BreakThrough Happens Here
Young people moving from adolescence into adulthood are experiencing an important transitional stage of their life. Many encounter new challenges such as moving away from their families, becoming independent, and learning to handle more complex relationships. Making this transition with mental health issues may lead to an existing issue getting worse or could trigger new problems. Preparing adolescents and emerging adults for this transition has become more daunting for parents than ever before. “With so much rapid-fire change in the world, the job of preparing our young people for the future has become increasingly daunting,” wrote education expert Betty Ray in 2019. “The Institute of the Future issued a report in 2017 declaring “that 85 percent of the jobs in 2030—when today’s second-graders will graduate high school—have not been invented yet.” Many emerging adults struggle with the transition into adulthood and other stressors in their lives. BasePoint BreakThrough is an outpatient treatment program for 18 to 35-year-olds struggling with mental health and substance use disorder (SUD). The program offers partial hospitalization (PHP) and intensive outpatient (IOP) options for young adults. Two-thirds of young adults with anxiety or depression don’t seek treatment. BasePoint saw a need to bridge the gap for mental health treatment from adolescence to young adulthood, thus, BasePoint BreakThrough was born. BreakThrough primary therapist Elizabeth Moberg, LCSW, sees a lot of clients who had to drop out of college because of the struggles they are experiencing. “A lot of things that come up in therapy are core values that were established in childhood and the mental frameworks that have been created as a result. There’s a lot of shame and guilt that comes with it, too. Often, they are trying to find your way—sometimes not as fast as others.” Clients frequently reveal that they struggle with the adjustments and having to come to treatment. Motivation is key for the age group. “They’re not minors any more, parents can’t keep them here,” says Moberg. “They are at BreakThrough on their own accord. They stay here because they want to work on themselves and see progress.” DUAL DIAGNOSIS Many patients in the program struggle with multiple issues that need to be addressed concurrently. “A lot of the times patients are not coming in with just one thing,” confirms Moberg. “A lot of it revolves around co-occurring substance use. We utilize a substance use curriculum where people can break down what has been going on. We explore what started the substance misuse; most of the time, it’s not just substance use, we’re trying to cope from other things that started before the substance use. Unfortunately, a lot of times that starts when kids are eleven or twelve years old and then just keeps escalating. So we see it across all age groups that we work with.” Struggling with mental health and substance use disorders can create significant roadblocks on the journey to adulthood. “If you’re looking for a job and you’re struggling with anxiety and depression, how can we make your goals fit what you’re looking for when you leave here,” says Moberg. “Our goal is for you to be functioning outside of here, not just acquire a few coping skills and then go on your merry way. We want clients to be able to thrive and succeed once they leave the BreakThrough program.” EMPOWERMENT To that end, BreakThrough also uses a novel empowerment curriculum that was developed with the program’s young adult clients in mind. t is an integral part of the BreakThrough clinical/medical approach to treatment providing an immersive experience where young adults are taught how to bounce back from life’s biggest challenges. BasePoint BreakThrough is equipping young adults with the capacity to prepare for adversity. BreakThrough is at the forefront of innovation, delivering therapeutic approaches specifically for younger generations. Our dynamic outpatient program tackles the multifaceted challenges faced by young adults, helping them transition into successful, healthy adulthood. Recognizing the diverse life circumstances of our clients, BasePoint BreakThrough is committed to providing comprehensive, individualized care. The program addresses the heightened stress levels reported by young adults today. By offering tailored support, BreakThrough aims to empower them toward a future of stability and well-being. When you call BasePoint BreakThrough, the admission specialist can schedule a complimentary, same-day evaluation from a licensed clinician to determine the appropriate level of care to treat your condition.
How Medications Support Mental Health Treatment
Psychiatric medications influence the brain chemicals that regulate emotions and thought patterns. “They’re usually more effective when combined with psychotherapy,” explains a webpage from the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). “In some cases, medicines can reduce symptoms so other methods of a treatment plan can be more effective. For example, a medication can ease symptoms of depression like loss of energy and lack of concentration, allowing an individual to engage more in talk therapy.” Predicting which patient will respond to what medication can be difficult as different medications may work better for one person than for another. Every teenage patient treated by the BasePoint team first undergoes a detailed intake evaluation to assess their current state from a mental, physical, and emotional perspective. Based on that assessment, an individualized treatment plan is developed to address the specific needs of the patient. Depending on the diagnosis and the severity of the symptoms, a treatment plan may include prescribing antipsychotics, antidepressants, psychotropics, anti-anxiety medications, stimulants, or mood stabilizers. As with every treatment plan, the patient’s responsiveness and physical interaction with the medication is monitored, tracked, and adjusted as needed. Sometimes patients and families harbor fears and misconceptions about the effects of psychiatric medications. “People fear being someone else, being not like themselves,” says Kimberly Dobbins, MD, the chief medical officer at BasePoint. “They fear turning the patient into a zombie, unable to respond emotionally. They fear their loved one will have to take the meds ‘forever.’ I usually assure them that it’s only for some time, like other things in life.” In most cases, Dr. Dobbins considers medications an adjunct to therapy. “Sometimes, it’s very necessary, sometimes it can be optional depending on what the support services may be, or how serious the condition is—but I always give parents and patients options to choose from. I also educate them on what the outcome could be without the medication. The treatment goal is to get patients back to their baseline, where they are feeling good, where they have fewer episodes of depression, less anxiety.” Although medications are meant to be utilized as temporary tools, some patients and parents are reluctant to go down that path. “When it is a child and parents, it’s often the parents,” says Dr. Dobbins. “In the case of young adult patients, it’s often the young adult patient because they think they can get by without meds. People are worried about the side effects of the medications, they worry about stigmatization, and sometimes they are worried about what other family members are going to say or think about them.” Much can depend on the family’s background and its dynamic. “Social, ethnic, and cultural beliefs about what’s appropriate and what is not can play a role,” says Dobbins. “Also, what families consider a mental illness can vary quite a bit. So, the BasePoint team tries to educate families on what the condition actually is, and what the treatment can or should be.” “We explain what the outcomes could be with or without the treatment,” says Dobbins. “We let them make the choice, but also explain that the condition may not get better until we add a medication to the treatment plan.” BasePoint is available to speak with you to get your teen on the path toward optimal wellness. Contact us today to schedule a free mental health assessment with a licensed clinician at one of our mental health facilities. You can also get in touch to talk with a BasePoint mental health expert about treatment needs, care options, and your insurance coverage levels. Call today to schedule a complimentary same-day assessment at (469) 530-3725.
