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West Virginia Troubled Teen Programs
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West Virginia Troubled Teen Programs and Solstice East

West Virginia Troubled Teen Programs and Solstice East 1707 2560 Admin_SE

Are you looking for West Virginia troubled teen programs? The transition from childhood to adolescence can be a difficult process for teenagers and their families, especially in a world increasingly characterized by uncertainty. As teens shed the blinders of innocence, their child-like innocence is often replaced with attempts to keep up with or be similar to friends. This is a time when many people struggle to find their identities.

Naturally, as a parent or guardian, you want to be able to shield your teen from the troubles of the world; but that, unfortunately, isn’t a possibility.  We, at Solstice East, in North Carolina, are eager to help you and your teens during the obstacles that evolve from this transition. Are you interested in seeking a treatment program or do you need to find out whether or not your teen requires therapeutic help? Below is a guide outlining the general characteristics of a troubled teen. Statistics pertaining to the likelihood of youth in West Virginia of being categorized as troubled are also listed. We conclude by identifying available programs to assist your adolescent, such as those offered at the Solstice East Residential Treatment Center in North Carolina.

West Virginia Troubled Teen Programs

West Virginia Troubled Teen Programs

Who are troubled teens?

Typically, a troubled teenager is one who has experienced trauma, a major loss, or who is unable to develop and maintain attachments with others. Troubled youth are not the teens experiencing a bad day, having difficulty finding a social group in which they feel comfortable, or struggling to decide what type of clothes they want to wear.  The list below provides an overview of common symptoms exhibited by teens who have experienced a physically traumatic event:

  1. Triggers: The teen is triggered into reliving the traumatic event by visual associations, nightmares, flashbacks, or spontaneous retrieval of the memories of the event.
  2. Avoidance: In a strong effort to not relive the traumatic experience, troubled teens may distance themselves from any person, place, thing, or memory with which they may associate the event. This can include avoiding other people, losing interest in normal activities, feeling emotionally numb, and forgetting specifics of the event.
  3. Being on edge: Your teen may be in a continual state of stress or “fight or flight”—the body’s innate reaction to the presence of fear. Someone in a perpetual state of “fight or flight” appears to be extremely agitated and easily frightened, and they may overreact to simple stimuli, feel an impending sense of doom, or have difficulty concentrating (Harvard Medical School, 2006).

In addition to physical trauma, losing a loved one with whom they shared a deep attachment to may cause the teen to be troubled. In this instance, loss does not strictly mean that the loved one has passed away. Instead, it is defined more broadly to include people who have moved away, or a drastic situational change that has transformed the relationship between loved one and teen (in a way that the teen perceives as negative or difficult). Examples such as an older sibling going off to college, getting married, or joining the military can result in shifting family dynamics. These monumental changes can affect the mental health of younger siblings.

Lastly, substance abuse or addictions can indicate trouble for a teen. Drugs alter the chemistry of the body, affecting the way one thinks. Addictions or addictive behavior shifts the focus of life and can hinder teens from developing healthy habits, routines, and relationships. Remember, substance abuse or addictions harms the families of the user as well, so it is important to identify the effects and consider the needs of everyone involved.

Troubled Teen Programs

Troubled Teen Programs

How many teens are affected in West Virginia?

Now that you are better informed as to the likely causes and symptoms of troubled teens, let us turn to some statistics relating to mental health issues among West Virginia youth. Although living in West Virginia does not directly correlate with behavioral shifts, local culture and community are important considerations in the evaluation process. Below are state-wide statistics for West Virginia, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (2018), listed in comparison to the national average:

  • +3.22% chance your high school student felt hopeless every day for at least two weeks straight and they stopped doing some usual activities
  • +7.69% chance of your 12-17-year-old having had at least one major episode of depression within the last year
  • +28.57% chance your high school adolescent has tried to commit suicide within the last year
  • +5.88% chance your high school student, during the last year, seriously contemplated suicide
  • +200% chance your teen attempted suicide, failed, and had to be treated by a nurse or doctor due to the injuries, poisoning, or overdose caused by the attempt

These statistics are included to shed light on common behavioral patterns exhibited by troubled teens. If your teen is not currently exhibiting signs of trouble, it is important to consider that close friends of theirs may be. Your teen, therefore, may be preoccupied with concealing that information in an effort to maintain the privacy of their friends.

