Teen Mental Health Treatment

Although teens and adolescents × Adolescents
Adolescents /ad.o.les.cent/ n.Noun The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines the term adolescent as a young person living in the transitional period between the years of puberty and adulthood until they reach the age of full maturity. Adolescents or teenagers, are living in a turbulent and trying time in a person's lifetime. If ill prepared, teens may flounder or display negative behaviors at home. Adolescents are prone to negative behaviors such as, drug and alcohol abuse and other chemical dependencies, sexual misconduct or acting out, failing grades at school and disrespect towards authority. It is for this reason that parents of adolescents need to be particularly mindful when they reach their teenage years. If a teenager is struggling during thus time of adolescence it, is crucial for parents to seek the right care for their son or daughter.    During this time, people are typically more susceptible to negative behaviors and dangerous habits.
often suffer from the same mental health × Mental health
Mental health is “a state of well-being in which the individual realizes his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to his or her community.”1 It is estimated that only about 17% of U.S adults are considered to be in a state of optimal mental health. The mental health in teenage boys and girls is a crucial issue and concern for parents. Teens, for a variety of reasons, tend to struggle with mental health more than adults or children who have not yet reached their teens. This is because of the turbulent time that comes with adolescence and the individual teen's inability to cope with said turbulence. Parents of troubled teens who struggle with mental health issues, actually have a plethora of treatment options to choose from. The type of treatment option that best fits the individual teen, greatly depends on the individual teens mental health issues.
issues as adults, the reasons why they develop these disorders can often be quite different than older men and women.  In addition, teens may withdraw from their family, but maintain friendships with their peers × Peers
Peers /peer/ Peers are the people of which a person associates. Peers have a strong influence on person’s thoughts, actions, and will also play a key part in how a person develops and will determine who a person will become. Peers always have an influence but occur especially in a person’s youth. Parents should make it a priority to inform children of how important their peer group is on them. Discussions about this topic can help to prevent children from choosing friends that could lead them down dangerous paths. Peers who involve themselves in negative behaviors will begin to oppose school and parents and can also influence others in the peer group to do the same. It is important to support the finding of positively influential peers for children. However, peers can also help uplift others to strive to become better and want success. Those are the peers you should surround yourself with and also your children.
at school – making matters more complicated for identifying and treating the problem.  

For these reasons, teen mental health treatment programs must offer a unique take on treat that speaks to the needs of young people.  To put a child in a program geared towards adults is almost a guarantee that they will not get the most out of the program, or achieve wellness as a result of the treatment. 

What are the Most Common Teen Mental Health Issues? There are a number of teen mental illnesses that are much more common among young people of age 12 – 19.   

These mental health issues include:

• Depression × Depression
  Depression /de·pres·sion/ Depression is defined as a mental condition characterized by feelings of severe despondency and dejection, typically also with feelings of inadequacy and guilt, often accompanied by lack of energy and disturbance of appetite and sleep. Statistics has shown that diagnosis of depression is growing at a very dangerous rate. Globally, depression affects over 350 million people of all ages. Depression has been linked to other negative health outcomes, such as obesity, heart disease, and stroke. Compared to those not affected by depression those who face it are more likely to be unemployed and have a higher chance of divorce. Most people that suffer from depression do not seek care or attention. Since this is a global issue, many efforts are made to help those who are suffering depression. It is important for those that face depression to find help so that they can overcome this plague that millions of people face.
  

• Anxiety × Anxiety
    anx·i·ety n.noun Merriam- Webster dictionary defines anxiety as: : an abnormal and overwhelming sense of apprehension and fear often marked by physiological signs (as sweating, tension, and increased pulse), by doubt concerning the reality and nature of the threat, and by self-doubt about one's capacity to cope with it Anxiety is a very common ailment that almost everyone experiences on an almost daily basis. However, anxiety effects some more than others and can cause severe emotional distress that is too much for an individual to handle. When anxiety plagues an individual so severely that it becomes a disorder, it is crucial that this individual receives therapeutic and emotional restoration in the form of psychological and therapeutic assistance. Teens who experience abnormal amounts of anxiety, tend to self medicate with intoxicants such as drugs and alcohol. When negative, self medication takes place, teens are at great risk of developing harmful coping mechanisms that may be life-long lasting. Anxiety /anx.i.e.ty/ n.Noun Anxiety is defined as the state of uneasiness or tension caused by the feeling of worry or nervousness caused by apprehension of possibilities of the future. Anxiety is a common emotional trait that many people face.  It affects our actions and can prevent us from making decisions.  Usually anxiety holds us back from the types of things that are outgoing or out of our comfort zone and it brings fear. Anxiety is a normal experience for most people and is a normal part of life.  However, when the anxiety reaches the level of a disorder then it can be dangerous.  This would include an intense, extensive, excessive and persistent worry or fear.  Another factor that is caused by an anxiety disorder can be anxiety, fear, or terror attacks when the intensity of anxiety becomes very high.  Types of anxiety disorders can include: social anxiety, separation anxiety and many different phobias etc.  
  