Group Dynamics and Peer Support in Therapy
Group therapy is an effective, evidence-based treatment option for teenagers with mental health conditions and substance use disorders. When teenagers are struggling, group therapy can help. “Depending on the nature of your problem, group therapy can be an ideal choice for addressing your concerns and making positive changes in your life,” explains a webpage of the American Psychological Association (APA). Benefits That Individual Therapy May Not “Joining a group of strangers may sound intimidating at first, but group therapy provides benefits that individual therapy may not,” says the APA. Psychologists find that “group members are almost always surprised by how rewarding the group experience can be.” “A lot of the kids who get here don’t have much of a background with group therapy, so it is a bit of a struggle when they first get here,” says BasePoint therapist Elizabeth Moberg, LMSW. “It takes a while to get more comfortable with the format but after a week clients begin to open up and start to engage with one another providing feedback and support,” says Moberg. “It’s one thing if the advice comes from a therapist but feedback from another client who says ‘Hey, I’ve been through the same thing, this is what I did,’ goes that much further. Hearing from someone their own age goes a long way instead of a therapist telling them ‘You need to do this’ or” Why don’t you try that?’ Clients know we’re here to provide that support for them but once you have a group of kids together who can support each other, the long-term success rate is much higher.” A Support Network And A Sounding Board Groups can act as a support network and a sounding board. Other group members often help you come up with specific ideas for improving a difficult situation or life challenge and hold you accountable along the way. Moberg recently had a new client in her group who struggled to speak about some of the things she was dealing with. “A peer in the group took it upon herself to just say ‘Hey, it’s okay. This is a great group with a great therapist’ and now that peer who helped the new clients has started to process herself more than she’s ever processed and disclosed some things that she never disclosed before. It’s interesting to see new clients arrive who are scared but then they have someone else come in behind them who’s also scared and they take that step up to be more confident and start their healing journey right there.” While the input of peers is helpful, it is important that therapists make sure the discussion is going in the right direction. “It’s very important for the group dynamic to have structure,” says Moberg. “If there’s a lack of structure, it can be hard for clients to get the full benefit out of everything. The way the BasePoint Academy curriculum is structured makes sure clients get the support they need, so they can apply what they learn successfully when they are moving forward.” BasePoint serves communities in Dallas, TX, and surrounding areas, including Irving, Arlington, Fort Worth, Plano, McKinney, Allen, Richardson, Forney, Rockwall, Frisco, Prosper, Grapevine, Midlothian, Mansfield, Mesquite, and Garland. The Academy’s partial hospitalization program (PHP) and intensive outpatient program (IOP) were designed to address the specific mental health challenges and substance use issues today’s teenagers are facing. That’s why BasePoint created a dynamic program to address the multifaceted and complex teen experience that is unlike any generation before it. Call BasePoint Academy today at (469) 283-5145 to learn more about how mental health therapy can make a real difference in your and your adolescent’s lives.