Troubled Teen Programs West Virginia

Troubled Teen Programs West Virginia

Next steps

The information above is not intended to cause fear or alarm. It is to provide you, as the parent or guardian, with the necessary information to better understand and support your teen. The first step on the path to recovery is to please speak with your teen and ensure that their privacy is protected. If you believe that they could be troubled to the point of needing additional assistance, reach out to a counselor, therapist, or medical health professional for more information or a diagnosis. If diagnosed with trauma, loss or attachment issues, or an addictive behavior is identified, consider Solstice East as an excellent residential treatment program.

About Solstice East

Located in nearby North Carolina, numerous troubled girls ages 14-17 have successfully undergone our treatment program, conducted by our fully licensed staff. At Solstice East, we support your daughter in regaining her confidence, reconnecting with the world through healthy relationships with herself and others, and empowering her with the resources to lead a happy and healthy life. Recognizing that people need effective support systems to thrive, our experienced staff also work with families to help them communicate with the teen.

Harvard Health Publishing. (2006, March). First aid for emotional trauma. In Harvard Mental Health Letter. Retrieved from https://www.health.harvard.edu/newsletter_article/First_aid_for_emotional_trauma

U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. (2018, November). West Virginia Adolescent Mental Health Facts. In Office of Adolescent Health. Retrieved from https://www.hhs.gov/ash/oah/facts-and-stats/national-and-state-data-sheets/adolescent-mental-health-fact-sheets/west-virginia/index.html

ptsd and substance use
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Seeking Safety for PTSD and Substance Use

Seeking Safety for PTSD and Substance Use 2608 2806 se_admin

Teens who have experienced trauma are more likely to turn to substance use to cope with symptoms of PTSD. Traumatic experiences contribute to a hypervigilant view of the world where teens struggle with emotional pain, trusting others, and feeling a sense of belonging and security. Substance use may numb the pain, but is not an effective way of addressing traumatic experiences. While teens may struggle with verbally re-processing traumatic events, therapeutic approaches, like Seeking Safety, helps teens develop healthier coping skills to manage impulsive behaviors related to PTSD and substance use.  

Understanding Process Addictions 

Addiction is a disease of disconnect that makes teens feel isolated from their families and the world around them. Teens have to relearn what a healthy relationship looks like, beginning with the support of mentors and their peers struggling with similar issues.

Many teens minimize the impact of their behavior as “normal teen things” or romanticize their lifestyle when they begin to look at their unhealthy behaviors. When they stop relying on substances or other addictive behaviors, they may believe that their problems have been resolved.

Most process addictions,  like self-harm, disordered eating, unhealthy relationships, and technology addiction, are developed as ways to cope with traumatic stress and serve a purpose in teen’s lives, which explains how they become attached to these behaviors. When teens begin to recognize how their unhealthy behaviors were their way of coping with situations and meeting certain needs, they feel empowered to look for alternative ways of reducing the void they feel, rather than just filling it. They have to detach from their impulsive behaviors before they can attach to the solutions treatment offers.”

PTSD and Substance Use: Using A Process Addiction Model 

While other residential treatment centers for teens who struggle with substance use follow a model focused on behavioral change, our trauma-informed approach for teens who struggle with substance use acknowledges that addictive behaviors result from underlying emotional issues and learning processes. Using substances is just one symptom of addiction. When you take substances away, there are so many other underlying issues that reinforce unhealthy coping mechanisms. This is why addiction therapy is just one element of our program. 

Solstice East uses a Seeking Safety model, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, motivational interviewing, and group therapy to help educate teens about the impact of process addictions, encourage open discussions about attachment issues and impulsive behaviors. As the needs of young girls are different from those of adults and one addictive behavior can easily be replaced by new addictions, we focus on addressing underlying issues, not just problem behaviors.

