Here are some of the long-term effects of TBI on teenagers:

Cognitive Impairments

TBI can lead to deficits in attention, memory, and executive functioning. Teenagers may experience difficulties with concentration, processing speed, and learning new information, which can affect their academic performance and ability to retain information.

Emotional and Behavioral Changes

Teenagers with traumatic brain injuries may exhibit emotional and behavioral changes such as irritability, mood swings, impulsivity, and disinhibition. They may also experience depression, anxiety, or emotional instability, which can impact their relationships with family and peers.

Physical Disabilities

Depending on the severity and location of the injury, these catastrophic injuries can result in physical disabilities such as paralysis, weakness, coordination problems, and sensory impairments. These disabilities may require ongoing rehabilitation and support to improve mobility and independence.

Social Challenges

Teenagers with TBI may struggle to maintain social relationships and engage in social activities due to changes in behavior, communication difficulties, and social awkwardness. They may experience social isolation, rejection, or bullying, which can further exacerbate emotional and psychological issues.

Educational Impacts

TBI can interfere with a teenager’s ability to attend school regularly, participate in academic activities, and meet educational milestones. They may require special education services, accommodations, or modifications to support their learning needs.

Increased Risk of Substance Abuse

Research suggests that teenagers with TBI are at a higher risk of engaging in substance abuse compared to their peers without TBI. This may be due to difficulties coping with emotional and physical challenges, impaired judgment, and impulsivity.

Long-Term Health Complications

Teenagers who sustain a TBI may be at risk of developing long-term health complications such as epilepsy, sleep disturbances, chronic pain, and neurodegenerative disorders later in life. Monitoring and managing these health issues are essential for maintaining overall well-being.

Impact on Family Dynamics

The long-term effects of TBI can place a significant strain on family dynamics, requiring caregivers to provide ongoing support, supervision, and assistance with daily activities. Family members may experience stress, financial burdens, and emotional exhaustion while navigating the challenges associated with TBI rehabilitation and care.

It’s important for teenagers who have sustained a TBI to receive comprehensive medical evaluation, ongoing rehabilitation, and support services to address their unique needs and optimize their long-term outcomes. With early intervention, potentially the help of a trusted White Plains personal injury attorney, appropriate interventions, and a supportive environment, many teenagers with TBI can achieve significant improvements in their functioning and quality of life over time.

Also read:

Goals of Boarding Schools

5 Benefits of Boarding Schools for Troubled Teens

The post What Are The Long-Term Effects of A Traumatic Brain Injury On Teenagers? first appeared on Help Your Teens.

American Psychological Association says that teens currently report worse mental health and higher levels of anxiety and depression than all other age groups—including adults.

Many experts point to the rise in social media, cell-phone and technology obsession, teens are not only feeling pressured to keep up with their peers digitally, it has created a higher level of stress and anxiety for them.

Many teens and kids have hopes and aspirations for their future, maybe college, or even the simpler things such as a family gathering — yet they are emotionally overwhelmed. These are good kids; they have goals and dreams but suddenly are feeling distressed and lonely. Teen depression is a serious concern that parents need to be aware of the warning signs.

9 Signs of Teen Depression

How do you know if your teen is depressed? Here are 9 signs to be aware of:

1. Sadness: If your teen seems persistently sad or down for most of the day, nearly every day, this could be a sign.

2. Loss of interest: A noticeable loss of interest in activities they once enjoyed is a red flag.

3. Changes in sleep patterns: Watch for drastic changes in sleep patterns, like insomnia or excessive sleeping.

4. Irritability: Unexplained irritability or anger, even over small matters, is a potential indicator.

5. Appetite changes: Significant changes in appetite, leading to weight loss or gain, may be a sign.

6. Fatigue: Constant fatigue and lack of energy, despite enough rest, could indicate depression.

7. Social withdrawal: If your teenager isolates themselves from friends and family, it’s a concern.

8. Poor concentration: Struggling with focus, memory, or decision-making can be linked to depression.

9. Self-harm or suicidal thoughts: These are severe signs that should never be ignored.

Teen boys and girls may exhibit emotions differently.

For boys: Boys may exhibit more anger, irritability, or aggression, and they are at an increased risk of engaging in risky behavior or substance abuse.

For girls: Girls may display more sadness, feelings of guilt, and worthlessness. They could also have changes in eating habits like overeating.

When should you seek help for your depressed teenager?

If the signs of depression last for more than two weeks and interfere significantly with daily life, it is likely time to reach out to a professional.