Taking the Time to Treat Teen Mental Health Issues
Mental health challenges are now the leading cause of disability and poor life outcomes in young Americans. Unfortunately, in recent years, the United States has seen significant increases in certain mental health disorders in youth, including depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation. Many factors shape the mental health of young people, from individual to societal level forces. In December 2021, US Surgeon General Vivek Murthy issued an advisory on the youth mental health crisis: “Mental health challenges in children, adolescents, and young adults are real and widespread,” Dr. Murthy wrote. “We know that mental health is shaped by many factors, from our genes and brain chemistry to our relationships with family and friends, neighborhood conditions, and larger social forces and policies. We also know that, too often, young people are bombarded with messages through the media and popular culture that erode their sense of self-worth—telling them they are not good-looking enough, popular enough, smart enough, or rich enough.” Kimberly Dobbins, MD, is the chief medical officer at BasePoint, bringing over a decade of experience as a double board-certified child, adolescent, and adult psychiatrist. Dr. Dobbins treats a broad range of mental health conditions at BasePoint. “There’s a great deal of depression and anxiety.” She feels a lot of that is driven by kids comparing themselves to others on social media. “I don’t think social media belongs in everyone’s home or everyone’s phone or device. I think social media plays a big role in what we’re seeing in a lot of kids. There’s school anxiety and bullying and the bullying can lead to depression and anxiety, even suicidal thoughts.” There are also other factors—genetics and possible childhood trauma. And there is the lingering experience of the COVID-19 pandemic. “Our clients have to deal with a lot, but depression and anxiety are the most common conditions.” Young people with depression and anxiety are often tempted to self-medicate their symptoms with drugs and alcohol. Teenage substance misuse is strongly correlated with the mental health crisis among young people. “Teenagers who use cannabis, alcohol, and nicotine are more likely to have underlying psychiatric symptoms, and worse symptoms, than their peers who are not regularly using substances, new research has found,” reported Matt Richtel in the New York Times in January. “The research […] found that such substances are linked to an array of symptoms and conditions, including anxiety, depression, hyperactivity, and suicidal ideation. “ “I would say that substance use is pretty significant,” confirms Dobbins. “Marijuana use is significant. Kids don’t realize how potent cannabis has become because it’s all synthetic. What they’re using is synthetic most of the time. Even the bioform is synthetic these days, but they don’t think that it can harm them.” Treating depression, anxiety disorders, trauma, and substance use disorder requires time and patience. “It’s important to have the time to meet with clients, spend time with them, get to know them, and see what they’re dealing with,” says Dr. Dobbins. “Being able to ask questions and taking the time to get to know them, so I can be their advocate as well for their parents, or other guardians. At BasePoint, we have weeks to see them, so I can offer the most important thing on the first day, or maybe the second visit, and then use the time getting to know what else they might need. I have time to start them, watch them, and see them throughout the week.” BasePoint Academy is a mental health treatment center provider based in Forney, TX with a second location in Arlington, TX, and a third location in McKinney, TX. BasePoint Academy operates as a clinical center focusing on youth mental health conditions. We specialize in outpatient treatment for teenagers aged 11–18 who are struggling with mental health and substance misuse issues. The partial hospitalization program (PHP) and intensive outpatient program (IOP) were designed to address the specific mental health challenges today’s teens are facing. That’s why we’ve created a dynamic program to address the multifaceted and complex teen experience that is unlike any generation before it. A complimentary assessment with a licensed clinician will provide you with a recommendation for the appropriate level of care for your teen struggling with mental health. We can also check your insurance coverage. Call us to schedule a complimentary same-day assessment at (469) 629-6355 or complete our inquiry form.
Preparing Young Adults for Life After Treatment
Taking the first step toward mental health treatment can be an overwhelming and uncertain journey for young adults. Questions of “Will this work?” or “What will my life look like after this?” can often arise. However, while the path to healing may seem daunting, the potential benefits are life-changing. From building resilience and gaining self-awareness to discovering new ways to cope with challenges, mental health treatment can open doors to a healthier, more fulfilling future. For many young adults, it’s not just about overcoming struggles—it’s about unlocking their full potential. Breakthrough by BasePoint in Dallas, Texas, offers a partial hospitalization program (PHP) and an intensive outpatient program (IOP) designed for young adults (ages 18–35). BreakThrough provides in-person or virtual services and treats mental health issues, including dual diagnoses that include substance misuse. Using an empowerment curriculum to break through mental health barriers, Breakthrough clinicians like Tamika Terry, an LPC associate supervised by Melissa Harrison, LPC-S, help young people address the challenges of pursuing a career after treatment. Many of her clients feel stuck, she says. “Often, they feel ashamed for being in therapy. They think everyone out there is fine and they are here, so there must be something wrong with them. So I ask them ‘How many people do you know who struggle with substance misuse, depression, or anxiety?’ And, of course, they all know someone. It’s always worth reminding them that everyone is going through something.” DON’T PUT MENTAL HEALTH ON THE BACK BURNER At BreakThrough, clients learn to recognize faulty thinking and reframe it. BasePoint provides clients with coping skills and tools that help them confront life’s challenges. “Many have the misguided notion that they can’t take time away to work on their mental health,” says Terry. She sees clients who are still working, while others quit jobs to be in treatment but have to find another job after treatment. “The main thing I try to drive home to them is that if you don’t address the root cause of your issues and instead think ‘I have to go to work and do my job’ it will actually compromise your job. I had a client who did exactly that and then had a breakdown at work. Mental health and substance use issues need to be worked on before you can thrive in a job.” Terry encounters many clients who labor under the misconception that mental health issues can be on the back burner when in reality those issues are connected to all other things in their lives. In treatment, she brainstorms with clients to develop a good strategy. “Especially younger clients find it difficult to come up with alternative plans. At Breakthrough, we strategize and brainstorm. I tell them, ‘That is a great plan but can we also think about plans B and C? While you are working on your mental health, are there career alternatives you haven’t thought of?’ I help them understand that there are alternatives. Sometimes they think there’s only one path but that is rarely the case.” MENTAL HEALTH AT WORK Many people feel uncomfortable being open about mental health issues in the workplace. This can put up unhelpful barriers. “One Breakthrough client who went back to work just told everybody ‘I had some health challenges and had to take care of myself during that time.’ She realized her mental health is part of her overall well-being and just didn’t get specific about it,” remembers Terry. She talks with clients about self-image and their value systems and they can take aspects of that to the job market. “Recently, we worked on what we call the ‘coping ahead skill.’ Clients break down different components of a situation. We tend to get into these situations where we make the same mistake over and over again. Often, we don’t know how to get out of that and make better choices. How can we make better choices?” Terry asks clients to visualize particular challenges. “I ask ‘What coping skills would make sense to you at that moment? Let’s think of different ways we can handle that and then run through actual scenarios.’ They often mention something that happened on the job or at school. So, a lot of the things we talk about in therapy will help them in their jobs.” Another recent client was struggling with social anxiety. “When she first came to BreakThrough she told me ‘I quit every job I had because it was hard for me to deal with people.’ But after attending the program, she got a job and kept showing up. She learned how to reframe her thoughts. She said ‘I don’t start to spiral when something crazy happens at work. I know how to handle myself because I have learned coping skills. If there is a confrontation, I now know how to manage my emotions and have greater awareness.’ All of these skills help in the workplace.” Terry feels that BreakThrough clients are actually better equipped than other kids who just go through college. “They are getting things in therapy that I wish I had known when I was in college. I had no idea how much feelings of shame and inadequacy can impede somebody. Clients who graduate from the program are much better equipped mentally than most other twenty-year-olds.” THE BREAKTHROUGH BY BASEPOINT DIFFERENCE BreakThrough by BasePoint provides first-rate care by utilizing evidence-based medical and clinical models, analyzing client outcomes to guide treatment choices, and working synergistically with young adults and their families to guide their healing journey. Recognizing the challenges posed by our relentlessly high-speed society, continuous online interaction, and social media pressure, BasePoint acknowledges it can be challenging for young adults to remain focused on what matters and independent of peer pressure. The BreakThrough by BasePoint Difference signifies enabling every client to speak out, empowering them to pursue lasting transformation, arming them with resilience-enhancing techniques, and offering a safe space to work on mental health challenges. BasePoint’s complimentary assessment with a licensed clinician will provide you
BreakThrough by BasePoint Empowerment Curriculum
BreakThrough by BasePoint’s empowerment curriculum is a novel approach developed with the program’s young adult clients in mind. It is an integral part of the BreakThrough “Resiliency Program,” a clinical/medical approach to treatment providing an immersive experience where young adults are taught how to bounce back from life’s biggest challenges. BreakThrough by BasePoint is equipping young adults with the capacity to prepare for adversity. During the COVID-19 pandemic, our country began to see a significant uptick in the general awareness of behavioral healthcare needs. At the same time, the BasePoint team recognized that there was a disparity between awareness and access to effective care. The mental health sector was flooded with young Americans seeking treatment for the first time after developing maladaptive coping mechanisms while experiencing untreated behavioral healthcare needs. Resiliency And Trauma BasePoint understood that this population had a deep need for training around resiliency and trauma. The BreakThrough by BasePoint’s empowerment curriculum addresses those needs. BasePoint therapist India Bradley, LCSW, was the chief architect of the innovative curriculum. “India Bradley developed most of this,” says BasePoint’s Bryan Gray, LPC-A, supervised by Rochelle Schutte, LPC-S. “I helped out with the section on interpersonal effectiveness, but she had the idea of splitting it up into five different sections.” Depression A typical week begins Mondays with a focus on depression. The curriculum emphasizes that depression is more than just stress. Therapist and client discuss experiences with depression and stress. Recognizing the signs and sources can help clients manage episodes of depression. “The empowerment curriculum encourages clients to identify the difference between stress and depression,” explains Gray. Interpersonal Effectiveness On Tuesdays, the theme is interpersonal effectiveness. The therapist encouraged clients to complete a worksheet on values. “The values worksheet explores a variety of core values,” explains Gray. “Clients identify values that resonate the most with them. Therapists ask clients to examine past conflicts and consider how the argument stemmed from a violation of their core values.” Emotional Awareness On Wednesdays, the focus is on emotional awareness. “Clients look at how they’re communicating with others in their life,” says Gray. “We’re helping them become aware of the things that they’re feeling. A BasePoint therapist also provides psychoeducation on the difference between guilt and shame and ways to address both.” Anxiety Thursday’s topic is anxiety. “This condition is presented as all-consuming stress,” says Gray. “Something that takes over your thoughts and emotions and influences your choices. Clients are encouraged to engage in an activity that is meant to help them identify the difference between anxiety and stress.” Self-Esteem And Self-Compassion Finally, Friday is dedicated to help clients improve their self-esteem and self-compassion. “The therapist asks clients to participate in an identity exploration exercise,” says Gray. “The exercise encourages them to explore parts of their identity and what each component means to them.” As people experience trauma, triggers, stressors, or even uncomfortable situations, they begin to develop ways to cope with the experience, whether healthy or unhealthy. The empowerment curriculum is designed to provide insights into common mental health issues and how to cope with them. “India was very strategic with the curriculum,” says Gray. She started off with the basics—what is depression, what is anxiety? How is depression different from just being sad? How is anxiety different from stress? And then we’re looking at core values, which is my favorite because the values play a huge role in the rest of treatment.” BreakThrough by BasePoint offers a complimentary mental health assessment with a licensed clinician to guide you toward the appropriate level of care for young adults, whether needing intensive outpatient services, depression treatment, or trauma care. Getting Started BreakThorugh by BasePoint’s expert team of therapists is here to help. They ensure transparency about costs, including how much therapy and outpatient mental health services may cost, as well as the partial hospitalization program cost. Additionally, they provide clarity on the cost of intensive outpatient program (IOP) with insurance in Texas and assist in navigating insurance coverage, including UMR, Aetna, United Healthcare, Cigna, and Blue Cross Blue Shield, for services such as ADHD testing. Explore BasePoint services to find young adult group therapy near you and take the first step toward healing. Call to schedule a complimentary same-day assessment at 469-629-6355 or complete our inquiry form.