Rather than focusing on the consequences of self-medicating negative emotions, Seeking Safety helps teens identify risky situations, develop healthier relationships, use positive coping mechanisms, and learn how to ask for help, which empowers them to make different choices.

Goals of Seeking Safety:

 

  • Setting boundaries in relationships includes learning how to communicate your needs, understanding consent, and determining levels of intimacy with people in their lives. This involves learning how to say no and how to stand up for oneself.
  • Healing from Anger. Many teens who have experienced trauma have held on to a lot of anger and resentment or blamed themselves for their experiences. A lot of them learned from people in their lives that it was normal to turn to particular coping mechanisms, even if they did not serve them in the long-run. 
  • Showing more compassion towards themselves and others. Regardless of how teens chose to cope with their distress in the past, this model acknowledges that their brain was doing the best it could to keep them safe from the overwhelming pain they experienced. This helps teens let go of self-judgment and validate their experience. 
  • Grounding refers to focusing on sensations, surroundings, and positive memories to help teens when they feel overwhelmed. Traumatic memories can trigger dissociation that takes people away from the present moment and induces cravings to turn to addictive behaviors to cope. Grounding re-establishes a sense of safety.

 

Solstice East Can Help 

Solstice East is a residential treatment center for young women ages 14-18 struggling with process addictions, substance use, and trauma. This program helps young women detach from unhealthy coping mechanisms by integrating healthy habits into their lives. Students learn to cope with emotions, communicate effectively, form healthy relationships, and build confidence. Their holistic approach acknowledges that addiction is only one piece of the puzzle to be addressed in order to help girls succeed in multiple areas of their lives. 

For more information about addiction programming at Solstice East, call (855) 672-7058.

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Rebuilding a Relationship with Yourself After Trauma

Rebuilding a Relationship with Yourself After Trauma 3729 4661 se_admin

All relationships mirror the relationship you have with yourself. This goes both ways. Teens learn to take care of themselves the way they’ve been taken care of and are better prepared to trust others, forgive others, and respect others if they are able to treat themselves the same way. According to the novel, the Perks of Being a Wallflower, “we accept the love we think we deserve.” While traumatic events can take a significant toll on the body’s ability to manage stress, the hardest part to overcome is the effect it has on relationship and identity issues. Helping teens rebuild a relationship with themselves after trauma is key to developing healthy relationships and coping mechanisms.

The Hidden Effects of Trauma

Addiction specialist Gabor Mate explains “trauma is not about what happened to you, but the disconnection from yourself that happened as a result of whatever the stressor was.” The defense mechanisms that teens develop to cope with childhood trauma result from teens trying to create a false self whose value depends on what other think of them as a form of self-protection. However, this method reinforces the self-sacrifice, self-doubt, and self-sabotage that many teens recovering from trauma experience rather than addressing it. 

When teens are struggling with trauma, it affects multiple areas of their lives. It is not just about the memories of traumatic events; it is about the messages they’ve internalized about why those events happened and how they shape their sense of self. Teens are more likely to develop PTSD than older people based on difficulties with self-awareness, emotion regulation, decision-making, and identity formation during this transitional phase of their lives.

Traumatic stress refers to overwhelming feelings of terror, fixation on a traumatic event, and perpetual fear of retraumatization in the aftermath, but it is associated with other underlying issues:

  • Helplessness
  • Loss of trust
  • Deep-rooted guilt and shame
  • Doubting one’s memories
  • Cynical worldview
  • Fear of perceived abandonment
  • Taking too much responsibility for events that have occurred
  • Internalizing that they deserved the experience
  • Difficulty separating current self from traumatized self

How Trauma Effects One’s Sense of Identity

For teens, adolescence is all about determining who they are, who they want to be, where they fit in and where they don’t, as they establish a sense of identity that is separate from their parents. They begin to pay more attention to how other people view them and often value other people’s opinions more than their own. 