If there’s a family history of depression or other mental health issues, be vigilant and proactive.

Finding an adolescent therapist is your first step, although some troubled teens will refuse therapy or counseling, it’s important to be diligent in getting them help.

When parents reach their wit’s end in trying to get their teenager local help, and you recognize they are sinking into a deeper depression and darkness, it might be time to consider residential therapy.

Behavioral boarding schools that offer therapy and emotional growth, can be the answer. Learn why therapeutic boarding schools can help when home therapy doesn’t.

Also read:

Can a Life Coach Help My Troubled Teen?

5 Benefits of Therapeutic Boarding School

References: BoldSky

The post How to Know My Teen is Depressed? first appeared on Help Your Teens.

Yes, you read that right! Cholesterol – the waxy substance found in your blood – may be linked to your teenager’s mood swings and low self-esteem. 

In this blog post, we’ll explore the connection between cholesterol and teen depression, discuss different types of cholesterol, what causes high cholesterol in teens, and more importantly how parents can help prevent it from happening. So sit back with a cup of coffee as we delve deeper into an interesting yet vital topic!

How does cholesterol relate to teen depression?

Cholesterol is a fatty substance that travels in our bloodstream and is essential for the production of hormones, vitamin D, and digestive fluids.

However, not all cholesterol is created equal – high levels of LDL (low-density lipoprotein) or “bad” cholesterol can lead to an increased risk of heart disease. Recent research has shown that this type of cholesterol may also play a role in mental health.

One study found that teenagers with higher levels of LDL cholesterol were more likely to experience symptoms associated with depression such as feelings of hopelessness and worthlessness. Another study showed that teens who consumed diets high in saturated fat – which increases LDL cholesterol – had higher rates of depressive symptoms compared to those on low-fat diets.

So how does high “bad” cholesterol contribute to teen depression? Some researchers believe it could be related to inflammation caused by excess LDL. Inflammation triggers the release of chemicals called cytokines which have been linked to mood disorders like depression.

While more research is needed, these findings suggest a potential link between diet, cholesterol levels, and mental health among adolescents. To prevent cholesterol issues early on it’s important for parents and caregivers to encourage healthy habits by promoting regular exercise and balanced meals rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains while limiting saturated fats from processed foods. As a parent, it’s your responsibility to take care of your teen’s health.

The different types of cholesterol

Cholesterol, a waxy substance found in our blood, is essential for maintaining cell function and producing certain hormones. However, not all cholesterol types are created equal. In this section, we’ll delve into the different types of cholesterol and their roles in our bodies.

Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) is often referred to as “bad” cholesterol. It carries cholesterol from your liver to your cells. When there’s too much LDL circulating in the bloodstream, it can accumulate on artery walls, leading to plaque buildup – a condition called atherosclerosis. This increases the risk of heart disease and stroke.

High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL), known as “good” cholesterol, does the opposite of LDL – it transports excess cholesterol back to the liver for disposal or recycling. A higher HDL level helps protect against heart diseases by preventing arterial clogs.

Triglycerides are another type of fat present in blood that gets stored as energy when not immediately used by the body. While they’re not technically classified as cholesterol, high triglyceride levels may contribute to hardening arteries along with elevated LDL levels.

What causes high cholesterol in teens?

High cholesterol in teens is becoming more and more common nowadays. Several factors can cause high cholesterol in teenagers, including genetics, diet, lack of physical activity, and certain medical conditions.

Genetics plays a significant role in determining your cholesterol levels. If one or both parents have high levels of cholesterol, then their children may also inherit the same tendency towards high cholesterol levels.

Diet is another major factor that influences the level of cholesterol in the body. Eating foods that are rich in saturated fats like fatty meats, butter, cheese, and processed snacks can raise LDL (bad) cholesterol which increases the risk for heart disease.

Teens must understand the connection between cholesterol and depression. High levels of LDL cholesterol can lead to inflammation in the brain which may ultimately result in depression. Poor lifestyle choices such as an unhealthy diet, lack of exercise, and smoking are all contributing factors that can raise cholesterol levels in teenagers.

Therefore, teens need to maintain healthy habits such as eating a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, staying physically active, getting enough sleep each night, and avoiding smoking or alcohol consumption. Regular check-ups with their healthcare provider will help identify any potential issues early on so that appropriate interventions can be taken.

Also read:

3 Ways to Improve Your Teens Mental Health

Helping Teens Deal with Body Image

The post The Connection Between Cholesterol and Teen Depression first appeared on Help Your Teens.

