Category: Teen Parenting

The Impact of Social Media on Teen Mental health

In today’s digitally connected world, social media has become an integral part of the lives of teenagers. While it offers various benefits, including communication and information sharing, concerns have arisen regarding its impact on teen mental health. As summer approaches, it becomes crucial for parents and guardians to understand this connection and explore effective strategies to support their teens during this transitional period. This blog aims to shed light on the relationship between social media use and teen mental health, as well as provide valuable insights on how to foster a healthy and fulfilling summer for your adolescent.

Teens and the Social Media Conundrum

Social media platforms offer a multitude of opportunities for self-expression, connection with peers, and access to vast amounts of information. However, excessive and unhealthy usage patterns can contribute to various mental health challenges for teens. Here are a few key factors to consider:

1. Social Comparison: Teens often compare themselves to others on social media, leading to feelings of inadequacy, low self-esteem, and a distorted self-image. The curated nature of posts can create an unrealistic perception of others’ lives, intensifying these negative emotions.
2. Cyberbullying and Online Harassment: The anonymity and distance provided by social media platforms can sometimes embolden individuals to engage in harmful behavior, including cyberbullying. Such negative interactions can significantly impact a teenager’s emotional well-being, causing anxiety, depression, and social isolation.
3. Fear of Missing Out (FOMO): Constant exposure to others’ activities and events can trigger FOMO among teenagers, heightening their anxiety and the pressure to participate in every social gathering. This fear can lead to feelings of exclusion and a sense of being left behind.
4. Sleep Disruption: The blue light emitted by screens and the constant stimulation of social media can disrupt sleep patterns, affecting the quality and duration of sleep. Sleep deprivation, in turn, can negatively impact mental health, cognitive function, and overall well-being.

Healthy Habits for Your Teen’s Social Media Use in the Summer

As summer arrives, it provides a unique opportunity to encourage healthy habits, promote well-being, and strengthen the parent-teen relationship. Here are some practical strategies to help your teenager navigate the digital landscape and enhance their mental health:

1. Open Communication: Establish a non-judgmental and open line of communication with your teen. Encourage them to share their feelings and experiences related to social media. Actively listen and validate their emotions while offering guidance and support.
2. Setting Boundaries: Collaboratively establish boundaries for social media use during the summer. Encourage regular breaks, device-free hours, and designated spaces for social media interaction. Promote the importance of offline activities, hobbies, and quality time spent with friends and family.
3. Digital Well-being Practices: Teach your teen about digital well-being strategies, such as mindfulness exercises, limiting screen time, and using apps that monitor and manage screen usage. Help them understand the importance of maintaining a healthy balance between online and offline activities.
4. Promote Positive Online Engagement: Encourage your teen to engage in positive and meaningful online experiences. Guide them to follow accounts that promote mental health awareness, body positivity, and personal growth. Encourage them to create content that is authentic, supportive, and empowering.
5. Cultivate Offline Connections: Encourage your teenager to foster real-life connections during the summer. Help them find activities and hobbies they enjoy, such as sports, art, volunteering, or joining clubs or community organizations. These activities can provide a sense of purpose, social support, and personal fulfillment.
6. Role Modeling: As a parent or guardian, be mindful of your own social media use and its impact on your well-being. Strive to model healthy habits by demonstrating a balanced approach to technology and actively engaging in offline activities.

Understanding the connection between social media use and teen mental health is vital for parents and guardians in today’s digital age. By fostering open communication, setting boundaries, and promoting offline engagement, you can help your teenager navigate the complexities of social media while nurturing their mental health. As summer unfolds, seize the opportunity to create a supportive and enriching environment, empowering your teen to build resilience, embrace their authentic selves, and cultivate meaningful connections beyond the digital realm.

How ROWI Can Help

At ROWI Teen & Parent Wellness Centers, we offer evidence-based treatments, as well as a range of therapies and activities to meet the unique needs of each individual with ASD. We believe in providing comprehensive and individualized care to help teens with ASD reach their full potential. To find out more, use our contact us form or call our Admissions Team at 800-721-ROWI, and one of our helpful coordinators will assist you in completing an application, scheduling an assessment, and verifying your insurance to get you, your family, and teen started on your journey to mental wellness.