Some examples of identity issues in adolescence may include:

  • Becoming attached to their online self, where they are in control of how they are portrayed by others
  • Acting out to fit in through risky behaviors
  • Adopting other people’s personalities either for approval or a way to feel “normal”
  • Rebelling against authority figures by expressing mistrust
  • Basing their sense of identity around group membership
  • Trying on different personalities, either through exploring different interests or friend groups

Helping Teens Re-establish a Healthy Sense of Self 

  • Discuss what they think their basic needs are. Many teens with PTSD are stuck in “survival mode, ” however, they struggle to meet their basic needs. If they experience nightmares, they may be afraid of going to sleep. Or they may sleep too much to escape from reality. Anxiety may take away their appetite or they may crave unhealthy foods. Many teens struggle with suicidal ideation and don’t believe their basic needs deserve to be met. Other people may consider physical safety, boundaries, and trust should be their basic needs and feel a sense of injustice that they may have been taken away from them. Self-care is a difficult concept during early recovery.
  • Encourage them to separate themselves from the events that have happened to them. Remind them that events that occurred and the way they’ve responded to them are not their fault. Teens are empowered to take back control of their lives when they recognize that past experiences may shape who they are, but do not have to shape their future. As they understand that it is not uncommon for them to feel distant from things they used to enjoy or people they used to be close with, they can begin to move forward and use those things as motivation.
  • Talk about their inner child. Although they are still young, trauma can make teens grow up quickly. They may feel like they’ve lost their innocence or missed out on opportunities to be a kid. While it can be hard to recognize and validate their own needs, thinking about their needs as if they were someone else’s, particularly a younger child, helps them show more compassion towards themselves in the moment. 
  • Help them create personal goals. Many teens feel like their old goals are no longer relevant or no longer possible if they are struggling to cope with trauma. While it is important to validate the pain of their experiences, it is helpful to recognize how this may shape new goals in their relationship with themselves or how they want to help or educate others. Self-discovery and re-connection knows no limits, but setting smaller goals can help teens be more intentional about what values are still important to them and how they can apply them in their lives.

 

Solstice East Can Help 

Solstice East is a residential treatment center for young women ages 14-18 who are reclaiming their sense of self after experiencing traumatic events, depression, and addictive behaviors. We help young women heal from emotional pain by reintegrating healthy habits into their lives. Students learn to build healthy relationships, cope with emotions, and effectively communicate with others. Through adventure activities and creative expression, we encourage girls to explore their passions and strengths and empower them to make healthy choices. As a relationship-based program, we emphasize rebuilding family relationships and developing close bonds with mentors, staff, and peers.

For more information about how we help girls cope with trauma, call 828-484-9946.

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Why Are Gen Z Teenagers More Likely to Self Harm?

Why Are Gen Z Teenagers More Likely to Self Harm? 4512 3012 se_admin

Although there may just be more visibility on the Internet, self-harm in Gen Z is on the rise. Time Magazine attributes the increase in self-harm among today’s teenagers to the intensified teen angst that is spread through social media. Teen angst refers to a general feeling of anxiety and frustration that often refers to the state of the world. They’ve grown up in a world of insecurity and pressure for high achievement and have adapted to these stressors by normalizing it online through connections with others struggling with the same outlook on their future. 

Janis Whitlock, director of the Cornell Research Program on Self-Injury and Recovery, explains, “If you wanted to create an environment to churn out really angsty people, we’ve done it. School stress and family conflict are small factors compared to the cauldron of stimulus they can’t get away from, or don’t want to get away from, or don’t know how to get away from.” 

Characteristics of Gen Z

Generation Z refers to teenagers born between 1995 and 2005 who have grown up along with technology but haven’t known life without it. Ever since the oldest of this generation entered high school, rates of depression, anxiety, and suicide have been increased significantly after several years of stability, and even a steady decline. Whether it is due to decreased mental health stigma or increased prevalence, between 20-30% of teenagers suffer from mental health issues. This is roughly the same rate as adults, if not higher, considering normal teenage moodiness and angst. Regardless of whether they’ve been diagnosed with a mental illness, Generation Z is considered more fragile and less resilient than previous generations. 

