Resources for Teen Mental Health
In alignment with our mission to empower and restore families, we’ve compiled mental health resources for teens to inform, educate, and inspire our greater community. As a teen treatment program, we’re dedicated to helping young people and families live healthier, happier lives.
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Empathy, connection, and love are more powerful than hate and vengeance. In difficult times, lean into your loved ones, support one another, and use your voice for change.
#PeacefulChange #FightForChange #MentalHealthSupport #MentalHealthMatters
Raising a healthy child is probably one of the hardest jobs in the world. In healthy parent-child relationships, parents give and children receive. The role of a parent is to provide care and unconditional love so that children are free to focus their energy on learning and growing. However, not all individuals have the stability and inner resources to be this kind of parent.
It's important that parents take the time to learn coping skills and tools to build emotional resilience. When they don't have the proper tools, parents sometimes parentify their kids—relying on their children for emotional and/or practical support, rather than providing it. Parentification can result in relational trauma for the children.
Parents who find themselves in these situations shouldn't feel shame or guilt as they're not alone; research estimates that 1.4 million children experience this in the United States. However, parents should take action and seek professional help to repair the damage and learn skills for developing healthy boundaries within the family.
#teenmentalhealth #mentalhealthawareness #mentalhealthmatters #mentalhealthadvocate #mensmentalhealth #mensmentalhealthawareness #parentingteens #parentingtips #parenting #teenwellbeing #teenselfcare #parentingstruggles #parentification #generationaltrauma #childhoodtrauma #relationaltrauma #emotionaltrauma
Empathy, connection, and love are more powerful than hate and vengeance. In difficult times, lean into your loved ones, support one another, and use your voice for change.
#PeacefulChange #FightForChange #MentalHealthSupport #MentalHealthMatters
Raising a healthy child is probably one of the hardest jobs in the world. In healthy parent-child relationships, parents give and children receive. The role of a parent is to provide care and unconditional love so that children are free to focus their energy on learning and growing. However, not all individuals have the stability and inner resources to be this kind of parent.
It's important that parents take the time to learn coping skills and tools to build emotional resilience. When they don't have the proper tools, parents sometimes parentify their kids—relying on their children for emotional and/or practical support, rather than providing it. Parentification can result in relational trauma for the children.
Parents who find themselves in these situations shouldn't feel shame or guilt as they're not alone; research estimates that 1.4 million children experience this in the United States. However, parents should take action and seek professional help to repair the damage and learn skills for developing healthy boundaries within the family.
#teenmentalhealth #mentalhealthawareness #mentalhealthmatters #mentalhealthadvocate #mensmentalhealth #mensmentalhealthawareness #parentingteens #parentingtips #parenting #teenwellbeing #teenselfcare #parentingstruggles #parentification #generationaltrauma #childhoodtrauma #relationaltrauma #emotionaltrauma
We stand in solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community and in sympathy for the lives tragically lost at Club Q.
#Loveislove #lgbtq #lovewins #lgbtqpride
Being transgender is not a mental health condition, any more than being cisgender is. However, being transgender can present specific challenges that increase the likelihood of anxiety, depression, or other conditions. For example, transgender people may face rejection by family and friends, societal stigma and prejudice, and reduced access to healthcare.
Sometimes children or teens know they are trans but are afraid to come out. They might be concerned about rejection, stigma, or bullying.
In most cases, the initial confusion and anxiety evolves into experimentation, gradual acceptance, and eventually integration and expression of one’s identity. Studies on transgender identity development find that being able to fully express one’s gender and having a sense of self is essential, no matter how the participants express their gender identity. Moreover, having a safe space to experiment with their gender presentation is instrumental in the process of identity development.
Fortunately, parental support can buffer against the challenges that transgender teens face. When trans teens feel accepted by their families, their health, self-esteem, and social support improve. Moreover, they are less vulnerable to depression, substance abuse, and suicidal ideation. Hence, the most important aspect of supporting a transgender teenager is providing unconditional love and support.
