Teen’s Mental Health

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.  

For More Information:  

Supporting Your Teen Through Mental Health Issues: Anxiety, Depression, and Emotional Regulation Skills

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Have you ever wished you had a magic wand to banish anxiety and depression from your teenager’s life?

Every day, your teen could be dealing with multiple sources of stress, including the pressure to:

  • excel in academics
  • meet family and societal expectations
  • fit in with classmates
  • secure a promising future
  • cope with big issues like gender, sexuality, economic, and environmental concerns

All while projecting an online life full of so-called Instagrammable moments! No wonder your teen can feel overwhelmed.

While we can’t conjure away these burdens, we can certainly provide you with some powerful strategies to help your teen preserve a sense of optimism, even while navigating through emotional distress.

In this blog, we’ll dive into the world of teen anxiety and depression and explore effective strategies for emotional regulation. These strategies will serve as a guide to support your teen when you recognize their emotional distress.

Understanding Teen Mental Health Causes and Issues: Your Role as Parents

The U.S. Surgeon-General has called the alarming increase in mental health issues among American youth “the defining public health crisis of our time”. In fact, according to the CDC’s Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance Data Summary & Trends Report: 2011-2021, more than 4 in 10 (42%) students felt persistently sad or hopeless and nearly one-third (29%) experienced poor mental health in 2021. This emphasizes the importance of addressing these issues and providing support for your teen.

Icon of a brain thinking with a statistic below.

As a parent, it’s important to know that the teenage years are a crucial and often turbulent time affecting your child’s social and emotional development and their mental well-being. You can support them by encouraging good habits like practicing mindfulness, eating well, and getting regular rest and exercise, as well as helping them to develop strong problem-solving skills and supportive relationships. For good or ill, your teen’s friend group and the quality of your family’s home life also significantly impacts their well-being. In addition, watch for potential threats like bullying, violence, or possible substance abuse. Some youth may be at higher risk for mental health issues due to their specific circumstances and need additional care and support, including teens experiencing:

  • unsafe, unhealthy, or difficult living conditions
  • discrimination, poverty, and marginalized backgrounds
  • limited access to quality support and services
  • chronic illnesses, autism spectrum disorder, intellectual disabilities, or other neurological conditions
  • pregnancy, parenting, early or forced marriages, or foster care

Signs your teen may be having mental health difficulties

In addition to more overt symptoms like mood swings, irritability, anger, and tearfulness, you may observe:

  • low energy
  • notable changes in sleep, weight, eating habits, or other everyday patterns
  • excessive exercising, or fear of gaining weight
  • loss of interest in the things they usually love, or quitting activities that they enjoy
  • spending more time alone, and withdrawing more than usual from friends, family, and community
  • canceling plans with their closest friends with little or no explanation
  • academic struggles that seem different or more intense: for example, failing quizzes in their favorite subject or refusing to do homework they used to easily handle
  • running thoughts or worries that won’t leave them alone
  • a whole new set of friends you’ve never met before
  • engaging in risky or destructive behavior alone or with friends
  • refusing to talk about what’s bothering them, even after you’ve made it as safe as possible to openly discuss hard issues
  • Obsessing over a certain goal, possibly with the belief that if they don’t achieve it, their life will never be the same
  • signs of drug, alcohol or other substance use
  • signs of self-harm such as cuts, burns, bruises, etc. that your teen tries to hide or can’t explain fully and credibly
  • indications they may be having suicidal thoughts
  • statements that they think someone is trying to control their mind or that they hear things that other people cannot hear

Remember, simply noticing one symptom from a list doesn’t necessarily mean your teen is facing a serious mental health issue. Biological changes, including hormonal shifts that all pre-teens and teenagers experience, can impact their mood, school performance, and more. However, if you regularly observe one or more of these signs, it’s essential to initiate a discussion about mental health with your teenager.