Adolescence is a time of self-discovery and identity formation, and for some teenagers, this process involves exploring their gender identity. As parents, guardians, and allies, it is crucial to provide support and understanding during this challenging journey. By creating a safe and accepting environment, we can empower teens exploring their gender identity to navigate this path with confidence and self-acceptance. In this blog post, we will discuss several ways to support and advocate for teens who are exploring their gender identity.

Seven Ways to Support Teens Exploring Their Gender Identity

1. Educate Yourself About Gender Identity Topics:

The first step in providing meaningful support is to educate yourself about gender identity and related topics. Take the time to understand the nuances of gender identity, transgender experiences, and the challenges faced by gender-questioning teens. Familiarize yourself with appropriate terminology and seek resources such as books, articles, or websites dedicated to LGBTQ+ issues. By gaining knowledge, you will be better equipped to support and advocate for your teen.

2. Foster Open Communication:

Create an environment where your teen feels safe and comfortable expressing their feelings and experiences. Encourage open dialogue by actively listening without judgment. Respect their preferred pronouns and chosen name, and make sure to use them consistently. By validating their identity and experiences, you demonstrate your support and willingness to understand them better.

3. Seek Professional Guidance:

Consider reaching out to professionals who specialize in working with gender-questioning or transgender individuals. Mental health providers, such as therapists or counselors, who have experience in this area can offer valuable support and guidance. They can help both you and your teen navigate the complexities of gender identity and provide tools to cope with challenges that may arise.

4. Connect with Supportive Communities:

Encourage your teen to connect with support groups or communities that cater to gender-questioning or transgender individuals. These communities can provide a sense of belonging, offer support, and foster connections with peers who share similar experiences. Online platforms, local LGBTQ+ organizations, and youth centers may provide safe spaces where your teen can explore their identity and find support.

5. Respect Privacy and Confidentiality:

Respecting your teen’s privacy and confidentiality is crucial. It is essential to maintain their trust by not sharing their personal information without their explicit consent. This includes refraining from discussing their gender identity or journey with others unless given permission. By demonstrating respect for their privacy, you show your commitment to supporting them in a way that respects their autonomy.

6. Advocate for Their Rights:

Be an advocate for your teen within their educational institution, healthcare settings, and broader community. Work with school administrators to ensure inclusive policies and practices are in place, such as gender-neutral restrooms or policies protecting against discrimination. Educate teachers and staff about gender diversity to foster a more inclusive environment. Advocate for gender-affirming healthcare, including access to appropriate medical care if your teen chooses to pursue hormone therapy or other medical interventions.

7. Celebrate and Affirm Their Gender Identity:

Celebrate and affirm your teen’s gender identity by using positive language and reinforcing their self-worth. Recognize and honor their achievements, milestones, and steps they take on their journey. Allow them to explore and express their identity through their choice of clothing, hairstyles, or other forms of self-expression. By affirming their identity, you help boost their self-esteem and foster a strong sense of self.

—

Supporting a teenager who is exploring their gender identity is a journey of empathy, understanding, and acceptance. By fostering a safe and open environment, seeking knowledge and professional guidance, connecting with supportive communities, respecting privacy, advocating for their rights, and celebrating their unique identity, you can play a pivotal role in empowering them throughout their self-discovery process. Remember, your unwavering support and affirmation can make a significant and positive impact on their overall well-being and self-acceptance. Together, let us create a world where every teen feels seen, heard, and valued for who they truly are.

How ROWI Can Help

At ROWI Teen & Parent Wellness Centers, we offer evidence-based treatments, as well as a range of therapies and activities to meet the unique needs of each individual with ASD. We believe in providing comprehensive and individualized care to help teens with ASD reach their full potential. To find out more, use our contact us form or call our Admissions Team at 800-721-ROWI, and one of our helpful coordinators will assist you in completing an application, scheduling an assessment, and verifying your insurance to get you, your family, and your teen started on your journey to mental wellness.