The mental health crisis with young people is extremely concerning. With over a year of remote learning, students have become more withdrawn, isolated and dependent upon their electronics.

We have seen a rise in youth depression, stress and anxiety which is causing parents to experience behaviors such as defiance, self-harm, eating disorders, hyenine issues and possibly suicide ideation.

Is your teen struggling emotionally?

Considered this best selling teen workbook:

The Depression Workbook for Teens: Tools to Improve Your Mood, Build Self-Esteem, and Stay Motivated

By Katie Hurley, LCSW

Don’t face depression alone―advanced tools for teens.

You can feel better and The Depression Workbook for Teens is going to help you do it. Drawing on the most effective and up-to-date techniques―including cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness―this depression workbook is filled with helpful exercises designed specifically for teens that will help you conquer depression. Develop the skills you need to manage your emotional well-being and bring happiness back into your life.

Get information all about depression―its symptoms, causes, and risk factors―so you can identify the differences between normal stress and depression. There is a light at the end of the tunnel―The Depression Workbook for Teens will show you the way.

The Depression Workbook for Teens includes:

• Just for teens―Tackle your depression head-on using a depression workbook filled with strategies written with your unique needs (and time constraints) in mind.
• Useful tools―With quizzes, journaling prompts, conversation starters, and more, you’ll discover simple skill-building exercises to improve your mood and build your self-esteem.
• Practical problem solving―Find ways to work through the challenges you’re facing―including fighting with your parents, getting up in the morning, struggling with homework, and more.

The Depression Workbook for Teens gives you the helping hand you need to get through this difficult time.

About Katie Hurley: Katie is a child and adolescent psychotherapist, parenting expert, and writer. Hurley is the author of No More Mean Girls and The Happy Kid Handbook. Her work can be found in The Washington Post, PBS Parents, US News and World Report, and Psychology Today.

During this time of uncertainty, The Depression Workbook has been a tremendous asset to many young people. Studies are revealing the impact COVID is having on mental health with our young people. Also check out her latest book, A Year of Positive Thinking for Teens.

Read: How Much Is Too Much Screen Time?

Read: How Cyberbullying Effects Teenage Mental Health.

Read: 5 Benefits of Therapeutic Boarding Schools.

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Contact us if you have exhausted your local resources with your troubled teen that is struggling with depression. We help you make smart decisions for teen help programs, therapeutic boarding schools and other options for teens.

The post The Depression Workbook for Teens first appeared on Help Your Teens.

As many teens are becoming lost in their internet lives, addicted to social media or video gaming, they are becoming more isolated from real-life living. They are lacking in communication skills, relationships with friends, family and even becoming more isolated from things they used to love – such as their hobbies, interests, and activities.

Have you noticed your teen:

–Withdrawing from friends and family?
-Changing their eating habits?
-Addicted to their screens?
–Sleeping more (or) less?
-Anxious or seem lonely, even with others?
-Vaping, using drugs — self-medicating?
–Moody and angry outbursts?

What was true a generation ago is still true today, teens are unpredictable and still difficult to figure out. However, depression is a very real emotion.

Adolescence can be a very turbulent and difficult time, even for the most well-adjusted child. Depression strikes teenagers and adults alike and can have far-reaching implications when kids suffer from emotional difficulties that they aren’t sure how to manage.

After noticing the signs of depression in your teen and helping him/her to get the treatment he needs, understanding the root of their depression can help to make the situation more manageable for everyone involved.

While this is by no means a comprehensive list of all causes of teen depression, these ten situations can be quite common contributing factors to depression.

1. Academic Stress – (Especially if your teen is applying to colleges). Kids are under an enormous amount of pressure to succeed academically, especially as the costs of higher education rise and more families are reliant upon scholarships to help offset the expense. Stressing over classes, grades and tests can cause kids to become depressed, especially if they are expected to excel at all costs or are beginning to struggle with their course load.

2. Social Anxiety or Peer Pressure – During adolescence, teenagers are learning how to navigate the complex and unsettling world of social interaction in new and complicated ways. Popularity is important to most teens, and a lack of it can be very upsetting. The appearance of peer pressure to try illicit drugs, drinking or other experimental behavior can also be traumatic for kids that aren’t eager to give in, but are afraid of damaging their reputation through refusal.

3. Romantic Problems – When kids become teenagers and enter adolescence, romantic entanglements become a much more prominent and influential part of their lives. From breakups to unrequited affection, there are a plethora of ways in which their budding love lives can cause teens to become depressed.

