Being a teenager is a tough business, especially nowadays. Unlike in generations past, teens are constantly being bombarded with images of nearly impossible body standards all day, every day on social media platforms. Cyberbullying is infectious and can be difficult to track as a parent because it doesn’t leave any physical bruises. Growing up and transitioning into adulthood is already difficult enough without all of those outside influences.
Due to hormonal fluctuations and the resulting physical changes that your teen is experiencing, this time period is often when symptoms of mental illness begin to appear. Depression and anxiety are two of the most common illnesses you will see in adolescents. These mental illnesses are treatable and manageable if you and your teen take the right steps. Here’s how you can actually help.
Helping hands will lighten the load.
It’s very natural to be protective of your child, especially if you believe that they’re going through a rough patch. Now, more than ever, it’s important to allow your teen to interact with the people who will be able to help them. By searching for “adolescent residential treatment centers near me,” you may find the exact help you need. Going somewhere for treatment allows your teen to disconnect from the environments that are feeding into their depression and anxiety.
Residential treatment programs give teens a safe place to heal and learn to cope with all of the change occurring in their daily lives. Through evidence-based treatments—like cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, and acceptance and commitment therapy—your teen will learn to change their negative thought patterns to constructive thinking, even when faced with difficult situations. This therapy, combined with activities—like yoga, equine-assisted therapy, meditation, and swimming—will have your teen feeling much improved by the end of their stay.
Consider a holistic approach.
Depending on the severity of your child’s depression or anxiety, it may be worth trying alternative medicine to potentially help relieve some of their symptoms. Sera Labs Health is a CBD company that specializes in high quality, organic CBD products. Their products contain less than the legal .3 percent of THC, and will therefore not produce any psychoactive effects in the user.
These products may help your teen live a healthier life, so it’s certainly worth a try. CBD should not be used in place of prescribed therapy or medication. Make sure you consult with your doctor and therapist before allowing your teen to take CBD, especially if they’re taking other forms of medication.
Remember, you’re your child’s first line of defense.
Before you can treat these issues, you need to be able to recognize them. Of course, teenagers go through mood swings, but depending on the frequency and how those mood swings influence their daily lives, you might have a bigger problem on your hands. Your teen may not be able to recognize the changes that are taking place or might consider them just how it feels to grow up. Look for “red flags,” such as excessive sleeping, loss of self-esteem, a significant decline in academic performance, rapid weight loss, and personality shifts.
Try your best to establish a relationship where your teen feels comfortable talking to you about anything. You can do this by establishing trust. If they admit to doing something that’s less than ideal, before you punish them or even say anything in response, think about why they may have done it.
If they’re admitting to it, they’re most likely regretting their decision. If you respond in a measured and more neutral way, this allows you to have a real conversation and may sow the seeds of trust. Teens need supportive environments to thrive, and you have the power to create that environment.
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