Today’s teenagers face multiple challenges. They’re coping with a high-tech world where social dynamics play out online and in person. Once, teens could escape from bullying at school or issues with friends when they went home at night. Now, their lives aren’t segmented. Problems at school can follow them home via social media apps where in-person bullying’s replaced with online harassment. Teens also cope with parental pressures, family problems, active shooter drills at school, and peer pressure.
Anxiety disorders affect one-third of all teenagers. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that suicide is the second most common cause of death for people ten to 34 years old. As awareness about teen issues increases, parents, peers, and educators search for new ways to help troubled teens, including the options discussed here.
Let others take the lead.
Sometimes, a change of scenery is an effective treatment on its own. It’s also possible that parents and peers may not be the best people to address an adolescent’s issues. Whether your teen’s struggling with mood disorders, substance abuse, behavior issues, or mental health issues, receiving treatment from a qualified therapist may be the most effective way to address their issues.
Today, attending a teen treatment center offers teenagers a way to distance themselves from familiar triggers and focus on a treatment plan developed to help them address their challenges. Residential treatment programs address mental health conditions such as bipolar disorder, anxiety disorder, and major depressive disorder. Therapists also work with young adults with post-traumatic stress disorder, gender dysphoria, and attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD). Adolescents who have substance abuse disorders and eating disorders and those who engage in self-harm can also receive therapy.
Look for natural products to address symptoms.
Over the last century, it’s become commonplace to use medications to manage health issues such as ADHD, anxiety disorder, and depression. The CDC reported 27 percent of teenagers ages 12 to 19 used prescription medication, and the most common medication for those ages 12 to 19 was central nervous system stimulants. Central nervous system stimulants, such as Adderall and Ritalin, are used to treat ADHD, narcolepsy, and depression. Long-term use of medications such as Ritalin can cause seizures, skin discoloration, heart disease, and high blood pressure. Some adolescents may be stigmatized by using medication to regulate their brain functions.
You may opt to try natural products, such as a calming CBD tincture. Cannabidiol (CBD) products use cannabinoids derived from hemp plants. CDB tinctures are made with all-natural ingredients, including hemp CBD, basil, orange, and fennel. CBD products can soothe an overactive mind. Please seek medical advice before using CBD products to ensure it’s an appropriate option for your teen.
Promote recreation.
Residential treatment programs incorporate experiential treatment. Experiential treatment enables people to recreate events using activities, such as painting or karate. You can support experiential treatment by enabling your teen to engage in recreational activities. Artistic outlets, such as drawing, painting, drama, music, and creative writing, are excellent ways for teens to learn to channel their emotions and address painful memories. Those who prefer physical recreation may enjoy yoga, surfing, jujitsu, or tai chi. Other recreational outlets for teens include gardening and hiking.
Try acupuncture or reflexology.
Acupuncture operates on the belief that points on your body connect to your central nervous system. Stimulating these points causes your body to send chemicals into the brain and muscles. The natural chemicals released are endorphins, enkephalin, and norepinephrine. Endorphins promote positive feelings and make people feel good. Enkephalin reduces feelings of pain. Norepinephrine stimulates your heart rate and ultimately produces energy. Acupuncture is believed to promote healing and support a person’s physical health and emotional well-being.
Reflexology operates on the belief that pressure points in your hands and feet connect to organs, glands, and other parts of a person’s body. Reflexologists apply pressure to those points to reduce anxiety and pain. They also believe applying pressure to those points promotes health.
Acupuncture and reflexology are alternative treatments, and you should seek medical advice before pursuing these unorthodox treatment options.
Teenagers face multiple challenges in today’s society and are commonly affected by anxiety and other mental health challenges. You may opt to pursue alternative treatment options, such as residential treatment, CBD products, recreational therapy, and alternative treatments to help troubled teens.