Signs of Depression in Teenage Girls
Understanding Depression in Teenage Girls: Recognizing the Signs and Seeking Help Depression in teenage girls is a growing concern, with studies showing that they are more susceptible to developing this mental health condition than their male counterparts. Navigating the tumultuous teenage years can be challenging, and for many girls, the added burden of depression can feel overwhelming. Recognizing the early signs of depression in teens is crucial to providing timely support and intervention. Symptoms such as persistent sadness, loss of interest in activities, and changes in sleep patterns can signal the onset of depression in teenage females. Parents, educators, and peers must be vigilant in identifying these signs to help guide young women towards the necessary resources and support. If left unaddressed, depression in teenage girls can lead to more severe mental health issues, including anxiety, self-harm, and suicidal ideation. The pressure of academic expectations, social dynamics, and personal identity struggles contribute significantly to the mental health challenges faced by adolescent females. By understanding the symptoms of depression in teens, we can create a supportive environment that encourages open dialogue and access to mental health care. It is imperative to address these issues with empathy and understanding, ensuring that girls with depression receive the necessary help to navigate this difficult period in their lives. Battling depression can be difficult for anyone, regardless of age, gender, or background. However, over the years, there has been a rise in depression, specifically among adolescents, as they navigate pre-adulthood and the pressures that come with it. Among this group, teenage girls are almost twice as likely to develop depression than boys. While it may be expected for teenagers to go through significant hormonal and emotional changes in their early stages of life, depression and its side effects are very different. Recognizing these signs of depression before they become more serious is important to helping and protecting the mental health of teenagers. Symptoms of Depression in Teenage Girls Depression and anxiety are serious mental health conditions that, if left untreated, can lead to long-term physical and emotional damage. According to the CDC, 3 in 5 teenage girls felt chronically sad and hopeless, an indicator of depression.[1] As parents, caregivers, or mentors, it’s vital that you recognize the signs of depression[2] and address them accordingly. Symptoms of depression typically materialize into one of two categories – emotional and behavioral. Emotional Symptoms Sadness and Irritability Detecting early signs can be difficult with teenagers, especially since short-term sadness and irritability are commonplace as young adults undergo hormonal changes. However, excessive sadness or even worthlessness can often be a symptom of something much more profound on an emotional level. Excessive Guilt When a teenager becomes overly self-critical, it’s possible that they may be suffering from early signs of depression. This may make them feel shame that they aren’t good enough, or their self-esteem levels drop significantly. Loss of Interests When teenagers start displaying signs that things that used to be important to them are suddenly not as fulfilling as they used to be, this can be a symptom of a depressive state. Whether it’s suddenly developing a disinterest in their favorite hobbies, sports, friends in their life, or family members, when a teenage girl becomes removed from things that used to bring her joy, it could be a sign of depression. Sudden and Rapid Weight Change As teenagers grow up, gradual changes in height and weight are to be expected. However, when combined with other symptoms of depression or anxiety, a sudden and rapid shift in weight can be a symptom worth investigating. Eating disorders, such as anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating, can be precursors to body image problems and a depressive state. Difficulty Making Decisions If a teenager begins to experience depression, they may have difficulty staying focused enough to make necessary decisions in their life – even minor ones. When struggling with indecisiveness, self-doubt, or increased stress, teenage girls may begin to become overwhelmed and lack the confidence necessary to make decisions on their own, leading to a much more passive lifestyle. Behavioral Symptoms Change in Sleep Patterns Depressed teenagers may start to show signs of their depression through an irregular shift in their sleeping patterns. For example, if the teen is not sleeping at all, this could be a sign of severe depression. On the other hand, if they begin to sleep excessively and for long periods of time during the day, this may also be a sign of a depressed state and can also lead to further problems such as fatigue and lack of motivation. Loss of Energy Often, when adolescent girls experience persistent feelings of sadness, they will feel overwhelmed and sluggish. They will no longer be able to manage their daily activities as effectively, leading to decreased energy levels. Depressed teens may find it hard to get out of bed in the morning or generally lack motivation throughout the day. Withdrawal from Friends and Family Usually, one of the first behavioral signs of depression in teenage girls is choosing to isolate themselves from friends and family. This may be due to an inability to express their feelings or a lack of confidence in their relationships. They may also begin to avoid social activities as they are no longer interested in them. Thoughts of Suicide Depression, if left unchecked, can lead to much more serious issues, such as thoughts of suicide or even suicide attempts. This can be a clear sign of depression and should be taken very seriously. While not all teenagers will be comfortable telling someone they are having suicidal thoughts, they may give other signs, such as talking about death in a morbid way, showing physical signs of cutting, or a significant change in behavior and attitude. Addressing these problems immediately is a vital component of suicide prevention in teens. Engaging in Risky Behavior Teenage girls suffering from depression may often turn to risky behaviors like substance abuse, promiscuous sex, or self-harm to cope with their emotions. These behaviors are
What Is Anxiety Chest Pain, And What Can You Do About It?