Emotional Regulation Skills: An Overview

Emotional regulation, the ability to effectively manage and respond to our emotions, plays a crucial role in maintaining mental well-being and can even alleviate the symptoms of anxiety and depression. When we take the time to release our emotions in a suitable manner and allow ourselves to recover, we experience a sense of satisfaction in how we handled the situation. This feeling of accomplishment not only improves our current mental state but also equips us to better handle similar situations in the future. The good news is that you, or a professional, can help teens to learn and hone these skills – and by actively working on emotional regulation, they can cultivate a healthier and more resilient mindset.

Practical Tips for Parents: Helping Your Teen with Emotional Regulation

A few tips to help your teen develop emotional regulation skills include:

Identify and reduce triggers: This is an important step in helping your teen manage their strong emotions. Encourage them to look for patterns in their environment and situations when they experience intense feelings. Sometimes, these emotions can stem from deep insecurities or past trauma, making it initially challenging to pinpoint their cause. However, having awareness of triggers is empowering, as it allows your teen to avoid them when possible and feel more in control when they cannot be avoided. Prompt your teens to reflect on what is happening around them and why it reminds them of something painful. By understanding and acknowledging these triggers, your teen can take proactive steps to minimize their impact on their emotional well-being.

Tune into their physical symptoms: Emotions can be amplified by other physical factors (e.g. being hungry or tired) — like turning up the volume of their feelings. Recognizing and addressing these factors might help temper their emotional response. Ask your teens if they feel more overwhelmed when they’re ‘hangry’, haven’t slept well, or maybe about to get their period.

Consider the story they’re telling themselves: We can’t read our teens’ minds, but we can consider the story they might be telling themselves. Strong emotions can sometimes cause us to jump to conclusions, and not always the right ones. Advise them to hold off judgment for a moment, and ask them: “What other explanations might be possible?”

Engage them in positive self-talk: When emotions are running high, self-talk can easily turn negative. Your teen may internally say “I messed up again.” “I’m useless.” Instead, encourage them to treat themselves with empathy and to think positively. “I always try so hard.” “I’ll do better next time.” Positive self-talk helps calm their feelings and transforms the moment into a plan for doing better next time.

Encourage mindfulness: Practicing mindfulness can help your teen stay connected to their emotions without feeling overwhelmed. Engage in guided mindful exercises with your teen. There are numerous resources available, including apps and websites that offer guided meditations or mindfulness exercises specifically designed for teens. Here is one. These exercises can help your teen relax, reduce anxiety, and increase their overall sense of well-being.

Promote healthy expression of emotions: Let your teen know that it’s okay to express how they feel. Validate their emotions when they do. Take their feelings seriously — sometimes your teen just needs you to listen and be there for them.

Help them curb impulsivity: When your teen feels angry or afraid, it’s important to remind them that their reactions can sometimes hurt the people around them, including you. Advise them to think before responding, to take a moment to pause and take a deep breath. Counting to ten can also help bring some calmness to their mind. By doing this, they can create space for a calmer, logical and kinder response. It’s crucial to focus on what’s best for both them and you in these situations.

Shift their focus to positive emotions: Human beings are prone to ‘negativity bias’ meaning we pay more attention to negative emotions than positive ones. Positive feelings are less dramatic, but so important to your teen’s mental health. Encourage your teen to try to focus on the positive moments, and the way it boosts their resilience and well-being.

Encourage and suggest stress management techniques: Techniques like deep breathing, physical exercise, and creative outlets can help manage stress. Encourage them to explore activities that allow them to express themselves. These activities can serve as a healthy escape and help redirect their emotions in a positive way.

Remember, as a parent, it’s essential to model these techniques yourself. By practicing these strategies and encouraging your teen to do the same, you create a supportive and healthy environment for both of you.

How Parents Can Support Teens Struggling with Anxiety and Depression

Supporting a teen struggling with mental health issues can feel overwhelming to them and to you. Here are a few ways you can help:

  • Validate their emotions: Let them know their feelings are real and important.
  • Build a strong support system: Encourage supportive relationships with friends and family and consider seeking the help of a professional counselor or therapist.
  • Seek professional help when necessary: If your teen’s symptoms persist or worsen, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. At The Bougainvilla House, we offer a range of services for youth and families.
  • Pay attention to your own mental well-being and seek help if you need it.