#TeenMentalHealth #MentalHealthAwareness #MentalHealthAdvisory #ParentingTeens #mentalhealthadvocate #mentalhealthsupport #mentalhealthrecovery #mentalwellbeing #mentalwellness #mentalhealthtips #parentingsupport #mentalillness #mentalhealthcare #mentalhealthcheck #FromAwarenessToAction #SupportingParents #ParentingTips #TeenPTSD #TeenTrauma #TransgenderMentalHealth #TransgenderMatters
When a situation feels painful or overwhelming, and teens don’t have the skills they need, they may default to unhealthy coping mechanisms. And they may make risky or self-destructive choices to distract themselves from their distress or to ease the intensity of their emotions.
Giving teens a list of coping skills may not avert the unhealthy behavior every time. But it provides other choices that they can turn to when they’re struggling. The more they practice healthy coping skills, the more they see how effective and positive these tools can be.
While there are a variety of models of coping, researchers generally recognize these five types of coping skills. The most effective strategies help a person approach rather than avoid the source of their stress. However, there are exceptions, and even healthy strategies taken to an extreme can be harmful.
#TeenMentalHealth #MentalHealthAwareness #MentalHealthAdvisory #ParentingTeens #mentalhealthadvocate #mentalhealthsupport #mentalhealthrecovery #mentalwellbeing #mentalwellness #mentalhealthtips #parentingsupport #mentalillness #mentalhealthcare #mentalhealthcheck #FromAwarenessToAction #SupportingParents #ParentingTips
It’s bad enough for parents to be struggling with burnout. But unfortunately, parental burnout also impacts the children living at home. Of course, parents are only human, too. They can’t be expected to make the right decisions every time. And they shouldn’t beat themselves up about being tired or emotionally unavailable for their kids sometimes. However, if parental burnout is allowed to continue, the repercussions for parents and children can be severe.
Besides the three aspects of parental burnout above, the Working Parent Burnout Scale, created by the Ohio State University researchers, can be used to help both parents and clinicians determine whether a parent is experiencing burnout.
Asking for help is the first step to address parental burnout, but it’s worth knowing you’re not alone! Research shows parental burnout is common. Release the shame and that will free up emotional energy that can be used to shift what’s not working.
#TeenMentalHealth #MentalHealthAwareness #MentalHealthAdvisory #ParentingTeens #mentalhealthadvocate #mentalhealthsupport #mentalhealthrecovery #mentalwellbeing #mentalwellness #mentalhealthtips #parentingsupport #mentalillness #mentalhealthcare #mentalhealthcheck #FromAwarenessToAction #SupportingParents #ParentingTips #parentalburnout
84% of teens use social media, and 62% of teens use it every day, so it is natural for parents to be interested in their kids’ social life online. Becoming friends with your teen on their social profiles is one way to learn more about what they’re up to. However, there should be some boundaries so that the relationship can remain healthy.
According to a recent study, 83% of parents are friends with their teens on social media. However, parents who follow their children on social media might not always like what they see. Even so, they need to respect that their teens have their own relationships and styles of expressing themselves.
Here are a few guidelines on what to do and not to do if you choose to connect with your teen on social media.
#TeenMentalHealth #MentalHealthAwareness #MentalHealthAdvisory #ParentingTeens #mentalhealthadvocate #mentalhealthsupport #mentalhealthrecovery #mentalwellbeing #mentalwellness #mentalhealthtips #parentingsupport #mentalillness #mentalhealthcare #mentalhealthcheck #FromAwarenessToAction #SupportingParents #ParentingTips #TeenOnSocialMedia
The difference between trauma and PTSD isn’t defined by the severity or type of event. Rather, it is defined by how the traumatic event affects each individual teen, and how long the traumatic response continues.