• Bi-polar disorder

• Borderline personality disorder × Personality Disorder
  n. noun /per·son·al·i·ty/ /dis·or·der/ The official psychiatric manual, the DSM-IV (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of the American Psychiatric Association, Fourth Edition), defines a personality disorder as an enduring pattern of inner experience and behavior that differs markedly from the expectations of the individual's culture, is pervasive and inflexible, has an onset in adolescence or early adulthood, is stable over time, and leads to distress or impairment. Personality disorders are a long-standing and maladaptive pattern of perceiving and responding to other people and to stressful circumstances. Types of Personality disorders - Avoident Personality Disorder: Fearful of rejection and extremely shy. - Borderline Personality Disorder: Exterme mood swings, inappropriate friendships and relationships, sometimes burn or cut themselves on purpose and are more likely to threaten to kill themselves. - Dependent Personality Disorder : Extreme fear of being alone, have difficulty making decisions and are more likely women than men. Narcissistic Personality Disorder: Imagine unrealistic personal success, are manipulative in relationships and care mainly for themselves. Troubled teens who suffer from personality disorders such as these, are more likely to develop negative behaviors such as, sexually acting out and/or drug addiction.
  

• Schizophrenia

How is Teen Mental Health Treatment Different? 

The counselors, therapists and other professionals who work in teen mental health programs are well-versed in the unique needs of young people, and understand the different root causes behind their disorders. Among the most common reasons why teenagers develop mental health issues include: 

Stress at home. If parents are fighting, going through a divorce or in constant conflict with their children, it is likely to manifest itself as a teen mental health issue.  Kids who do not feel secure in their home environment × Environment
n.noun en·vi·ron·ment The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines environment as the surroundings or conditions in which a person, animal, or plant lives or operates. A person's environment, or social surroundings, have an enormous impact on the way that person thinks and operates. If a person is surrounded by negativity, he/she is more likely to replicate that negativity and display negative behaviors in other areas of life. The environment of a troubled teen can often be the root cause or factor in the troubled adolescent's negative behavior. When an impressionable teenage boy or girl is surrounded by negative peers, it is common for these teens to develop negative behaviors themselves. It is for this reason that parents should be aware of their child's social surroundings and environmental influences. If a teenage boy or girl is troubled, a total change in their environment may be in order. By replacing a troubled teen's negative environment with that of a therapeutic, nurturing and rehabilitative environment, troubled adolescents are able to emotional, therapeutic and behavioral restoration.
(or, in a worst case scenario are the victim of physical or sexual abuse × Abuse
Abuse /a·buse/ Abuse is defined as the improper usage or treatment of an entity, often to unfairly or improperly gain benefit. Abuse can come in many forms, such as physical or verbal maltreatment, injury, assault, violation, rape, unjust practices: crimes or other types of aggression. Abuse is a negative and real threat that many people face. Child abuse is a problem that is continually occurring. The main types of child abuse are physical abuse, sexual abuse, and neglecting. When these types of abuse occur in a home, they often go unnoticed. The stress and fear of the abuse will usually cause the victim to remain quite about the problem. It is a difficult problem to find out and assess, but there are solutions. It is important that people are aware of signs of abuse. They may include unexplained injuries, changes in behavior, fear of going home, changes in eating and sleeping and lack of personal care or hygiene.
) may develop serious mental health problems as a result.

Self-image issues. The teen years are a time of insecurity and often young people will find themselves on the wrong end of self-esteem and self-image issues.  Some teens, especially adolescent girls may slip into a deep depression if they feel inadequate in terms of their appearance or social standing.  Junior high school and high school are periods when superficiality is the order of the day – which can be difficult for those teens who lack self-confidence.

Academic pressure. For some kids, the pressure to succeed at school can lead to the development of mental health issues.  When teenagers feel as if they are letting their parents down or putting their future in jeopardy, depression and anxiety may soon follow.

Relationship issues. Teenagers fall in love easily, but without the experience or maturity of an adult, they will be prone to rash behavior in their relationships.  When a boy or girl breaks up with a partner it may push them into a serious depression.

Teens and Depression 

Depression is the most common mental health issue found in teenage boys and girls.    Everything from school academic performance to issues involving puberty and social status can lead a teen into a downward spiral of depression.  Some of the most common signs and symptoms of teen depression include: 

• Feeling of hostility or anger

• Moodiness or sudden mood shifts

• Loss of interest in once-pleasurable activities

• Sudden changes in eating or sleeping habits

• Fatigue or lack of energy

Helping a young person with depression can be tricky, as they tend to be extremely sensitive and defensive about their condition.  Parents are urged to help their child with depression find a treatment program that understands the unique needs of young people. 

Why is Teen Mental Health Treatment so Important? 