Early intervention is key in treating anxiety and depression. There are many professionals ready to help, from therapists and counselors to psychiatrists.

TBH can help

If your teen is having trouble coping with anxiety and depression, don’t be afraid to seek support for them.

If they want professional help, look for a safe person and space in which to talk. The Bougainvilla House is here for them, with an understanding and welcoming staff and environment. We are ready to assist them and your family. Take that important first step and ask for help.

The Bougainvilla House also offers Workshops to provide tools and strategies that support healthy families and nurture future generations as they grow.

Call now to find support for them and your family: (954) 764-7337.

Why Isolating is Counterproductive

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         When you’re feeling down, anxious, miserable or depressed, it can feel natural to want to hide in your room, in your bed, away from the world. Isolating can feel safe and comforting, especially if an event took place to trigger dark or traumatic emotions. But when we continuously remove ourselves from the company of others and the supports in our lives, we fall deeper into a mental health warzone that will keep us from healing.

Mental health issues stemming from depression and anxiety feed off isolation. Think of them like a stray cat. The cat comes to your door, you feed the cat once, and it keeps coming back for more. The cat doesn’t understand buying it food costs time and money. All it’s looking for is the fix—the food.

Mental health issues can act in the same way. Depression and anxiety want to make you think being alone is the best thing for you, not because it will make you feel better, but because it will benefit the mental illness. It wants to stay alive just like the cat. But the mental and physical energy we expend to keep feeding that cat is what deteriorates our self-worth even more. Now, that’s not to say that spending time alone is bad or wrong. It’s important to spend time alone to recharge. But if being alone is all we want to do, we need to start asking why.

The Paradox of Isolation

Being alone can feel good because we don’t have to try. We don’t have to put on a happy face, we don’t have to pretend, and we don’t have to worry about what others will think about our thoughts and behaviors. We can truly be ourselves in all moments without judgment. We can sit in the pit, we can stare at a wall, and we can cry. We simply don’t have to engage with anyone or anything when we are alone. But this is where the paradox comes in. It may feel good and safe being alone, but when we are alone, our internal narrative that craves peace can quickly shift to judgment.

Remember the cat. It wants to be fed; therefore, it doesn’t want you to change this behavior which in this case is isolating. It’s going to start telling you lies that, without another person to bounce things off, you start to believe. It might start by reinforcing isolation. Then it might tell you why it’s a great idea. But here’s where we find the shift. It tells you to stay isolated because no one likes you. Because you don’t really have any friends. Because sports aren’t fun anyway. And you’re not good at painting.

Do you see how quickly isolation reinforces itself? You begin to rationalize being alone, and the reasons become dark and negative. And the more times you tell yourself these narratives, the more you start to believe them.

Why It’s Important to Reach Out for Help

Depression and anxiety are tricksters. They make us think and feel things that aren’t real, but to the one suffering, the reality they are experiencing is a world of hurt that feels never-ending. People suffering from depression and anxiety can feel like they have no friends, no one likes them, and or no one cares, but just like the cat, these are the lies that are keeping it well-fed.

This is where outside support is vital to rewriting the internal narratives and finding joy. Talking to a friend, having dinner with family members, and going to therapy can quickly shift those negative words and reinforce the fact that people care about you. The more you isolate, the more junk you’re keeping in your head and heart. If you start talking about these feelings and narratives to others, they can help you see where the mental illness is looking for food and reinforce the love and support that is awaiting you.

 It can feel like an impossible feat to reach out for help when you’re suffering from depression or anxiety, but the truth is, you don’t have to live in that space. However, you do have to admit you’re suffering. Healthy living means yes, encountering some lows and some bad days, but healthy living means enjoying life more often than not and finding beauty in daily activities. If you’re struggling to find joy, it may be time for help.