4. Traumatic Events – The death of a loved one, instances of abuse or other traumatic events can have a very real impact on kids, causing them to become depressed or overly anxious. In the aftermath of a trauma, it is wise to keep an eye out for any changes in behavior or signs of depression in your teen.

5. Separating or Divorcing Parents – Divorced or separated parents might be more common for today’s teens than it was in generations past, but that doesn’t mean that the situation has no effect on their emotional well-being. The dissolution of the family unit or even the divorce of a parent and stepparent can be very upsetting for teens, often leading to depression.

6. Heredity – Some kids are genetically predisposed to suffer from depression. If a parent or close relative has issues with depression, your child may simply be suffering from a cruel trick of heredity that makes him more susceptible.

7. Family Financial Struggles – Your teenager may not be a breadwinner in your household or responsible for balancing the budget, but that does not mean that she’s unaffected by a precarious financial situation within the family. Knowing that money is tight can be a very upsetting situation for teens, especially if they’re worried about the possibility of losing their home or the standard of living, they’re accustomed to.

8. Physical or Emotional Neglect – Though they may seem like fiercely independent beings that want or need nothing from their parents, teenagers still have emotional and physical needs for attention. The lack of parental attention on either level can lead to feelings of depression.

9. Low Self-Esteem – Being a teenager is not easy on the self-esteem. From a changing body to the appearance of pimples, it can seem as if Mother Nature herself is conspiring against an adolescent to negatively affect her level of self-confidence. When the self-esteem level drops below a certain point, it is not uncommon for teens to become depressed.

10. Feelings of Helplessness – Knowing that he is going to be affected on a personal level by things he has no control over can easily throw your teen into the downward spiral of depression. Feelings of helplessness and powerlessness often go hand in hand with the struggle with depression and can make the existing condition even more severe.

It is important that you speak to a medical professional or your teen’s doctor about any concerns you have regarding his emotional well-being, especially if you suspect that he’s suffering from depression.

Depression is a very real affliction that requires treatment and is not something that should be addressed without the assistance of a doctor. You can also try the The Depression Workbook for Teens for insights and more information on mental wellness.

Read: Why Behavior Modification Helps Troubled Teens.

Read: Why Residential Treatment Works When Home Therapy Fails.

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If your teen continues to struggle with depression, do not hesitate to reach out to local help such as a counselor (therapist). If your teen refuses to get help or you find it isn’t benefiting them (your teen refuses to engage in the session), contact us to determine if residential therapy would be an option. Exhausting your local resources is always your first path.

The post 10 Common Causes Teen Depression first appeared on Help Your Teens.

Unfortunately, it’s fairly common, and the reaction of the parent plays an important role in helping teens in the recovery process.

Cutting into the skin is the most widely known form of self-harm.

Teens do this using their fingernails, razor blades, knives, or even pen caps. Self-harm can also come in the form of burns, skin picking, hair pulling, or even hitting oneself.

Kids with anxiety, depression, eating disorders, borderline personality disorder, and posttraumatic stress disorder are all at risk for self-harm, but so are kids with a history of trauma, neglect, or abuse.

Other potential risks for self-harm include the following:

• Low self-esteem
• Feeling rejected or lonely
• Feeling unsafe at school or at home
• Perfectionism
• Frequent conflicts with friends or family
• Impulsive behavior
• A tendency to take unhealthy risks (behaviors that could result in physical harm)

How do I know if my teen is engaging in self-harm?

Teens who self-harm tend be skilled at hiding their behavior from their parents, friends, and other adults in their lives. While some parents might notice scars or marks on a teen’s arms, torso, or legs, many of the red flags for self-harm tend to be subtle.

If you suspect that your teen might be susceptible to self-harm, be on the lookout for these signs:

• Suspicious looking scars
• Wounds that don’t heal or get worse over time
• Isolation
• Talking about self-injury (they might mention peers who engage in self-harm)
• Collecting sharp items
• Secretive behavior
• Wearing long sleeves and/or long pants in hot weather
• Avoiding social activities
• Wearing a lot of bandages
• Avoiding sports or other activities where they might have to change clothes in front of others

What triggers self-harm behavior in teens?

An important part of helping teens recover from self-harm is understanding why they do it in the first place. There isn’t a simple answer to this question but, in general, some teens use self-harm to relieve tension by stimulating endorphins while others use self-harm to feel physical pain instead of emotional numbness. Stress and pressure, anxiety, and depression are all associated with self-harm in adolescence.

