Mental health Care

Hobbies and Mental Health: The Connection

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Raise your hand if you’ve ever found yourself doomscrolling until your eyes hurt.  

You have lots of company.  

To make matters worse, unless you have nothing but cute kittens and puppies in your feed, the content you consume online can leave you feeling anxious, numb, depressed, or up to there in FOMO.  

But being online is so accessible, and ditching the internet entirely isn’t exactly realistic. So how can you navigate the digital world in a way that nourishes your mind?  What can you do instead to enjoy your spare time and be a little kinder to yourself?  

That’s where hobbies come in! 

Hobbies and interests allow you to have fun and connect with others, but did you know they also provide you with many health benefits?  

Whether you’re looking for friendship, an absorbing interest to fill your spare time, or want to release some stress, hobbies can help!  

What qualifies as a hobby?  

Anything that you do for fun counts as a hobby. According to WebMD, a hobby is any “activity that you frequently do for pleasure during your leisure time,” regardless of your expertise level. These can include creative, intellectual, and physical pursuits.  

Whether it’s something as interactive as gaming or playing basketball, as engaging as painting, playing the guitar, or reading, or more passive, like watching movies or following your favorite baseball team, anything that absorbs and entertains you during your spare time counts as a hobby.  

A hobby can relax or challenge you, depending on what you want to achieve. Sometimes it’s the first step to making a dream come true, such as playing bass in a band or seeing your photograph on display in a gallery. But the great thing is, you can decide. If you just want to spend quietly enjoyable personal time on your hobby, that’s fine. If you want to share your interest with others or aim for mastery, that’s fine too!  

Mental health benefits of hobbies 

If you’ve been struggling with your mental health, hobbies might help you feel better.  

According to psychiatrist Svetlana Famina, MD, hobbies can “distract us from negative thoughts, which may generate negative feelings that lead to mental illness.” 

She also says, “recreational activities help us avoid boredom and burnout, both of which can lead to depression.” 

Research also suggests that actively participating in hobbies helps us reduce stress. In a recent survey conducted by the Australian Psychological Society, four in five participants found that spending time on a hobby was an effective way of managing stress. Another study done in New Zealand found that engaging in creative activities can lead to a long-term, improved sense of wellbeing.  

Hobbies can also help you curb loneliness, offering opportunities to seek out a small community of like-minded people. As you share your interests with others, you’re forming   

 

What if I don’t have any hobbies? 

Believe it or not, you’re not alone. In a 2016 survey conducted by aytm, 15% of 1000 participants said they “didn’t have hobbies”.  

The reasons differ: some say they don’t have the time for it, while others say they are active online and never really cultivated an interest or a hobby. Some people may not consider their preferred activities to be ‘hobbies,’ e.g. walking, working out, or watching a favorite TV series.  

If you don’t feel you have specific interests or pastimes, but would like to find one, here are some examples and recommendations:  

  • Think about things you liked doing in childhood: What were your favorite activities when you were a child? Did you color for hours, enjoy dance lessons, or prefer playing soccer? Think about favorite school subjects, clubs, sports, and activities. What childhood or school interests could turn into personal hobbies?  
  • Indoors or outdoors? Do you love being out in nature, or do you prefer staying in the cool comfort of A/C, especially given our south Florida summers?  It’s important to be honest with yourself: before you take up half-marathon training, be sure you can stand the heat!  
  • Take a quiz: If you’re really stuck, you can try an online quiz! A great starting point is a personality assessment. The MBTI test can be a good starting point to learn more about yourself and find out what type of activities you might like. If you just want a quiz that suggests hobbies for you to try, this one suggests a variety of options, and explains the reasons why! 
  • Try an activity with a friend: Ask a friend to do a hobby ‘show and tell’ for you — a great way to try out an activity, find out why your friend enjoys it, pick up some tips, and spend time with your friend as well! 

Seven hobby ideas to get you started  

  • Exercising: If you enjoy being active, why not try a new kind of workout?  Whether outdoors or indoors, the possibilities are endless. Activities like team sports, pickleball, Pilates, martial arts, biking, climbing, and yoga are great ways to use your free time and meet other enthusiasts, while taking care of your physical and mental health! Exercising lowers anxiety, relieves symptoms of depression, and boosts your motivation.  
  • Visual arts: Many people often feel intimidated by artsy hobbies like photography, drawing, and painting because they don’t think they have either the skills or the talent, but don’t let that deter you from trying it!  Take an art course, visit or follow one of the many free online art instruction videos available. If you want to ease into it, try a “Paint By Numbers Kit”. These numbered canvases let you create wonderful illustrations with a little help!  