The main difference between trauma and PTSD is length of time. Trauma refers to an individual’s experience during and immediately after a life-threatening or highly distressing event. Trauma that is not processed in the mind and body can progress into PTSD, which is a specific mental health diagnosis. PTSD criteria includes symptoms lasting longer than a month that are severe enough to interfere with daily functioning.
When it comes to trauma and PTSD, the most important thing to understand is that early treatment is essential to limit the negative impact of trauma. The most effective way to heal trauma before it becomes PTSD is through one of many different trauma treatment therapy methods.
#TeenMentalHealth #MentalHealthAwareness #MentalHealthAdvisory #ParentingTeens #mentalhealthadvocate #mentalhealthsupport #mentalhealthrecovery #mentalwellbeing #mentalwellness #mentalhealthtips #parentingsupport #mentalillness #mentalhealthcare #mentalhealthcheck #FromAwarenessToAction #SupportingParents #ParentingTips #TeenPTSD #TeenTrauma
As a society, we are finally reducing the stigma around mental health—and youth mental health in particular. The topic has permeated our culture and become one of the most talked-about issues on social media, in schools, and in the news.
Awareness is the first step—but awareness alone is not enough. In order for more young people to receive the treatment they need, families must take the next step and overcome obstacles to care, both practical and psychological.
Learn how to recognize when a teen needs professional support.
#TeenMentalHealth #MentalHealthAwareness #MentalHealthAdvisory #ParentingTeens #mentalhealthadvocate #mentalhealthsupport #mentalhealthrecovery #mentalwellbeing #mentalwellness #mentalhealthtips #parentingsupport #mentalillness #mentalhealthcare #mentalhealthcheck #FromAwarenessToAction #SupportingParents #ParentingTips
Messy teens are an adolescent stereotype. Refusing to keep their room neat is often a way for teens to claim their space and declare independence from their parents. However, teens with messy rooms, particularly if the messiness is extreme, may be struggling with a mental health disorder, such as anxiety or ADHD.
The messy room–depression cycle goes both ways. Hence, not only does depression result in teen messiness, a messy room can create stress and other negative emotions. Studies have shown that clutter produces anxiety as well as making people feel depressed. One study of mothers living in cluttered homes found that they had higher-than-average levels of the stress hormone cortisol. Thus, living in a messy room means that a teenager’s nervous system is always in a state of low-grade fight-or-flight.
Making cleaning a family project can help teens clean up and feel better. Cleaning to music, cleaning for just 10 minutes at a time, and inspiring cleaning with some new additions to their rooms are also great tools to help.
#TeenMentalHealth #MentalHealthAwareness #MentalHealthAdvisory #ParentingTeens #mentalhealthadvocate #mentalhealthsupport #mentalhealthrecovery #mentalwellbeing #mentalwellness #mentalhealthtips #parentingsupport #mentalillness #mentalhealthcare #mentalhealthcheck #FromAwarenessToAction #SupportingParents #ParentingTips #TeenMess #MessyTeen
Although frustrating regardless, teen anger doesn’t always come from the same place. Sometimes teen anger is an appropriate expression of emotion, while at other times, it may be catalyzed by a mental health disorder.
Sometimes anger is not a natural response to a situation though, but rather a sign that a teen needs anger management tools. Unhealthy anger is when the level of emotion does not match the cause or gets out of control or violent. When a teen gets angry often, that is also unhealthy.
Parents sometimes struggle with how to manage teenage anger. These tips for anger management can help your teen learn positive coping skills to handle their emotions.
#TeenMentalHealth #MentalHealthAwareness #MentalHealthAdvisory #ParentingTeens #mentalhealthadvocate #mentalhealthsupport #mentalhealthrecovery #mentalwellbeing #mentalwellness #mentalhealthtips #parentingsupport #mentalillness #mentalhealthcare #mentalhealthcheck #TeenAnger #SupportingParents #ParentingTips #TeenAngst
It's #minoritymentalhealth awareness month and a key time to bring attention to the barriers minority groups have to access mental healthcare.