Other feelings that trigger the impulse to engage in self-harm can include:

• Anger
• Sadness
• Rejection by peers or adults
• Loneliness
• Irritability
• Social issues
• Family discord
• Social media use, including videos and photos that show other kids cutting to cope with emotional pain

Get Help for Teens that Self-Harm

If your teen is engaging in self-harm, he or she needs professional help. Though self-harm is generally not considered suicidal in nature, there is an elevated risk of suicidal behavior for teens who self-harm.

If there is an underlying mental health disorder, such as anxiety or depression, medication might be prescribed. A good first step is to get a comprehensive evaluation by an adolescent psychiatrist who specializes in anxiety and depressive disorders. If your teen’s self-harm behavior is elevated and potentially life-threatening, hospitalization might be necessary.

Psychotherapy helps teens work through the triggers that contribute to negative thought patterns and learn positive coping skills to use instead of engaging in self-harm behaviors. Seek an evaluation from a licensed mental health practitioner who treats adolescents and has experience helping teens who engage in self-harm.

Treatment options can include:

• Family therapy to explore triggers in the home and how parents and teens can improve communication patterns and help develop better coping skills for dealing with the stress at home.
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to challenge negative and distressing thoughts, recognize the pattern of negative thinking, and learn replacement strategies.
• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to learn how to tolerate uncomfortable emotions, to learn to regulate feelings of anxiety, rejection, anger, and fear, and to learn positive coping skills.

Also read:

3 Ways to Help Your Teen Stop Self-Harming

5 Benefits of Residential Treatment for Troubled Teens

Where to Send Your Troubled Teen

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If your teen is self-harming and you’ve have exhausted your local therapy and resources, please contact us to learn the benefits of residential treatment for teens that engage in self-injury.

Written by Katie Hurley, LCSW  and author of The Depression Workbook for Teens.

The post How to Help a Teen that Self Harms first appeared on Help Your Teens.

Stuck at home for months on end and removed from their normal active social lives, many teens may have fallen into a dark period. Considering these unusual factors, a rise in instances of teen depression during the pandemic may not be unexpected. But by no means does that mean it should be ignored.

Research studies have revealed startling statistic evidence of just how much the pandemic has affected teenagers.

The three biggest mood conditions affecting teenagers between 13 and 18 years old (anxiety, depression, and adjustment disorders) have been shown to have increased by 80% to 90% between the spring of 2020 and the previous year.

Substance abuse levels among teenagers increased by about 65% in March and April of 2020, and instances of intentional self-harm skyrocketed. In the Northeast of the United States, the number of intentional self-harm instances rose to 334% among teenagers in August of 2020 as compared to August of 2019. 

These statistics may be alarming, but that is all the more reason to investigate the causes of these all-too-common problems and search for solutions. In this article, we will take a deeper look at how the pandemic has caused an increase in teen depression. Then we will explore what you can do to help support your teenager.

Effects of the Pandemic on Your Teenager

In general, the teenaged years are already turbulent for most, and levels of anxiety and depression frequently begin during this 13- to 18-year-old age group. The life of a teenager is full of developmental transitions, and life transitions.

The hormonal changes of puberty coupled with the increased pressure of high school social life, applying for college, and impending adulthood can create an intensely pressurized period in any teenager’s life. 

But with the pandemic, not only were the usual pressures and anxieties heightened, but the typical releases were removed. Teenagers accustomed to venting with their friends after school, meeting with a variety of teachers and mentors, exercising during sports practice, and engaging in a variety of activities that stimulated and challenged them were now isolated inside their homes. Social activity, mental stimulation, and school all took place over the internet, and that social isolation coupled with increased time online spelled a recipe for disaster for many susceptible teens. 

Experts have not yet made direct links between the pandemic and increases in youth suicide. They have noted, however, that the pandemic has caused added stress on teenagers, and has left many teenagers feeling hopeless about the future as well. Instead of connecting with others, teens have been confronted with financial fallout and an unceasing flurry of grim news reporting which has left them stewing in negative thoughts that can exacerbate any pre-existing anxiety or depression. 

What You Can Do to Help

Allow Them Space to Breathe

Many parents have found that their teenager has become increasingly withdrawn and uncommunicative during the pandemic. Even in the face of stony silence, it is important to make clear to your teen that they are not alone. Try creating a designated time to share openly- and don’t be afraid to be vulnerable.

Make sure your teen knows that they can trust you, and that you are open to having frank and even difficult conversations with them. 