Anxiety-Related Chest Pain: Understanding, Relief, and Key Distinctions Anxiety chest pain is a common yet often misunderstood symptom that affects many individuals, especially teens. It is characterized by a sharp, stabbing pain in the chest that can be mistaken for more serious cardiac issues. Recognizing and understanding the difference between anxiety chest pain and heart-related pain is crucial for effective management and treatment. Those experiencing anxiety chest pain may describe it as persistent and alarming, raising concerns about their heart health. Fortunately, there are ways to relieve chest tightness from anxiety and reduce the discomfort associated with these episodes. Understanding how long anxiety chest pain lasts and its various symptoms can help differentiate it from cardiac-related pain. Anxiety-induced chest pain can last anywhere from a few minutes to several hours and is often accompanied by rapid breathing, heart palpitations, and a sense of losing control. Unlike pain from cardiac conditions, anxiety chest pain might occur even while resting and can be alleviated through stress-reduction techniques. Learning to relieve chest tightness from anxiety, such as through breathing exercises and lifestyle changes, can provide significant relief. It’s essential to recognize these symptoms and seek appropriate care to ensure both mental and physical well-being. Anxiety chest pain is a stabbing pain in the chest brought on or intensified as a result of a panic attack or other anxiety-related episode. If you’re experiencing these symptoms, you can practice breathing exercises, eat healthier, avoid caffeine, and seek professional therapy to alleviate these symptoms. Facts About Anxiety Anxiety is an intense fear of something specific, something that could happen, or extreme worry about the unknown that affects millions of teens. It is often accompanied by uncomfortable physical symptoms such as rapid breathing, profuse sweating, exhaustion, difficulty breathing, hyperventilation, and an increased heart rate or spiked blood pressure. While experiencing anxiety during new or frightening situations is to be expected, those diagnosed with a generalized anxiety disorder or who are struggling with their mental health could experience these symptoms when facing everyday situations. These circumstances can trigger internal stress hormones affecting the brain’s cortisol levels and the natural fight-or-flight response. This stress response triggers the physical symptoms of anxiety that can be difficult to manage alone or without medication. What Causes Anxiety Chest Pain? Teen patients who present with chest pain related to anxiety disorders are more common than most believe. Patients without heart-related conditions who experience chest pain frequently have a higher rate of panic disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and other anxiety-related disorders. In many cases, this is due to poor quality of life and a habit of avoiding phobias.[1] What Does Anxiety Chest Pain Feel Like? Chest pain is a common symptom of anxiety attacks and panic attacks. Official studies report that anywhere from 22% to more than 70% of panic attacks patients experience also include chest pain.[2] If your teen is struggling with anxiety-related chest pain, they may also report some or all of the following symptoms: Racing heart or heart palpitations Sweating Dizziness Faintness Numbness Irregular temperature Shortness of breath Body tremors Sense of no control How Is Chest Tightness Different From Chest Pain? Chest tightness is different from chest pain and is often described as a pulled chest muscle. It can be identified by the presence of some or all of the following supplemental symptoms: Constant dull ache Sharp shooting pains Burning A muscle twitch you can’t control Numbness Change in Sleep Patterns Symptoms of Cardiac Chest Pain Vs. Anxiety Chest Pain Being able to tell the difference between heart attack chest pain and chest pain related to a panic attack or anxiety episode could be a critical marker. In most cases, if there is an existing diagnosis of cardiovascular issues, heart disease, or other heart-related issues, there will be a greater cause for concern. For teens, this is less likely but not impossible. Heart attack-related chest pain is typically caused by physical strain or exertion. Contrast this with anxiety chest pain, which can occur even while resting. If a heart attack is imminent, the pain will escalate within a few minutes and remain constant until treated, or, in fatal cases, the heart stops. Anxiety-related chest pain often resolves quickly, sometimes in minutes or within an hour. Heart attack chest pains radiate from the upper body (neck, shoulder blades, jaw, arm, etc.) and are accompanied by a tingling sensation, whereas chest pains due to anxiety are associated with sharp, stabbing aches and pains isolated to the chest area.[3] However, you often cannot differentiate between chest pain that’s related to cardiac complications and chest pain related to anxiety, as angina is the same for the two. When in doubt, seek medical treatment. What You Can Do About Anxiety Chest Pain For Teens At Home Did you know that over five million children between the ages of three and seventeen were diagnosed with anxiety over a recent three-year period?[4] While this number is alarming, there are many at-home interventions your teen can begin practicing to alleviate their symptoms. Deep Breathing Exercises Breathing exercises can help you become more centered and controlled in your physical state. Connect a state of intentional mindfulness with deep breathing to regain a sense of focus and relief. Breathe in through the nose and hold, then push slowly out through the mouth. Find A Safe Space Or Person Certain spaces are more conducive to happier thoughts and feelings and can give you the physical and mental space you need to focus on moderating your physical responses. Choose a clean, bright space with lots of natural light if possible. If relocating isn’t possible, find a trusted person who will support you through this episode and help you implement other strategies for recovery. Look At The Current Situation Objectively Make a mental checklist of what you know to be true and possible and what you know isn’t real or impossible. Reevaluate your current situation through this lens. Think and Stay Positive Bring to mind happy, positive thoughts and circumstances that
What Is Loneliness? How To Identify and Address The Signs Of Loneliness In Teens