  • Fishing: For nature lovers, fishing can be a great way to spend time outdoors and relax with friends or family. This hobby keeps you physically active, helps increase your vitamin D intake by being outside, and can give you a renewed sense of purpose. To get started, check out the U.S Fish and Wildlife Service’s guide to fishing! 

Though we only listed seven here, there are tons of other hobbies to try! Use your imagination and don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and venture into an activity you’ve never done before.  

And remember that hobbies are about having fun! Don’t stress over whether you’re good or bad at something. Set goals if you want, but above all, your pastime should be a way to relax, enjoy yourself, make good use of your free time, and create positive memories and feelings. 

Need more help? 

Here at The Bougainvilla House, we’ll provide you with safe and compassionate care as you learn to cope and lead a healthier life. To start your healing journey, call us at (954)-764-7337. 

Breaking Down Misunderstood Mental Health Conditions

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For too long, individuals struggling with mental health disorders have also faced burdens of stigma and shame.  

Encouraging news — in recent years, Americans have become more understanding of mental health issues, and while we can’t say stigma is nonexistent, the American Psychological Association  (APA) reports that 87% of survey respondents believe a mental health condition is “nothing to be ashamed of”. 

It’s good to see progress in public attitudes toward more well-known conditions such as depression and anxiety. However, we still need to combat misunderstandings and misinformation about more complex mental health conditions and disorders.  

Lack of education, along with media misrepresentation, means individuals already struggling with serious mental health conditions often feel the weight of shame and the need to mask their disorder. In this blog, we want to help end the stigma by replacing some common misconceptions with facts on these often-inaccurately portrayed illnesses. 

Understanding mental health conditions  

 

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) 

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, commonly known as ADHD, is a condition characterized by concentration problems, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. The disorder often develops in childhood, but symptoms, particularly those related to focus and attentiveness, can also appear in the teen years or beyond. 

Common symptoms of ADHD include: 

  • Concentration and focus problems 
  • Difficulty beginning and focusing on tasks or activities, especially those that are tedious, time-consuming, or require sustained mental effort 
  • Trouble with time perception and management 
  • Inability to effectively organize, prioritize, and manage multiple tasks 
  • Short attention span, easily distracted, trouble listening to instructions 
  • Frequent careless mistakes, forgetfulness and inability to keep up with daily tasks like homework or chores 

Hyperactivity and Impulsivity 

  • Physical restlessness, such as fidgeting, tapping, or squirming in one’s seat 
  • Interrupting or talking excessively 
  • Difficulty waiting 
  • Impulsivity 
  • Risk-taking behavior 

Misconceptions about ADHD  

“It’s not a real disorder: it’s just laziness.” 

Many people tend to dismiss individuals with ADHD as being lazy, because the disorder makes it difficult to focus on and complete tasks. ADHD is a developmental condition, not a character flaw or an attitude problem.  

“It’s a childhood-only disorder” 

In many cases, ADHD symptoms show up during childhood, but for others, symptoms only manifest during adolescence or adulthood. In fact, a 16-year-long study of children diagnosed with ADHD showed that 77% of participants continued to display symptoms into adulthood. (Biederman et al. 2012).  

How is ADHD treated? 

Typically, ADHD treatment involves medication as well as coaching in a variety of coping skills and techniques. In addition, therapists may recommend that parents of children 12 and under receive training in behavioral techniques and strategies that will help their child navigate relationships and thrive in school and at home. With this support, individuals can learn to successfully manage their symptoms and function effectively in their daily lives. People often label individuals with ADHD as scatterbrained and disorganized or believe that ADHD-driven behavior is a ‘stage’ that kids will grow out of, but it’s a lifelong mental health condition that needs treatment, coaching, and understanding. 

Bipolar disorder  

Bipolar disorder is a condition characterized by extreme mood swings, characterized by intense highs (mania and hypomania) and lows (severe depression).  

Common symptoms of bipolar disorder include: 

Manic episodes: During this cycle, which lasts for a week or longer, an individual may experience: 

  • an elevated mood  
  • increased energy levels  
  • racing thoughts  
  • recklessness  
  • inflated self-esteem  
  • a reduced need for sleep   

Major depressive episodes: In contrast, the depressive cycle is characterized by intense sadness, hopelessness, anger, loss of interest in activities once enjoyed, lack of self-worth, insomnia, fatigue, and the inability to focus.  

Misconceptions about bipolar disorder 

“It’s just mood swings” 

People misuse the word “bipolar” to describe someone who’s moody, but true bipolar disorder is notable for the intensity and duration of mania and hypomania cycles. If an individual’s mood levels off in a day or so, and they can manage ordinary tasks, they are experiencing mood swings. However, people with bipolar disorder experience repeated cycles lasting a week or more, characterized by intense symptoms that disrupt daily functioning, and even lead to suicidal ideation. 