Some defining characteristics of Gen Z that can be concerning include:

  • Overwhelmed more easily
  • Higher expectations to succeed
  • Exposure to violence in the media
  • More concerned with appearance and popularity on social media platforms
  • More protective parents
  • More averse to taking risks
  • Delayed transition into adult roles and milestones, such as driving, dating, working, and living independently

How did this happen?

Time explains, ‘They are the post-9/11 generation, raised in an era of economic and national insecurity. They’ve never known a time when terrorism and school shootings weren’t the norm. They grew up watching their parents weather a severe recession, and, perhaps most important, they hit puberty at a time when technology and social media were transforming society.” They are the first generation that feels like they don’t have an option to unplug and escape from their problems as they rely on the Internet to maintain relationships and stay updated on news. The constant pressure they feel to keep up appearances and stay connected can lead to feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem. Therefore, more teens are turning to other strategies to cope with this desire to escape. 

Teens Turning to Self Harm

While not everyone who struggles with depression self-harms, they are more at risk. It is hard to detect signs of teen self-harm as it can easily be hidden; however, Seattle Children’s Hospital reports that teens may be more open about it online than in person, tracking millions of results for self-harm related hashtags a year, excluding tags that are censored by apps like Instagram. They also concluded that based on their patient records, 60% of the teens who were admitted for self-harm related issues were female, which they attribute to girls’ focus on body image. Although it sounds contradictory for body image issues to lead to self-destructive behaviors, for some, it is a reflection of how they feel about themselves. For others, it is a rebellion against conventional standards of beauty. 

It is important to consider a variety of social, emotional, and environmental factors that may contribute to the rise of teen self-harm to deal with underlying issues of self-esteem, depression, and anxiety. Single-gender treatment centers are safe and supportive communities where girls can process these underlying issues with other girls struggling with similar issues.

Solstice East Can Help

Solstice East is a residential treatment center for young women ages 14-18 struggling with behavior and emotional issues, such as depression, anxiety, and self-harm. This program focuses on helping young women heal, recover, and integrate healthy habits into their lives. Students will learn to build healthy relationships, cope with emotions, and effectively communicate. Solstice East gives young women the skills and confidence they need to lead happy and healthy lives. Contact us at (855) 672-7058. We can help your family today!

sadness in teens
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Why Teens Avoid the D Word: Sadness in Teens

Why Teens Avoid the D Word: Sadness in Teens 3888 2592 se_admin

Teens with depression may feel uncomfortable verbalizing how they feel. They may feel embarrassed or may not want to seem vulnerable. Some things to consider include why it may be hard for your teen to say they are depressed instead of grumpy or sad. Sadness in teens is perceived differently by every individual. The consequences of saying “I’m depressed” may be too overwhelming for a teen which is why the resort to “I’m grumpy”. As a parent it is important that you listen to understand and learn about some reasons why your teen may choose a different word. You are there biggest advocate and it is critical that they feel loved and supported by you. Talk to your teen. Find out what they are uncomfortable with. Ask them how you can help.

Some reasons why your teen may avoid saying that they are depressed include the following.

Fear of the Follow-up Response

Often times, people naturally respond “why?” when someone says they are depressed. This can make teens feel cornered. And like the way they feel is wrong. The reality is that no one chooses to be/feel depressed therefore they should not feel like they have to explain themselves. Often times, people group those struggling with depression with everyone else. There typically is an explanation for emotions. However, those dealing with depression may not have an answer. And that’s okay.

The Social Aspect

It’s normal to do whatever we deem as socially acceptable. Quite frankly saying “I’m grumpy” feels a lot more socially acceptable than “I’m depressed”. When one says their grumpy, people tend to find that relatable. Like we’ve all been grumpy before. However, when one admits to being depressed everything can get awkward. Did you ever consider this may be why your teen doesn’t want to throw that word around? Because it makes them feel like an outcast.

Solstice East can help

Solstice East is a residential treatment center for young women ages 14-18 struggling with behavior and emotional issues such as those that can stem from peer-relationship struggles. This program focuses on helping young women heal, recover, and integrate healthy habits into their lives. Students will learn to build healthy relationships, cope with emotions, and effectively communicate. Solstice East gives young women the skills and confidence they need to lead happy and healthy lives. We can help your family today!