Understanding Loneliness and Its Impact on Teens Loneliness in teens is more than just a fleeting feeling of isolation; it’s a profound emotional state that can significantly affect mental health. But what does it mean to be lonely? For teenagers, loneliness often arises from a gap between their social interactions and the connection they crave. Recognizing the symptoms of loneliness, such as mood swings, a shrinking social circle, or a desperate need for parental presence, is crucial for providing timely support and intervention. Addressing teen loneliness requires a compassionate approach, utilizing tools like a loneliness hotline and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for loneliness. By redefining loneliness and promoting healthy social connections, CBT equips teens with strategies to overcome these feelings. Understanding and addressing what it means to be lonely can help foster a supportive environment, ultimately guiding teenagers towards healthier emotional well-being. What Are The Signs and Symptoms Of Loneliness? Loneliness in teens can be mislabeled as other things, such as antisocial behavior, depression, or anxiety. Common symptoms of loneliness include a desire to be with their parents or guardian all the time, exhibiting negative behavior for attention, being easily distracted, and having a small social circle. They may appear withdrawn or display moodiness. Their sleep habits may inexplicably change, and they may neglect personal hygiene or physical exercise. Regular eating habits may change, and they may experience drastic weight gain or weight loss. Signs of teen loneliness could be related to bullying, feelings of anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, or hopelessness. In some serious cases, they may present signs of suicidal ideation. Physical Symptoms of Loneliness Loneliness can be a systemic experience that includes physical symptoms such as body aches, insomnia, and headaches. When your body is under stress, your cortisol levels increase, which can impair cognitive function and negatively impact your immune system. While these symptoms can be fleeting throughout a teen’s day-to-day life, if they are chronic, they could be related to symptoms of loneliness. Loneliness Defined Usually, we associate loneliness with being alone or having very few friends when we desire the opposite. However, it’s entirely possible for a teen to experience loneliness without ever being truly alone. On the other end of the spectrum, someone who is frequently alone may never experience loneliness if the desire for more interaction isn’t there. The difference lies in the desires. True loneliness is an unfulfilled desire for greater levels of interaction and connection. How Prevalent Is Loneliness In Teens? One official study reported that over 11% of children and teens from ages 10 to 15 shared they often felt lonely, with nearly 9% being in the 13 to 15 years category. For teens over 16, nearly 10% reported the same feeling. Additionally, only 18% of teens aged 16 or older who lived in single-parent homes were more likely to report not feeling lonely vs. teens from a two-parent home (over 40%).[1] What Are The Risks Factors For Developing Loneliness? There are a number of potential risk factors that can increase a teen’s likelihood of developing severe loneliness. If the recent pandemic taught us anything, it’s that long periods of social isolation can lead to teen loneliness. The condition of loneliness has also been associated with both poor mental health and poor physical health, and teens with a history of mental health struggles or serious physical illness may be at higher risk of developing loneliness.[2] In an official study conducted about loneliness and mental health in children and adolescents with pre-existing mental health problems, it was discovered that for those with social phobias, social anxiety, depression, and neurodevelopmental conditions, the symptoms of loneliness were recognizable. This same study also found that psychological treatment for teens is effective in reducing feelings of loneliness.[3] Other risk factors could include a long-distance move, changing schools, or a family breakup. These experiences can be challenging for anyone, especially already-vulnerable teens. How To Help Lonely Teens Whether it is the result of social anxiety, abuse, peer pressure, fear of judgment, bullying, or low self-esteem, loneliness can be a devastating experience for teens. Pay close attention to their habits and routines so that you’re better equipped to identify troubling changes. Be open to speaking with your team and ask them lots of questions about their thoughts and feelings. Provide them with regular opportunities to open up and confide in you. Verbally ensure that your teen knows they are not alone. They may not know how to communicate what they’re feeling or why. Let them know you see where they’re struggling and that you’re a resource for them. Make a conscious effort to encourage them, even if it’s in small ways. Write them notes for their job or school day. Text them throughout the day and the week to let them know they’re on your mind and that you’re available to them. Encourage your teen to disconnect from “doom scrolling” on social media or other online forums that could exacerbate their loneliness. Offer them other outlets for interaction and health engagement. If the signs and symptoms of loneliness persist, talk with your teen about getting professional help. Mental health care for teens is an empowering experience that can help them identify, address, and overcome internal struggles to create a healthier, happier life. Now is the time to solidify a strong foundation for a confident and successful future. What To Look For In Mental Health Treatment For Teens When considering pursuing mental health treatment for teens, it’s important to look for a few hallmarks of a strong treatment program. Treatment should be completely teen-focused and not pediatric or adult treatment that has been mildly adapted. It should be comprised of individualized treatment plans that address the unique needs of each patient on a holistic level. It should include a variety of therapeutic modalities, from Motivational Interviewing (MI), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and group therapy, in addition to psychiatric interventions. A well-rounded mental health treatment program for teens will also include strong academic support to ensure they don’t
What Is Anxiety? Signs In Teens, Symptoms, Teen Treatment, and Resources