What is Parent and Family Therapy?

Parent and family therapy is a specialized form of therapy that focuses on the relationships between family members. It can be used to help families overcome a wide range of challenges, including communication difficulties, behavioral issues, and relationship problems.

What Situations Cause Parents to Seek Family Therapy?

Parents often seek therapy for their families when they feel that they are unable to resolve conflicts or problems on their own. This may include issues related to their children’s behavior, such as acting out or struggling in school, as well as difficulties related to marital or partnership problems.

What is Parent Coaching?

One approach to parent and family therapy is parent coaching, which involves working with parents to develop skills and strategies that can help them better communicate with their children and manage their behavior. This may involve teaching parents how to set boundaries, establish routines, and use positive reinforcement techniques.

What are the Benefits of Family Therapy?

There are many benefits to family therapy, including improved communication and increased understanding between family members. Family therapy can also help to reduce conflict and improve relationships, leading to a more peaceful and harmonious home environment. Additionally, it can be a helpful tool for addressing mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety, that may be affecting one or more family members.

What Planning Strategies are Utilized to Promote Positive Results? 

In order to promote positive results in family therapy, therapists will often use a variety of planning strategies. This may include setting clear goals for therapy, developing a plan for addressing specific issues, and regularly evaluating progress and adjusting the therapy approach as needed.

How to Get Started with Parent and Family Therapy

If you are interested in getting started with parent and family therapy, the first step is to find a qualified therapist in your area. Look for someone who specializes in family therapy and who has experience working with families who are facing similar challenges to your own. It may also be helpful to ask for referrals from your healthcare provider, friends, or family members who have had positive experiences with family therapy.

How ROWI Can Help

ROWI Teen & Parent Wellness Centers can help you and your teenager. Each of our clients receives a treatment plan that will support them in meeting their goals. Programs are individualized in order to meet each client and family where they are at in the process. To find out more, use our contact us form or call our Admissions Team at 805-356-3477, and one of our helpful coordinators will assist you in completing an application, scheduling an assessment, verifying your insurance, and get you, your family, and teen started on your journey to mental wellness.

Parenting Teenagers: Mood Disorders and Parental Reactions

We have all gone through times that we feel sad and moody. But what is the difference between feeling moody and clinical depression? Additionally, is there a difference between our own potential depression as parents and when we have an adolescent who is experiencing signs of depression?  

Symptoms of adolescent depression frequently differ from symptoms in adults. For example, youth may experience more irritability and moodiness, sleep at odd times of the day and isolate themselves from adults, particularly family members, but still want to be with friends. Adults, however, may experience insomnia, intense bouts of sadness and isolate themselves from both friends and family. Other signs and symptoms to be aware of are constant irritability, significantly reduced interest in previous pleasant activities, weight loss or weight gain of 10 pounds, insomnia or increased desire to sleep, loss of energy, feelings of worthlessness, inappropriate guilt and trouble concentrating.  It is common for teenagers  to be moody, partially because their brains  are not fully developed until later in life.  Therefore, it is difficult to know if certain behaviors are “typical teenage” behavior or something more.  

Tips for Parenting Teenagers 

It is important to talk to your child about what you are noticing. Language such as “I notice that you are sleeping more than usual” or “I notice you haven’t wanted to play basketball recently” are non-judgmental ways to communicate with your teen without them feeling blamed. I notice, I wonder, and I appreciate are wonderful phrases to use when talking with a teenager about a parental concern.

Listen. Listen to your teenager without responding right away or trying to solve their problems for them. Many times, teenagers just want to hear “wow that really sucks.”  It helps them feel acknowledged and validated. This is a very difficult skill for parents as the shift from our children wanting us to help them solve their problems to just wanting to hear some validation regarding their problem happens seemingly overnight.