While they should certainly feel that their parents offer a safe space to communicate, it is also vital for your teens to have some healthy privacy and alone time. Allow them to recoup and retreat into their rooms to listen to music, be creative, read, play, or process through complex thoughts. Give them space to breathe but pay attention to any especially spiky moods and extreme downturns of behavior. You don’t want to smother your teen, but at the same time, you want to make sure they are safe. Try to strike a healthy balance between observation and trust. 

Maintain Social Connections

Particularly for teens going through intense emotional turmoil and facing down uncommon pressures caused by the pandemic, maintaining social connections is vital. Some parents have taken the approach of loosening social media restrictions, with widely beneficial results. Encourage your teens to continue connecting with their peers, even online. 

Just make sure to implement healthy boundaries and restrictions so your teenager isn’t chatting online to the exclusion of everything else- particularly exercise and sleep. Try implementing a nighttime social media curfew, so your teens are not exposed to the glaring blue light of the screen right before bedtime. You may also want to restrict social media usage to age-appropriate platforms. That can help protect your teens from cyber bullies, hackers, spam, or inappropriate content. 

You can also organize family and friend gatherings via video chat. Your teen may be reticent to attend, but these reminders of pre-pandemic life can be helpful for increasing a feeling of social connection and reminding your teen that they are not alone. 

Implement Healthy Routines

While the last thing your teenager may want to do is participate in family exercise sessions, or follow bedtime guidelines, these are some of the most important tools you can use to try to combat the effects of anxiety and depression. Because anxiety, depression, and other mood disorders have physical bases, encouraging your teenager to get exercise and regular sleep can help ease the underlying disorders. This can be a vicious cycle; the less sleep your teen gets, the worse their mood disorder may become, thus making it harder to sleep or to go to bed at a reasonable hour. 

Try to help your teen create and maintain a regular daily routine that can provide a structure to their days and evenings. One of the most disruptive factors of the pandemic has been the removal of regular routines, which allow teenagers to disregard normal waking hours, school times, and bedtimes. 

Create a shared calendar to demarcate when online learning should happen, when your teens are expected to complete their chores, and even family outings for exercise and a change of scenery. Encouraging regular physical activity can help increase the body’s responses against depression and anxiety and regulate the sleep cycle. 

Bring in a Professional

You may also want to incorporate assistance from a designated mental health professional. Bringing an extra source of support can help alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety for your teen and can also provide extra support for parents of teenagers struggling with emotional imbalances. 

Talk to your teenager’s teacher or school counselors, and consider trying on internet-based therapist, counselor, or psychologist. You can also look into a variety of online mental health programs that encourage teenagers to engage with their emotions and connect with others, sometimes anonymously. 

Giving your teenager a safe space to vent and process their emotions with an impartial third-party professional can help a huge amount, and can allow them to talk about things they might not feel comfortable sharing with a parent or sibling- particularly when you are all sharing the close quarters of home during the pandemic. 

Connecting with Your Teen

The pandemic has been difficult for all of us, and some of the problems that parents face can sometimes be transferred to their kids accidentally. Remember that your teenager may be able to handle more than you think. Connect with them honestly and openly up to a point, making sure they know that they are heard, seen, and respected. 

Allow them to hide away when they need to, but also make it clear that you are there for them as a strong pillar of support, no matter how difficult it may seem. Let them know that you are available to help them get through whatever they are experiencing, and that together you can help ease some of the pressure that your teen may feel.

Read: 5 Benefits of Therapeutic Boarding Schools.

Read: How Cyberbullying Effects Teen Mental Health.

Check out the teen book, The Teen Depression Workbook for more resources.

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If your teen is struggling with depression and have exhausted your local resources, learn more about how residential treatment can help your troubled teen through emotional growth. Contact us today for a free consultation.

The post How the Pandemic Has Increased Teen Depression first appeared on Help Your Teens.

Teen depression has doubled since 2019 according to studies. The pressure which society has placed on today’s teens to fit in is one that can cause a child to withdraw and have feelings of low self worth. With the rise of social media and the constant need to keep-up with likes and followers can be overwhelming to a young person.

Signs of teenage depression:

• Loss of appetite (changing eating habits)
• Suicidal thoughts, self harm
• Change of peer group
• Isolation, withdrawing from family and friends
• Loss of interest in favorite things
• School refusal, failing academically
• Anger outbursts, rage
• Mood swings (abnormal)
• Substance use (vaping)
• Internet addiction (especially social media)

When a teen, as well as an adult, feels confident within themselves, they don’t feel the need to prove themselves to others. They are happy and content with who they are and where they are going in life. However, we have found some teens lack this self esteem and confidence, which leads them to feel sad and rejected. This may lead to teen depression.