By 2050, racial and ethnic minorities are projected to become the majority. Yet, the rate in which they seek mental healthcare hasn't increased. How does culture impact teens & families in seeking help?
#TeenMentalHealth #MentalHealthAwareness #MentalHealthAdvisory #ParentingTeens #mentalhealthadvocate #mentalhealthsupport #mentalhealthrecovery #mentalwellbeing #mentalwellness #mentalhealthtips #parentingsupport #mentalillness #mentalhealthcare #mentalhealthcheck #FromAwarenessToAction #SupportingParents #ParentingTips #minoritymentalhealthawarenessmonth #minoritygroups #mmham
Empathy, connection, and love are more powerful than hate and vengeance. In difficult times, lean into your loved ones, support one another, and use your voice for change.
#PeacefulChange #FightForChange #MentalHealthSupport #MentalHealthMatters
Raising a healthy child is probably one of the hardest jobs in the world. In healthy parent-child relationships, parents give and children receive. The role of a parent is to provide care and unconditional love so that children are free to focus their energy on learning and growing. However, not all individuals have the stability and inner resources to be this kind of parent.
It's important that parents take the time to learn coping skills and tools to build emotional resilience. When they don't have the proper tools, parents sometimes parentify their kids—relying on their children for emotional and/or practical support, rather than providing it. Parentification can result in relational trauma for the children.
Parents who find themselves in these situations shouldn't feel shame or guilt as they're not alone; research estimates that 1.4 million children experience this in the United States. However, parents should take action and seek professional help to repair the damage and learn skills for developing healthy boundaries within the family.
#teenmentalhealth #mentalhealthawareness #mentalhealthmatters #mentalhealthadvocate #mensmentalhealth #mensmentalhealthawareness #parentingteens #parentingtips #parenting #teenwellbeing #teenselfcare #parentingstruggles #parentification #generationaltrauma #childhoodtrauma #relationaltrauma #emotionaltrauma
We stand in solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community and in sympathy for the lives tragically lost at Club Q.
#Loveislove #lgbtq #lovewins #lgbtqpride
Being transgender is not a mental health condition, any more than being cisgender is. However, being transgender can present specific challenges that increase the likelihood of anxiety, depression, or other conditions. For example, transgender people may face rejection by family and friends, societal stigma and prejudice, and reduced access to healthcare.
Sometimes children or teens know they are trans but are afraid to come out. They might be concerned about rejection, stigma, or bullying.
In most cases, the initial confusion and anxiety evolves into experimentation, gradual acceptance, and eventually integration and expression of one’s identity. Studies on transgender identity development find that being able to fully express one’s gender and having a sense of self is essential, no matter how the participants express their gender identity. Moreover, having a safe space to experiment with their gender presentation is instrumental in the process of identity development.
Fortunately, parental support can buffer against the challenges that transgender teens face. When trans teens feel accepted by their families, their health, self-esteem, and social support improve. Moreover, they are less vulnerable to depression, substance abuse, and suicidal ideation. Hence, the most important aspect of supporting a transgender teenager is providing unconditional love and support.
#TeenMentalHealth #MentalHealthAwareness #MentalHealthAdvisory #ParentingTeens #mentalhealthadvocate #mentalhealthsupport #mentalhealthrecovery #mentalwellbeing #mentalwellness #mentalhealthtips #parentingsupport #mentalillness #mentalhealthcare #mentalhealthcheck #FromAwarenessToAction #SupportingParents #ParentingTips #TeenPTSD #TeenTrauma #TransgenderMentalHealth #TransgenderMatters
When a situation feels painful or overwhelming, and teens don’t have the skills they need, they may default to unhealthy coping mechanisms. And they may make risky or self-destructive choices to distract themselves from their distress or to ease the intensity of their emotions.
Giving teens a list of coping skills may not avert the unhealthy behavior every time. But it provides other choices that they can turn to when they’re struggling. The more they practice healthy coping skills, the more they see how effective and positive these tools can be.
