What Is the Number One Drug Used by Teens?
Teen drug abuse and addiction remain a prevalent problem in the U.S., despite growing awareness among parents, teachers, and coaches. Adolescents might experiment with drugs for many reasons, from simple curiosity to peer pressure to a desire to sweep problems under the rug. Teenagers can also turn to drugs if addiction and mental health issues […]
How to Motivate a Teenager With Depression
Adolescence is a sensitive time characterized by rapid physical and mental changes. Many of these experiences can be confusing or distressing for teens who don’t entirely understand what their brains and bodies are going through. If your teen seems unusually apathetic or unmotivated, you may wonder if it’s typical teen moodiness or something more severe. […]
Does My Child Need Counseling?
While almost anyone can benefit from working with a trained therapist, you might be surprised by the idea that your teen could be having a tough time. However, a therapist who specializes in the unique needs of teens and adolescents can help a young person with their mental and behavioral health. Here are some questions […]
Effects of Childhood Trauma on Brain Development
Children are constantly learning and taking in new information that affects their brain function. Just as positive experiences can impact a child’s perception of a situation, so do negative ones. As young people grow, the challenges they face can alter how they respond to future situations. Specifically, childhood trauma often influences brain development, resulting in […]
LGBTQ Bullying Statistics
While society has made some progress in being more tolerant and accepting of the LGBTQ community, this segment of the population is uniquely vulnerable to discrimination, abuse and bullying – especially during the turbulent teen years. In their most recent National Survey on LGBTQ Youth Mental Health, the Trevor Project reported that 52% of LGBTQ […]
5 Signs of Mental Illness in Teens
Teens are in a constant state of change as a result of rising hormone levels and life stressors. As a result, it’s sometimes difficult to identify worrisome signs in your teenager’s behavior. As your adolescent is going through this stage of life and developing their sense of self, there are some indications you can look […]
What Do I Need to Know About Underage Drinking?
With 29% of high school students admitting they have consumed alcohol in the last 30 days, according to the CDC, parents are rightfully concerned about the effects this drinking will have on their teens. Underage drinking poses both health and safety risks for teens, but understanding the dangers of this practice can help inform conversations […]
How to Get Your Teenager Out of Their Room
As parents of teenagers, we’ve all experienced the stubbornness that adolescence can bring. Whether it’s an argument over decisions your teen has made, a disagreement about the time they need to be home, or dissenting opinions about how they are spending their time, these conversations quickly become a normal fact of life throughout the teenage […]
World Teen Mental Wellness Day
Today is World Teen Mental Wellness Day. This annual observation aims to bring more awareness to the unique mental health challenges teens experience and end the stigma associated with talking openly about issues like anxiety and depression. Here’s how you can do your part to help a teenager in your life. 1. Know the Red […]
How to Help a Teenager With Social Anxiety
Alongside the hormonal and emotional changes that accompany puberty, many teenagers develop social anxiety between the ages of 11 and 19. Social anxiety goes beyond mere shyness and introversion. It is a mental health disorder that can significantly interfere with someone’s quality of life. People with social phobia feel overwhelming stress in everyday situations where […]