Most parents don’t recognize this immediately. The teen is trying to be someone they are not and within time you are dealing with a child who is masking their feelings and escalating out of control. Most times, a local adolescent therapist can help your family diagnose what is causing these feelings of despair.

In some cases, it may be clinical depression which can be treated with medications. However, many times, as with adults, teens feel they are not adequate and cannot keep up with their peers. This can cause their feelings of depression to manifest as negative behavior.

Residential placement can allow your child to open up and start to internalize on what and how they are feeling. If you suspect your teen is suffering with depression, opening the lines of communication is important if possible. If your teen has become withdrawn, not participating in activities and spending a lot of time alone, it may be time to seek outside help.

Exhausting all of your local resources is the first step in finding the right therapist for your teen. Sometimes seeing a local professional on a weekly basis is simply not enough for them to get through their pain.

Their depression is very real and is something that should be addressed immediately. These kids are only human and today’s life is not easy for adolescents. Especially in schools today, there is the desire of some teens to be in the “cool” peer group. This “cool” peer group is not always the best selection of friends.

Read: Where to Send My Troubled Teenager.

Read: 5 Benefits of Boarding Schools for Troubled Teens.

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Contact us today for a free consultation – learn more about therapeutic boarding schools specializing in helping teen depression.

The post Is Your Teen Struggling With Depression or Sadness? first appeared on Help Your Teens.

The number of teenagers suffering from depression has increased dramatically over the last couple of years, and as a parent, it can be difficult to know the best way to deal with it.

You want what is best for your teen, but figuring out how to help them through their mental illness can be tricky. Here are five steps you can take to help your teen through their depression.

Start a Weekly Outing

Traditions can be comforting to everyone. One of the symptoms of depression can be hiding away from the world, so providing a day where you go out as a family will provide relief from that. Your teen may be reluctant at first, but over time it could become something they look forward to. It’s important for those suffering to get out into the world and take a breath of fresh air, so scheduling a Sunday walk each week, or a trip to the park every Wednesday afternoon, is a great way of making sure your teen is getting outside. It also means you get to spend more quality time with them, which can open the door for them to open up to you more.

A Little More Conversation

Talking to your teen more can be easier said than done. If they are depressed, they may hide away in their bedroom and refuse to speak more than a few words each time you see them. Talking to them, however, is a great way of making room for more conversation. Tell them about your friend’s funny mishap, tell them about the adorable dog you saw, or remind them about their auntie who has been asking after them. Importantly, talk openly about depression, rather than having it hang over your heads like an invisible cloud that you can feel but not see. Your teen may not give much of a response at first, but it’ll mean that when they are ready, they will know you are someone they can come to.

Find a Herbal Remedy

For many, the idea of your child being on SSRI’s can be scary – what if they don’t work? What if it makes it worse? There’s even the worrying symptom of suicidal thoughts in the first two weeks, which is a terrifying thought. Antidepressants are certainly necessary for some and may be for your teen (your doctor will know if they are needed), but there are milder and safer alternatives to work with either alongside them or instead of. There are plenty to choose from, with remedies such as CBD being used as an alternative to antidepressants, with great results. There are many places to buy CBD in many forms, ranging from CBD oil to CBD gel and more. If your teen’s depression has formed as a result of a sporting injury, then the CBD gel will work to minimize the pain with long-lasting results. With minimal pain, they can start to build the strength back up to be ready to play sports once again, helping them combat their depression.

If strong medication is something you are worried about, consider something more natural for your teen.

Schedule a Counselling Session

While talking to your teen is highly beneficial, having them see a professional can be crucial on their road to recovery. It provides them with a person who they can confide in completely without fear of being judged. Talking through their struggles is certainly a step in the right direction, as it can help them work through their depression and understand why they feel the way they do.

Provide Physical Contact

It is said that we need twelve hugs a day for optimal health. Just because your child is no longer eight years old and snuggled up with you on the sofa doesn’t mean they no longer need physical attention. A hug when they get home from school or a gentle squeeze of the shoulder are small habits you can introduce to make sure they know how much you love them.

As a parent, having a teen suffering from depression can be a scary and confusing time for both of you, but making sure you are a steady and reliable figure in their lives will only help them on their road to recovery.

Read: 5 Benefits of Boarding Schools for Troubled Teens.

Read: Goals of Behavior Modification Programs for Teens.

Read: Why Residential Therapy Works.

Contributed by a guest writer.