When you hear the word “bipolar”, you might think it’s just about feeling happy one moment, and then angry a second later, but this condition is far more complex, affecting an individual’s wellbeing, relationships, and ability to live normally.

How is bipolar disorder treated?  

Bipolar disorder is a lifelong condition that typically appears in the teen years or early 20s and can be managed with medication and therapy. Medications like mood stabilizers can help people manage their manic and hypomanic episodes, while antipsychotics can also be prescribed if depressive symptoms continue. Patients also benefit from therapy that teaches healthy coping skills and ways to prevent the return of some symptoms. 

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) 

Individuals with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) experience unwanted thoughts and fears (obsessions) leading to rigid routines and repetitive, ritualistic behaviors (compulsions) to ease the stress of these upsetting thoughts. OCD can be disruptive and distressing, both for those who struggle with the disorder and for those trying to support them.  

Common symptoms of OCD include: 

Obsessions 

  • Fear of contamination or dirt 
  • Fear of losing or misplacing objects 
  • A need to have or do everything in a certain order 
  • Unwanted thoughts, including aggression and taboo images 

Compulsions 

  • Excessive cleaning or handwashing 
  • Repeatedly checking one’s actions, like unplugging electronics or turning off the stove 
  • Inability to deviate from set routines 
  • Arranging objects in a particular way 
  • Compulsive counting 

Misconceptions about OCD 

“People with OCD are just neatniks (or germophobes)” 

While OCD is largely associated with excessive cleanliness, neatness, tidiness, and orderliness, the disorder is more pernicious than that. People with OCD are caught in a seemingly endless, exhausting loop of behaviors, and struggle with intense feelings of discomfort and anxiety due to their obsessions.  

“OCD is just a personality trait” 

It’s not uncommon to hear someone say they’re “a little OCD” when they really want to say they have strong preferences or habits. Many misinterpret OCD behaviors for personality traits, but the truth is that people suffering from this disorder can’t help or control their obsessions or compulsions without treatment.  

OCD is largely misrepresented by the media and others as describing someone with strong habits and routines, but it’s a disruptive condition that is often accompanied by isolation, unwanted thoughts, and strong feelings of anxiety and shame. 

How is OCD treated? 

OCD can be managed by therapy which seeks to address the fears/obsessions that cause compulsions. Cognitive behavior therapy together with exposure and response therapy may help build tolerance and alleviate the fears created by obsessions. (for example, gradual exposure to dirt and dust).  Antidepressants may also help to relieve patients’ symptoms. 

Understanding and empathy 

Mental health conditions involve complex origins, symptoms and behaviors. They are often mistaken for or coexist with related disorders. Individuals who are not mental health professionals may not fully understand these complex conditions, but with greater awareness of the facts, we hope to help others avoid making uninformed, hurtful statements.  

Education and empathy can go a long way toward erasing the stigma surrounding these and other conditions. Rather than perpetuating stereotypes and misconceptions, let’s promote understanding and support for all those who struggle with their mental health. 

Need more help? 

Here at The Bougainvilla House, we’ll provide your teen with safe and compassionate care as they learn to cope and lead a healthier life. To start their healing journey, call us at (954)-764-7337. 

Understanding and Healing from Self-Harm: A Guide for Parents

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Kenzie* has suffered concussions from repeatedly banging his head against a wall. 

Jordan has bald patches from pulling out their hair.  

Nicole’s hoodie is more than her year-round trademark — it hides the cuts on her arms.  

 Stories like these are more common than you think. According to emergency room reports, self-harm cases among young women have increased 50% globally since 2009 — yet the stigma and shame surrounding self-injury persists.    

 We at TBH think it’s time to end the silence. We want to shed light on the issue of self-injury and equip you with the information you need to talk with your teens about it.  

What is Self-Harm?  

Self-harm, also known as non-suicidal self-injury disorder, is a condition in which people purposely hurt themselves without the intent to cause their own death.  

Self-harm is more common among females than males, and although it is not considered a diagnosable mental disorder, it’s often a symptom of an ongoing condition or problem related to mental health.   

How Prevalent Is Self-Harm?  

According to Mental Health America (MHA), approximately 17% of teens report some form of self-injury. It is more common in teens ages 15-19, and in those suffering anxiety and depression. The number of people who self-harm also varies depending

on racial and ethnic background. According to an article published by the New York Times, more than 20% of Native American teens reported self-injury, followed by Hispanic and white teens.  