It’s okay to feel sad or anxious. These feelings are simply human. But if these feelings are causing you to isolate and endure negative self-talk, it’s time to reach out for help. The Bougainvilla House has created a safe and welcoming environment for adolescents and their families which focuses on helping you overcome your feelings and connect you back to the beauty of the world. With a variety of outpatient treatment options and individualized programs, we are confident we can get you feeling healthy and happy. Call now to find a support that works for you and your family: (954) 764-7337

Finding Balance in an Ever-Changing World

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Finding Balance in an Ever-Changing World

There are a million metaphors and similes about life. It’s a roller coaster, it’s like a box of chocolates, and it’s a journey, yet these comparisons have implicit reminders that sometimes life is hard. There are ups and downs, there are various surprises, and it’s a long road we must continue walking with moments of struggle. Some may find this sentiment beautiful, but for others, those who crave routine, peace, and stability, these metaphors are tough truths.

The uncertainty of life stems from many things. Some are internal as the body ages and others are external factors relating to fate, yet both connect to one word: control. Unfortunately, we cannot control fate—internally or externally—but we can control how we react to it all.

Internal and External Factors

It may be an uncomfortable topic, but puberty is real. It brings about significant changes to our bodies, our emotions, and our perspectives. These changes alter mood and can cause teens to feel jaded, tired, or even the vast opposite. Along with the internal changes of the body comes the external consequences. This could look like growth spurts, voice changes, and personality changes that can cause unwanted attention. Put two and two together and you have an awkward math problem.

Besides hormonal issues and physiological happenings in the body, most of our emotions are connected to the outside world. Think about it in terms of literature and the fact that books are centered around conflict. We are humans, humans have emotions, and emotions create conflict. But conflict doesn’t magically arise. External forces affect us, trigger us, and force us to confront whatever is happening. So, while our emotions play a huge factor, they connect to catalysts in the external world.

On top of all that, we have another aspect of the external world called expectation. As teens, we are expected to do the chores, go to school, get a job, possibly go to college, and so much more. Then, there are topics like gender norms, cultural norms, and societal norms that attempt to force us into another box. It’s as if we are in a maze, and we are getting pushed to turn right then left then right again. We don’t really know where we are going, yet we know we are supposed to keep moving forward.

Now think about this new internal world mixed with a new external world. It can feel like the recipe for disaster, and for some of us, we are already experiencing this war. The bottom line here is that this is normal, everyone goes through it, and not every day is going to be a good day. Many people want to preach “good vibes only” and the power of a positive attitude, but the reality is that because we have emotions and myriad external factors, we are undoubtedly going to experience the drops on the roller coaster. However, the drops don’t last forever, and when we accept this truth and process our emotions while they are occurring, we can take negative moments as they come, release them, and return to joy.

Balance and Shifting Perspective

Unlike a roller coaster or box of chocolates, we don’t have a choice when it comes to, well, choice. We are on the ride, we don’t know the outcome, and to find balance, we must accept this idea first. You can find balance by shifting your perspective. Instead of saying, “I hate this ride,” switch the narrative to, “I’m excited to see where it takes me.” If you hate the big dips, focus on cherishing the straightaways and practicing gratitude while they are occurring. If you bite into a candy with a nut and you wanted caramel, remind yourself you can try again.

We want to be present in our darker moments because we want to avoid repressing these experiences. During the drops, try this perspective shift. Instead of asking, “why is this happening to me?” ask, “what is this trying to teach me?” See the difference? Instead of playing the victim to fate, you put the power back in your hands by becoming an adventurer, the warrior of your story. It’s not always easy, but when we finally look under the bed, we realize the monster isn’t so big, and sometimes, it was never there to begin with.

Just because we experience the dips doesn’t mean we have to sit in those moments and stay there. Just like the ride, we won’t constantly be plummeting down. The moment will pass, as will every other emotion and experience. When we are present, we can acknowledge the difficult moments, and more importantly, we can enjoy the good.

It can be difficult to balance all of the emotional and physical changes of adolescence. If you or someone you know is struggling to balance and is using substances to cope, professional help is always a great option. The Bougainvilla House offers adolescent behavioral health programs for individuals and families. Call us today to see how we can help 954-764-7337 , or use our convenient Contact form.

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