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If you are struggling with your teenager’s behavior (depression) and have exhausted your local resources, learn more about how residential treatment can help your troubled teen through emotional growth. Contact us today for a free consultation.

The post How to Help Your Depressed Teen first appeared on Help Your Teens.

We are living in a time where teen depression is on the rise. Sadly, we are seeing suicide as the second leading cause of death for young people ages 10-24.

With today’s digital lives there could be so many reasons.  Are they missing the routine of a real-life social life?  Are they being harassed online?  Or are they watching their friends on social media have a blast while they believe their life is boring or they are simply missing out?

What was true a generation ago is still true today, teens are unpredictable and still difficult to figure out. However depression is a very real emotion.

Adolescence can be a very turbulent and difficult time, even for the most well-adjusted child. Depression strikes teenagers and adults alike, and can have far-reaching implications when kids suffer from emotional difficulties that they aren’t sure how to manage.

After noticing the signs of depression in your teen and helping him to get the treatment he needs, understanding the root of his depression can help to make the situation more manageable for everyone involved.

While this is by no means a comprehensive list of all causes of teen depression, these ten situations can be very common contributing factors to depression.

1. Academic Stress –(Especially if your teen is applying to colleges). Kids are under an enormous amount of pressure to succeed academically, especially as the costs of higher education rise and more families are reliant upon scholarships to help offset the expense. Stressing over classes, grades and tests can cause kids to become depressed, especially if they’re expected to excel at all costs or are beginning to struggle with their course load.

2. Social Anxiety or Peer Pressure – During adolescence, teenagers are learning how to navigate the complex and unsettling world of social interaction in new and complicated ways. Popularity is important to most teens, and a lack of it can be very upsetting. The appearance of peer pressure to try illicit drugs, drinking or other experimental behavior can also be traumatic for kids that aren’t eager to give in, but are afraid of damaging their reputation through refusal.

3. Romantic Problems – When kids become teenagers and enter adolescence, romantic entanglements become a much more prominent and influential part of their lives. From breakups to unrequited affection, there are a plethora of ways in which their budding love lives can cause teens to become depressed.

4. Traumatic Events – The death of a loved one, instances of abuse or other traumatic events can have a very real impact on kids, causing them to become depressed or overly anxious. In the aftermath of a trauma, it’s wise to keep an eye out for any changes in behavior or signs of depression in your teen.

5. Separating or Divorcing Parents – Divorced or separated parents might be more common for today’s teens than it was in generations past, but that doesn’t mean that the situation has no effect on their emotional well-being. The dissolution of the family unit or even the divorce of a parent and step-parent can be very upsetting for teens, often leading to depression.

6. Heredity – Some kids are genetically predisposed to suffer from depression. If a parent or close relative has issues with depression, your child may simply be suffering from a cruel trick of heredity that makes him more susceptible.

7. Family Financial Struggles – Your teenager may not be a breadwinner in your household or responsible for balancing the budget, but that doesn’t mean that she’s unaffected by a precarious financial situation within the family. Knowing that money is tight can be a very upsetting situation for teens, especially if they’re worried about the possibility of losing their home or the standard of living they’re accustomed to.

8. Physical or Emotional Neglect – Though they may seem like fiercely independent beings that want or need nothing from their parents, teenagers still have emotional and physical needs for attention. The lack of parental attention on either level can lead to feelings of depression.

9. Low Self-Esteem – Being a teenager isn’t easy on the self-esteem. From a changing body to the appearance of pimples, it can seem as if Mother Nature herself is conspiring against an adolescent to negatively affect her level of self-confidence. When the self-esteem level drops below a certain point, it’s not uncommon for teens to become depressed.

10. Feelings of Helplessness – Knowing that he’s going to be affected on a personal level by things he has no control over can easily throw your teen into the downward spiral of depression. Feelings of helplessness and powerlessness often go hand in hand with the struggle with depression, and can make the existing condition even more severe.

It’s important that you speak to a medical professional or your teen’s doctor about any concerns you have regarding his emotional well-being, especially if you suspect that he’s suffering from depression.

Depression is a very real affliction that requires treatment, and is not something that should be addressed without the assistance of a doctor. You can also try the The Depression Workbook for Teens for insights and more information on mental wellness.

Read: Why Therapeutic Boarding Schools Are Effective.

Read: 5 Benefits of Boarding Schools.

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If you are struggling with your teenager’s depression and you have exhausted your local resources, learn more about how residential treatment can help your troubled teen through emotional growth. Contact us today for a free consultation.

The post Teen Depression and Sadness first appeared on Help Your Teens.