However, teens may continue to practice self-harm as they grow older. MHA also cites a 2010 Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine report noting that between 17-35% of college-age young people are self-harming. 

Researchers have found a direct correlation between time spent online on social media and rates of self-harm. Teens who have engaged in self-injury were more likely to spend a greater amount of time on these sites as opposed to those who didn’t. This increased social media exposure was also tied to “greater psychological distress…and suicidal ideation” in teens.  

Why Do People Self-Harm?  

Individuals who self-injure can’t always explain why, even to themselves. Self-harm is often linked to trauma, abuse, the inability to express strong feelings in a healthy way and struggles with mental health issues. Some people self-injure as confirmation they can tolerate the pain, while others want to take out their anger on themselves. Others self-harm because they’re so numb that they want to feel something, even if it’s pain.  

Common stressors connected to self-injury include:  

  • Bullying 
  • Financial worries 
  • Difficult relationships 
  • Low self-esteem 
  • Abuse 
  • Grief 
  • Traumatic experiences 

Self-harm can also be a sign of an underlying mental health condition like:  

  • Anxiety 
  • Depression  
  • ADHD 
  • Eating disorders 
  • Borderline personality disorder 
  • Substance abuse  

Forms of Self-Harm 

 While cutting is the best-known form of self-harm, other methods are also used: 

  • Piercing skin with sharp objects 
  • Burning skin with lighters, cigarettes, household cleaners, etc.  
  • Hitting or punching a wall 
  • Deliberate bruising 
  • Starving or binge eating  
  • Pulling out hair 
  • Misusing alcohol or recreational drugs 
  • Biting 

Warning Signs 

Signs like these could be an indication your teen is self-harming: 

  • Wearing long sleeves or pants, even in hot weather 
  • Scars, cuts, bruises or burns with no reasonable explanation 
  • Repeatedly picking at scabs 
  • Changes in mood, including impulsive behavior  
  • Withdrawal from activities and friendships 
  • Unusual presence of sharp objects  
  • Frequent talk about “accidental” injuries 

What to do if your teen is self-harming  

Don’t dismiss your suspicions or avoid the uncomfortable conversation you must have with your teen. Instead, try initiating a meaningful conversation about their mental health and about your concern that they may be self-harming. Let them know they can tell you anything and that you will listen. Approaching them with a compassionate, nonjudgmental attitude tells them they can feel safe with you.  

When you bring up this subject, be prepared for denials and other strong reactions. Above all, remain calm.  Don’t force your teen to talk about it if they don’t want to. Young people insist that’s not helpful, so be patient with them and remain understanding. Let them know you care and that they can talk to you whenever they are ready.  

Offer help and first aid 

Your teen may be embarrassed and resist talking about their self-harm, but one way to make it easier for them, and to open the door to future conversations, is to show them they matter to you by offering to help them take care of their injuries.  Phrases like these can foster the trust and care your teen needs:  

“Here’s an ice pack for that bump on your head.” 

“Do you want some antibiotic ointment for the cut on your arm?” 

“This burn cream will help with the pain.” 

These small actions help to show your teen that their body matters, and so do they.  

Encourage Them to Seek Help.  

Let your teen know you want to support them and help them find the professional care they need.  Your teen may be more comfortable starting with someone they already know – their primary care doctor. This also gives you the opportunity to discuss your concerns with their doctor, who may be able to refer you to a mental health specialist within your network.  

Another good place to start is the self-harm crisis hotline, which provides free support 24/7 and can also help you locate professional help.  

If you’re dealing with a difficult situation and need to talk to someone immediately, you can text CONNECT to 741741.   

Alternatives to Self-Harming  

Your teen may need alternatives to distract them from self-harming. Help them find healthier ways to channel their feelings and manage their emotions. Here are some suggestions they can try:  

If they’re feeling angry, they can: 

  • Slash an empty plastic bottle  
  • Pop balloons or bubble wrap 
  • Exercise 
  • Hit a punching bag  
  • Snap a hair band on their wrist 
  • Tear or shred paper 
  • Flatten aluminum cans or boxes for recycling 
  • Throw ice cubes against a bathtub, or slam pillows against a wall 

If they’re feeling sad, they can: 

  • Take a hot bath 
  • Spend some time with a pet  
  • Play, sing, or listen to soothing music 
  • Walk in nature 
  • Hug a loved one (even a beloved stuffed animal) 
  • Cook some yummy treats 

If they feel numb, they can: 

  • Squeeze ice 
  • Take a cold bath/shower 
  • Try a diffuser with pungent or potent-smelling essential oils, such as peppermint or cinnamon 
  • Practice meditation and mindful breathing 
  • Dip their fingers into a cold food, like ice cream 
  • Make slime or playdough 

If your teen still feels the urge to hurt themselves, they can try this: 

  • Place stickers, bandages, or fake tattoos wherever they want to injure themselves 
  • Draw on themselves with red marker 
  • Paint on themselves with red tempera paint 
  • Play with face paint 

For more options, the Adolescent Self Injury Association has this free document of 146 alternatives to self-harming.  