Understanding Anxiety in Teens Anxiety in teens is more than occasional worry or stress; it’s a complex and often overwhelming emotional state that can manifest in various forms. Severe anxiety symptoms might include persistent feelings of dread, restlessness, or even physical ailments like headaches and stomachaches. Understanding what anxiety is for teens and recognizing the signs are crucial steps in addressing this widespread concern. The symptoms of anxiety can range from mild unease to debilitating fear, and they often impact a teen’s daily life, affecting everything from academic performance to social interactions. Teen anxiety can be triggered by numerous factors, from academic pressures to social dynamics. The signs of anxiety, such as avoidance, excessive worry, or mood swings, can be subtle yet impactful. It’s important to distinguish between normal levels of concern and the more intense symptoms of an anxiety disorder. Addressing these issues early with appropriate interventions, such as natural remedies or professional therapy, can make a significant difference. Providing teens with resources and support can help them develop coping strategies and build resilience, ultimately guiding them toward healthier emotional well-being. What Is Anxiety? Anxiety is a state of worry, alarm, or fear over circumstances (past, current, or future) that you may not be able to control. This is a natural mental state that can be experienced throughout various times in their life and can manifest physical symptoms such as restlessness, shortness of breath, heart palpitations, insomnia, and feeling tense. Those with a diagnosed anxiety disorder may experience chronic anxiety or persistent dread and more severe symptoms like fatigue, difficulty concentrating, headaches, inability to control worry, stomach aches, and a persistent sense of anxiety or dread.[1] Experiencing feelings of natural anxiety could be due to recent trauma, financial trouble, stress, grief, health issues, or relationship challenges. Anxiety disorders are different from natural anxiety in what causes them, the symptoms, and the severity of those symptoms. Someone suffering from an anxiety disorder may feel anxious or fearful in everyday circumstances even when there is no immediate threat to life or person. Four Stages Of The Anxiety Cycle & A Real Life Example Anxiety is a cyclical experience. If left untreated, the symptoms can return when faced with the same trigger again. But when you and your teen begin to experience feelings of anxiety, what happens next? And what does the anxiety cycle look like with and without treatment? Anticipation When faced with a potential or immediate scenario, this is when the feelings of anxiety begin. Fear, worry, and alarm begin to form thought processes in your mind as you evaluate your circumstances. Example: You have to give a speech in class and you begin creating worst-case scenarios in your mind, break out in a sweat, and your heart rate picks up speed. Avoidance Psychological and physical symptoms of anxiety can be avoided or mitigated if the situation that triggered them can also be avoided. However, that’s not always possible. Example: Your initial plan is to avoid the class, or develop a sudden, incurable, and completely made up illness to skip school. Without Treatment: Relief Relief only comes due to the absence of anxiety symptoms that were not addressed, merely postponed. Example: You feel relieved as you’ve resolved the cause of your anxiety and mitigated the risk of potential or perceived harm. Without Treatment: Resurgence Without intentional coping skill intervention or safely navigating obstacles faced with your anxiety, your symptoms will resurface. Example: You get an email from your teacher that your speech has been postponed to the following week and the anxiety cycle begins again. Relief & Resurgence With Coping Skills and Treatment By learning practical coping skills, such as counting, alternative movements, journaling, and breathing exercises, you can alleviate or mitigate the symptoms of anxiety in spite of triggers. Example: You’re fearful of the circumstances but you know your fear of public speaking is something you need to conquer. You also have to pass the class. You immediately begin anxiety-specific breathing exercises or take a walk outside. Your symptoms slowly dissipate and you contact your therapist or counselor to help you prepare for your upcoming speech. On the big day, you do all the preparation you can to succeed. You still experience some anxious feelings but are equipped to manage them and safely deal with the task at hand, in spite of your fears. Please note: This is a generalized example that may not apply to every type of anxiety disorder or every specific teen. However it’s important to recognize where anxiety treatment and coping skills can make a positive impact on practical events and quality of life. Symptoms Of Anxiety Perceived threats over present or future circumstances can trigger intense reactionary behaviors. This is what’s known as the natural fight or flight response. Intense fear or uncertainty related to unpredictability can lead to an anxious risk self-assessment that may. Without treatment or coping interventions, the symptoms may not go away until the threat or uncertainty is resolved.[2] Psychological Symptoms Of Anxiety Anxiety often begins in the mind before it manifests in the body. Some common anxiety disorder symptoms include:[3] Irrational or excessive worry Feelings of self-consciousness Fear of judgment Feelings of impending doom Difficulty controlling pervasive worry Feelings of being out of control Feeling tense Persistent worry, alarm, or dread Inability to control worry Physical Symptoms of Anxiety Most physical anxiety symptoms are systemic or related to nervous system function. Common physical signs of anxiety include:[4] Heart Palpitations Shortness of breath Sweating Trembling Tingling Restlessness Difficulty concentrating Headaches Fatigue Nausea Insomnia Chest pain Blushing Sweating Clammy hands Difficulty making eye contact Stomach aches or “butterflies” Rigidity Voice changes Identifying Anxiety In Teens Young children are usually anxious about being left alone in the dark, monsters in the closet, and creatures under the bed. In most cases, these are fears that teens have grown out of. Teens struggling with anxiety will be more concerned about their performance, social situations, their body, and potential family issues. Even if they