There are a number of key reasons why teen mental health treatment is such an important area of the industry. Teens who suffer from depression, anxiety and other disorders are much more likely to turn to drug and alcohol × Alcohol
al·co·hol n.noun a colorless volatile flammable liquid that is the intoxicating constituent of wine, beer, spirits, and other drinks, and is also used as an industrial solvent and as fuel. When ingested, alcohol can be a deadly intoxicant. Teens and adults alike are more prone to make fateful and negative choices while drinking alcohol. A deadly intoxicant, alcohol has destroyed and ripped apart the lives of millions and yet, remains to be the drug of choice of troubled teens nationwide. Teenage minds are not yet able to fully appreciate the dangers that coincide with drinking. When drunk, teenagers commit and act out heinous activities which they would normally never commit or act out. Teenage pregnancy, driving under the influence, fighting and other consequences are more likely to occur while teens drink. Parents of teenage boys or girls who drink occasionally or struggle with the addiction of alcohol, need to seek immediate treatment for their son or daughter.
as a means of self-medicating their symptoms than adults.  

This is a time when young people are experimenting with substance abuse × Substance Abuse
Substance Abuse /sub.stance/ /a.buse/ Substance abuse is defined as the use of a chemical substance that has an effect on humans or animals improperly or in a negative view or purpose. Substances involve different types of drugs and also alcohol.  The misuse of a chemical substance can be very dangerous and can be the cause of many different types of problems such as impairment and also distress. Along with physical problems that can come from recurrent substance abuse, there are many  other problems that can occur.  A lack of interest in schooling and work can lead to failure fulfillment of roles and obligations in different settings of life.  Also, a poor performance in daily actions can be a cause. Substance abuse is a problem that is important to deal with in an appropriate manner.  There are many different programs that are available to help fix these types of problems to rehabilitate someone’s life. More information about substance abuse in the US The national institute on drug abuse characterize substance abuse as, "as a chronic, relapsing brain disease that is characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use, despite harmful consequences. It is considered a brain disease because drugs change the brain; they change its structure and how it works. These brain changes can be long lasting and can lead to many harmful, often self-destructive, behaviors.' When pertaining to the adolescent brain and psyche, substance abuse and addiction is one of the most dangerous and common negative behaviors in troubled youth. Teenagers who participate in drug abuse are either not aware of the potential permanent damage they are causing themselves, or simply don't care. It is because of this reason that parents of substance abusing teens need to seek immediate treatment for their son or daughter. Fortunately for parents, there is a multitude and increasing number of options to choose from in terms of rehabilitation. Furthermore, parents of substance abusing teens need to seek treatment for their teens promptly.
, and adding mental health issues into the mix is a recipe for alcoholism or teen drug addiction × Addiction
The American Society of Addiction Medicine defines addiction as "Addiction is characterized by inability to consistently abstain, impairment in behavioral control, craving, diminished recognition of significant problems with one’s behaviors and interpersonal relationships, and a dysfunctional emotional response." Similar to other chronic diseases, addiction may involve cycles of relapse and a mental state of remission. If untreated, or serious attempts of recovery, the progression of addiction can easily result in dire, sometimes fatal, consequences. Addiction can take many forms, from eating disorders to drug addiction and even gambling. Whatever the affliction, or choice of addiction, the teenage psyche and overall well being is at greater risk than that of a fully developed adult. Teens who don't receive adequate rehabilitation for their addiction are almost certain to carry their addictive qualities into adulthood. Parents of a teenage boy or girl suffering from addiction should seek viable treatment options immediately before the addiction progresses further.
. Also, the teen years are indeed a formative time in the life of an individual.  A mental health issue can impede the development of social skills or an educational track that leads to a bright future. 

Finally, there is the potential ultimate price to be paid as a result of a teen mental illness: self-harming behavior or suicide.  Allowing a teen’s mental health problem to go unaddressed will push that individual deeper and deeper into the depression.  Combine that with the impulsiveness of youth and you have a potentially deadly combination that has led many teenagers to do the unthinkable. 

How can Parents Help? 

Few parents would knowingly turn a blind eye to their child’s mental health issues however some simply do not know how to recognize the signs and symptoms of these conditions.  Step one for parents who suspect their child may be suffering from anxiety, depression or bipolar disorder is to learn the warning signs of these illnesses and watch their own children closely. Second, parents need to make sure that the lines of communication with their kids are always open.  

Teenagers are not going to want to talk about their problems (this is simply the nature of the age group) but it is important for parents to remain undeterred.  Ask the teenager how they are feeling. Talk to their teachers or school counselors if there is a problem.  And most importantly never forget to tell the child how much you love them, and that you are there to support × Support
Support / sup·port/ n. Noun Support is defined as the act or instance of supporting; serve as a foundation for something else. Support can be given to many different ways. Through the encouragement to perform and progress and also through being there for someone who needs help. Support is usually shown through family and peers but can come from anywhere from support centers, rehab centers, and treatment centers. Without a support, confidence would be very difficult to find. Support is key to getting through trials and problems. The ability to have someone that is supporting you and encouraging you to move forward and progress is important to growth and change. Especially with youth, that as they are trying to find out who they are that they feel supported in all of their doings. This is important because as support and encouragement is shown the youth feel confident to become the best they can be.
them no matter what they are going through. 

Newport Academy understands the unique needs of teenagers who are suffering from mental health issues.  This gender-specific treatment facility helps young people and their families overcome debilitating issues that threaten their future.  Contact Newport Academy for more information about this very special treatment program.