Self-harm is a red flag, indicating your teen is struggling with mental health or other issues. If a young person in your life is struggling with self-injury, ending the silence is an important first step toward recovery. Here at The Bougainvilla House, we’ll provide your teen with a safe space, compassionate care, and guidance to help them cope and recover.  

To start their healing journey, call us at (954)-764-7337 

*These are fictional names.  

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Who You Gonna Call?

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Who You Gonna Call?

         Ghostbusters! Okay, maybe they can’t help you with your non-ghost problems, but it’s important to know who can. Who do you call when you’re having a bad day? Who can you reach out to when you’re struggling at school? Who do you trust when you’re struggling with your home-life? These answers are integral to ensuring you are focusing on proper mental health care and healthy communication.

What Constitutes Healthy Support?

  • Listening– a person who supports you not only listens to your thoughts, feelings, and experiences, but they do so without judgment. They aren’t simply looking to change you or force an opinion on you. True support is there to hold space for you without getting anything in return.
  • Consistent– a person who supports you will make time for you, especially if you are going through a rough patch. That doesn’t mean they can give you every moment of their lives, but they will work with you and your schedule to ensure you are supported and heard on a regular basis. They don’t come and go from your life. They are a consistent part of your health and wellness.
  • Support Not Enable– a person who supports you listens and validates your feelings and experiences, but they will not enable you. If you are partaking in destructive behaviors or relationships, they will let you know. They will also go above your head if self-harm or abuse is involved. This thought can feel like a betrayal, but keeping you safe stems from care, compassion, and love.
  • Honesty– a true supporter will tell you the truth and creates a space that allows you to do so, too. They provide a comfortable space where you can truly be yourself, so much so, you may tell them things you’ve never told anyone else. When you’re honest with yourself and, in turn, others, healing can begin.
  • Safe Space– a person who supports you, while still human, has shown you no signs of abuse, toxicity, or harm. They are stable and can consistently offer love, guidance, and emotional support.
  • Growth– a true supporter will always push you to be better. This may hurt sometimes to always hear the truth and see yourself through the eyes of another, but people who love us want the best for us. They help us become our best selves. People who care will help us get out of our comfort zones and help us make the best choices for our best possible future.

It’s important to remember that we are all human and to not make the mistake of putting someone on a pedestal. No one is perfect, so make sure you are reminding yourself that your supports are still humans with regular lives who make mistakes.

When it comes to our supports, we also want to ensure we aren’t creating co-dependency. It’s important to be able to reach out to people in a time of need, but it’s just as important to learn how to support yourself in those moments if others are occupied with their own lives. Lean on your supports, but remember: this time of growth means learning how to lean on yourself.

Who Supports Me?

         You don’t need a whole army of support. You need a few key people in your life you can connect with who will give you the support and guidance you need. This could come in the form of a family member or family friend, a friend, a teacher, a therapist, or a coach.

So now, ask yourself: Who supports you unconditionally? Who ensures you’re feeling okay? Who is there to listen to? Most importantly, who hears you but doesn’t enable negative or self-destructive behaviors? When it comes to a confidant, someone you can trust to help and support, you want to ensure they have your best interest in mind. Take some time to evaluate the people in your life and make sure to tell those who care for you that you see them and they matter.

 Learning to Support Yourself

No matter where you are on your health and wellness journey, the goal is to learn how to support yourself. Yes, you can always rely on a group meeting, a therapist, and close friends and family, but it’s important to learn how to cope and manage your feelings when no one else is available or present. While you work through addiction issues, mental health illness or trauma, be sure to create the ultimate support with yourself. Ask yourself how you are. Make some time to get to know yourself, just as you would a new friend. You might be surprised at how deep the relationship can get.

Sometimes we can’t find the right supports in our families, schools, or communities, and that’s okay. If you or an adolescent you know is struggling with addiction or mental health issues, you can always reach out to the Bougainvilla House. We are here to support you! We offer individual and group therapy programs, along with family counseling to help bring you closer to those who love and care for you. Let us help you create the ultimate support with your community and most importantly, yourself. Call today to learn about our programs and treatment options: (954) 764-7337

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