Be gentle but persistent. The analogy of gardening comes to mind here. It is important not to over water and also to not under water a plant, and the same is true for a teenager. Don’t give up if your child shuts you out; that is commonplace, and almost expected. Adolescents often have difficulty putting their thoughts into words and coming up with the right  word to express how they are feeling.  Be respectful of your child’s limits yet find ways to let them know you are there to listen. Car rides or “side-to-side” activities like hiking are always a great time to talk to  children because they feel less invasive than a face-to-face conversation at the kitchen table.

Acknowledge your teenager’s emotions and the intensity of a situation in their eyes. It is important to remember you cannot “talk your teen out of depression.” The challenges teens face with peer pressure, social media and school might sound trivial to you as an adult yet for them these are real, raw and overwhelming situations. By saying “That’s not a big deal” or “I had to deal with much worse,” you appear invalidating and hurtful to your teen, despite your intentions.

Trust your gut as your child’s parent. You know your child best and if your teen seems “off” and claims nothing is wrong, you should trust your instincts. If your teen won’t open up to you, consider turning to a professional that can be trusted by your child. Options include, a school counselor, a favorite teacher, or a mental health professional. The important thing is getting them talking to someone. When choosing a professional for your teenager to speak to it is important to get their input and buy in. When a teenager feels included in the therapeutic journey, they will be more willing to engage in effective communication.  There are many types of professionals, including marriage and family therapists, clinical social workers, psychologists, and psychiatrists. All clinicians have a different personality and use different therapeutic modalities. Teenagers have strong opinions; this is a perfect time to let them have their strong opinion.  It shows your teen that what they find important in their therapeutic relationship is important and meaningful to you as well.

How ROWI Can Help

ROWI Teen & Parent Wellness Centers can help you and your teenager with professional mental health support.  Each of our clients receives a treatment plan that will support them in meeting their goals. Programs are individualized in order to meet each client and family where they are at in the process. To find out more, use our contact us form or call our Admissions Team at 805-356-3477, and one of our helpful coordinators will assist you in completing an application, scheduling an assessment, verifying your insurance, and get you, your family, and teen started on your journey to mental wellness.

As your child enters their teenage years, they will face a number of different challenges; both physiological and psychological. It can be difficult for your teen to navigate the changes that face them and when ignored, your teen may experience a variety of symptoms such as anxiety. According to the National Institutes of Health, nearly 1 in 3  adolescents ages 13 to 18 will experience an anxiety disorder. Since the pandemic, anxiety in teenagers has increased significantly. In addition to the effects of the pandemic, anxiety can also manifest from high expectations and the pressure to succeed, feeling that the world is a scary and threatening place, negative social/peer interactions, and social media. 

Anxiety can look different in adults and teenagers, as well as from teen to teen. 

Symptoms of Teenage Anxiety Include:

• Recurring fears and worries about routine parts of everyday life
• Changes in behavior, such as irritability  
• Avoiding activities, school, or social interactions
• Dropping grades or school avoidance
• Trouble sleeping or concentrating
• Substance use or other risky behaviors
• Chronic physical complaints, such as fatigue, headaches, or stomachaches.

Tips for Helping Your Teen with Anxiety

When untreated anxiety can lead to depression, substance abuse, and even suicide. As a parent, there are many ways that you can help your teen as they navigate life.

1. Talk with your teen about possible stressors: The way your teen views the world is significantly different from how an adult or parent would view the world. It can be incredibly helpful to take the time to try and see the world the way they do. When we feel validated and listened to, we are more likely to open up and communicate more effectively.
2. Be mindful of the expectations you set for your children and teens: Although high expectations can help your teen meet their potential, it is important to ensure that the expectations you put in place are realistic. It is also important to teach, model, and show your teen the importance of balance. Intensely focusing on achievements without downtime will likely leave your teen feeling anxious and unfulfilled.
3. Praise/Acknowledgement: Does your teen feel loved? Do they know that you appreciate their positive efforts? The more you acknowledge and communicate what you like in your teen, the more likely they are to continue engaging in those behaviors.
4. Healthy Habits (Routines and Boundaries): Does your teen have a routine? Do they know how to set healthy boundaries with themselves and others? Something as simple as ensuring that your teenager is on a consistent schedule will set them up for success; academically and socially.
5. Monitor Social Media Use: Do you know what apps your teen is using on their phone? Do you know who they are talking to and what they are talking about? As our world becomes more reliant on technology, the dangers of the world become more accessible to your teen. Knowing who they are talking to and what they are talking about, gives you the opportunity to provide context for what they experience, and could improve your teenager’s anxiety.