While there are a variety of models of coping, researchers generally recognize these five types of coping skills. The most effective strategies help a person approach rather than avoid the source of their stress. However, there are exceptions, and even healthy strategies taken to an extreme can be harmful.
#TeenMentalHealth #MentalHealthAwareness #MentalHealthAdvisory #ParentingTeens #mentalhealthadvocate #mentalhealthsupport #mentalhealthrecovery #mentalwellbeing #mentalwellness #mentalhealthtips #parentingsupport #mentalillness #mentalhealthcare #mentalhealthcheck #FromAwarenessToAction #SupportingParents #ParentingTips
It’s bad enough for parents to be struggling with burnout. But unfortunately, parental burnout also impacts the children living at home. Of course, parents are only human, too. They can’t be expected to make the right decisions every time. And they shouldn’t beat themselves up about being tired or emotionally unavailable for their kids sometimes. However, if parental burnout is allowed to continue, the repercussions for parents and children can be severe.
Besides the three aspects of parental burnout above, the Working Parent Burnout Scale, created by the Ohio State University researchers, can be used to help both parents and clinicians determine whether a parent is experiencing burnout.
Asking for help is the first step to address parental burnout, but it’s worth knowing you’re not alone! Research shows parental burnout is common. Release the shame and that will free up emotional energy that can be used to shift what’s not working.
#TeenMentalHealth #MentalHealthAwareness #MentalHealthAdvisory #ParentingTeens #mentalhealthadvocate #mentalhealthsupport #mentalhealthrecovery #mentalwellbeing #mentalwellness #mentalhealthtips #parentingsupport #mentalillness #mentalhealthcare #mentalhealthcheck #FromAwarenessToAction #SupportingParents #ParentingTips #parentalburnout
84% of teens use social media, and 62% of teens use it every day, so it is natural for parents to be interested in their kids’ social life online. Becoming friends with your teen on their social profiles is one way to learn more about what they’re up to. However, there should be some boundaries so that the relationship can remain healthy.
According to a recent study, 83% of parents are friends with their teens on social media. However, parents who follow their children on social media might not always like what they see. Even so, they need to respect that their teens have their own relationships and styles of expressing themselves.
Here are a few guidelines on what to do and not to do if you choose to connect with your teen on social media.
#TeenMentalHealth #MentalHealthAwareness #MentalHealthAdvisory #ParentingTeens #mentalhealthadvocate #mentalhealthsupport #mentalhealthrecovery #mentalwellbeing #mentalwellness #mentalhealthtips #parentingsupport #mentalillness #mentalhealthcare #mentalhealthcheck #FromAwarenessToAction #SupportingParents #ParentingTips #TeenOnSocialMedia
The difference between trauma and PTSD isn’t defined by the severity or type of event. Rather, it is defined by how the traumatic event affects each individual teen, and how long the traumatic response continues.
The main difference between trauma and PTSD is length of time. Trauma refers to an individual’s experience during and immediately after a life-threatening or highly distressing event. Trauma that is not processed in the mind and body can progress into PTSD, which is a specific mental health diagnosis. PTSD criteria includes symptoms lasting longer than a month that are severe enough to interfere with daily functioning.
When it comes to trauma and PTSD, the most important thing to understand is that early treatment is essential to limit the negative impact of trauma. The most effective way to heal trauma before it becomes PTSD is through one of many different trauma treatment therapy methods.
#TeenMentalHealth #MentalHealthAwareness #MentalHealthAdvisory #ParentingTeens #mentalhealthadvocate #mentalhealthsupport #mentalhealthrecovery #mentalwellbeing #mentalwellness #mentalhealthtips #parentingsupport #mentalillness #mentalhealthcare #mentalhealthcheck #FromAwarenessToAction #SupportingParents #ParentingTips #TeenPTSD #TeenTrauma
As a society, we are finally reducing the stigma around mental health—and youth mental health in particular. The topic has permeated our culture and become one of the most talked-about issues on social media, in schools, and in the news.
