiveness plays a crucial role in the success of the recovery process. While an addict is still using, they are likely to cause others a lot of pain and suffering, be it financial, emotional or physical and to also engage in activities that are harmful to others and to themselves. The feelings of guilt and shame worsen the cycle as they make the addict seek more of the drug in an effort to numb the pain. If not properly addressed, trespasses and wrongs done to others as well as feelings guilt and shame make it harder for one to move on and to stay sober.

Holding on to things others have done to us and staying angry is like holding on to a hot coal, bound to hurt the person holding on to the grudge the most. It is therefore important for anyone recovering from drug and substance abuse to being sober, to forgive others for being wronged by them not only as a means of ensuring they stay on track and remain sober but also for the emotional freedom and peace of mind.

Asking for forgiveness from others that one has wronged is also important as it reduces the feeling of guilt and shame while also helping to rebuild relationships that have been adversely affected by one’s substance and drug abuse. Whether they decide to forgive one is not as important as having taken the step towards reconciliation and making things better.

The most important thing is for one to forgive themselves as it makes it easier to move on past an addiction and mistakes.