How ROWI Can Help

Engaging in mental health treatment is another way to support your teen as they navigate growing up and the likely anxieties that come with it. ROWI Teen & Parent Wellness Centers can help you and your teenager with professional mental health support.  Each of our clients receives a treatment plan that will support them in meeting their goals. Programs are individualized in order to meet each client and family where they are at in the process. To get started with ROWI Teen & Parent Wellness Centers, contact us or simply call our Admissions Team at 805-356-3477 and one of our helpful coordinators will assist you in completing an application, scheduling an assessment, verifying your insurance, and get you, your family, and teen started on your journey to mental wellness.

Experiencing a traumatic event can have a significant impact on anyone’s mental health, but it can be especially challenging for teenagers. Teenagers are still in the process of developing their emotional regulation skills, and their brains are still growing and changing. When a traumatic event occurs, teenagers may experience a range of emotions, including fear, anger, anxiety, and sadness. As a parent or caregiver, it’s important to know how to talk to teens after traumatic events to help them process their emotions and move forward.

Here are some tips for talking to teens about trauma:

1. Be Available: One of the most important things you can do for your teenager after a traumatic event is to make yourself available. Let them know that you are there to listen and support them. Give them the space they need to talk about what happened when they feel ready to do so. Be patient and non-judgmental, and let them know that their feelings are valid.
2. Be Honest: It’s important to be honest with your teenager about what happened. Don’t try to sugarcoat the situation or downplay the severity of the event. Teens are often more aware of the world around them than we give them credit for, and they can tell when adults are not being truthful. Tell them what you know and what you don’t know, and don’t make promises that you can’t keep.
3. Validate Their Feelings: It’s essential to validate your teenager’s feelings after a traumatic event. Let them know that it’s normal to feel scared, angry, or sad after such an experience. Acknowledge that what they are feeling is real and that it’s okay to express their emotions. Avoid trying to minimize their feelings or telling them to “just get over it.” Remember, everyone’s emotional journey is different, and it’s important to support your teenager through theirs.
4. Offer Support: It’s important to offer support to your teenager after a traumatic event. This can include therapy, counseling, or even just talking to a trusted friend or family member. Let your teenager know that there are resources available to them if they need help processing their emotions or dealing with the aftermath of the traumatic event. Offer to accompany them to therapy sessions or support groups if they need it.
5. Focus on Positive Coping Strategies: Encourage your teenager to engage in positive coping strategies after a traumatic event. This can include exercise, creative outlets like writing or drawing, spending time with friends or family, or volunteering in their community. Encourage them to avoid unhealthy coping strategies like alcohol or drug use, which can make their emotions more difficult to manage.

Talking to teenagers after traumatic events can be challenging, but it’s essential to their emotional well-being. Being available, honest, and supportive can help your teenager process their emotions and move forward. Remember, everyone’s emotional journey is different, and it’s important to support your teenager through theirs. 

How ROWI Can Help

Engaging in mental health treatment is another way to support your teen. ROWI Teen & Parent Wellness Centers can help you and your teenager if you’ve experienced a traumatic event. Each of our clients receives a treatment plan that will support them in meeting their goals. Programs are individualized in order to meet each client and family where they are at in the process. To find out more, use our contact us form or call our Admissions Team at 805-356-3477, and one of our helpful coordinators will assist you in completing an application, scheduling an assessment, verifying your insurance, and get you, your family, and teen started on your journey to mental wellness.