Awareness is the first step—but awareness alone is not enough. In order for more young people to receive the treatment they need, families must take the next step and overcome obstacles to care, both practical and psychological.
Learn how to recognize when a teen needs professional support.
#TeenMentalHealth #MentalHealthAwareness #MentalHealthAdvisory #ParentingTeens #mentalhealthadvocate #mentalhealthsupport #mentalhealthrecovery #mentalwellbeing #mentalwellness #mentalhealthtips #parentingsupport #mentalillness #mentalhealthcare #mentalhealthcheck #FromAwarenessToAction #SupportingParents #ParentingTips
Messy teens are an adolescent stereotype. Refusing to keep their room neat is often a way for teens to claim their space and declare independence from their parents. However, teens with messy rooms, particularly if the messiness is extreme, may be struggling with a mental health disorder, such as anxiety or ADHD.
The messy room–depression cycle goes both ways. Hence, not only does depression result in teen messiness, a messy room can create stress and other negative emotions. Studies have shown that clutter produces anxiety as well as making people feel depressed. One study of mothers living in cluttered homes found that they had higher-than-average levels of the stress hormone cortisol. Thus, living in a messy room means that a teenager’s nervous system is always in a state of low-grade fight-or-flight.
Making cleaning a family project can help teens clean up and feel better. Cleaning to music, cleaning for just 10 minutes at a time, and inspiring cleaning with some new additions to their rooms are also great tools to help.
#TeenMentalHealth #MentalHealthAwareness #MentalHealthAdvisory #ParentingTeens #mentalhealthadvocate #mentalhealthsupport #mentalhealthrecovery #mentalwellbeing #mentalwellness #mentalhealthtips #parentingsupport #mentalillness #mentalhealthcare #mentalhealthcheck #FromAwarenessToAction #SupportingParents #ParentingTips #TeenMess #MessyTeen
Although frustrating regardless, teen anger doesn’t always come from the same place. Sometimes teen anger is an appropriate expression of emotion, while at other times, it may be catalyzed by a mental health disorder.
Sometimes anger is not a natural response to a situation though, but rather a sign that a teen needs anger management tools. Unhealthy anger is when the level of emotion does not match the cause or gets out of control or violent. When a teen gets angry often, that is also unhealthy.
Parents sometimes struggle with how to manage teenage anger. These tips for anger management can help your teen learn positive coping skills to handle their emotions.
#TeenMentalHealth #MentalHealthAwareness #MentalHealthAdvisory #ParentingTeens #mentalhealthadvocate #mentalhealthsupport #mentalhealthrecovery #mentalwellbeing #mentalwellness #mentalhealthtips #parentingsupport #mentalillness #mentalhealthcare #mentalhealthcheck #TeenAnger #SupportingParents #ParentingTips #TeenAngst
It's #minoritymentalhealth awareness month and a key time to bring attention to the barriers minority groups have to access mental healthcare.
By 2050, racial and ethnic minorities are projected to become the majority. Yet, the rate in which they seek mental healthcare hasn't increased. How does culture impact teens & families in seeking help?
#TeenMentalHealth #MentalHealthAwareness #MentalHealthAdvisory #ParentingTeens #mentalhealthadvocate #mentalhealthsupport #mentalhealthrecovery #mentalwellbeing #mentalwellness #mentalhealthtips #parentingsupport #mentalillness #mentalhealthcare #mentalhealthcheck #FromAwarenessToAction #SupportingParents #ParentingTips #minoritymentalhealthawarenessmonth #minoritygroups #mmham
Teens with Messy Rooms: A Sign of Depression?
Reading Time: 5 minutes Messy teens are an adolescent stereotype. Refusing to keep their room neat is often a way for teens to claim their space and declare independence from their parents. However, teen [...]