Contact us at (855) 672-7058

how to help your teenager through divorce
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Managing the Split: How to Help Your Teenager Through Divorce

Managing the Split: How to Help Your Teenager Through Divorce 3000 2000 se_admin

Divorce is a decision that affects the whole family. Teenagers experience many hormonal changes, developmental shifts, and may feel like they are riding an emotional rollercoaster through their adolescent years. When divorce is added to the mix, this can bring about even more hardships for teenagers. They may feel in the middle of it all and unsure how to cope with the changes onset by divorce in the family. Some of these changes can include the following:

  • Changing schools
  • Moving homes
  • Switching back and forth from one parent to another
  • Coping with parent’s unpleasant feelings towards one another
  • Maintaining relationships with both parents

Dealing with divorce yourself can feel overwhelming and quite chaotic at times. Knowing how to help your teenager through divorce is important. The impacts of divorce can grow to affect them socially and academically if their feelings are left unattended. Talk to your teen and make a conscious effort to make this process as painless as possible.

Dial Down the Impacts of Divorce

It’s true, divorce is never easy for anyone. However, there is hope at the end of the tunnel. As a parent, there are ways you can work with your teen to ease the negative effects of divorce on your teen’s life. Here’s some ways how:

 

  • Prioritize peace: When two parents are unable to get along, engage in constant bickering, and refuse to cooperate with each other, this can cause stress for teens. They may feel like they are the problem. It is important that you keep in mind your teen and their feelings. It is never a good idea to talk down about someone they love. Keep peace a priority to make this transition as smooth as possible.
  • Seek outside support: Divorce is an experience that can reveal a teen’s strengths and coping mechanisms. However, figuring out these strengths or learning ways to cope may not come quickly. Your teen should feel supported by family and friends—these are great resources for them to talk to about their feelings. Understand that you may not be the best person for advice and encourage them to spend time with loved ones.
  • Be Fair: Do not expect your teen to take sides. Your child is entitled to love both parents and remain neutral. Make sure your teen feels free to hang out with the other parent without you getting angry or upset. Teens often want to be fair and give parent’s equal attention—understand this and let your teen feel open to making their own decisions.

 

Solstice East can help

Solstice East is a residential treatment center for young women ages 14-18 struggling with behavior and emotional issues such as those that can stem from peer-relationship struggles. This program focuses on helping young women heal, recover, and integrate healthy habits into their lives. Students will learn to build healthy relationships, cope with emotions, and effectively communicate. Solstice East gives young women the skills and confidence they need to lead happy and healthy lives. We can help your family today!

Contact us at (855) 672-7058.

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Calming the Identity Crisis: Tips for Parents of Teens with Identity Issues

Calming the Identity Crisis: Tips for Parents of Teens with Identity Issues 750 500 se_admin

The teenage years are full of growing pains. This is a transitional period in our lives where we are determining who we are, who we want to be, where we fit in, and where we don’t. Finding our own identity is easier said than done. It can be an emotional and exhausting journey. It can be difficult to recognize if your child facing obstacles on their quest to identify. Here are some ways that your child can indicate struggles in this area:

Obsessing with status symbols. Adolescents try to establish themselves through prestige — wearing what’s in style, having the latest devices, and whatever other criteria is required to be in the “in crowd”. These symbols help form teen identities by expressing affiliation with specific groups. Teens can become obsessed with this idea and tirelessly commit to fulfilling the role. While they may not actually enjoy the clothes or company, it is a way for them to feel accepted.

Acting out to fit in. Teens often feel obligated to assert their independence, because that comes with growing up and being “cool”. They may feel that appearing mature will bring attention and acceptance. They begin engaging in practices they associate with adulthood — tabooed pleasures — such as smoking, drinking, drugs and sexual activity.

Rebelling and being risky. Rebellion indicates separation. Teens can show that they differentiate themselves from parents and authority figures while maintaining the acceptance of their peers. They can loudly demonstrate this by rebelling from authority figures or engaging in risky behaviors.

Forming cliques. Teens often can be ruthless in their exclusion of their peers. Since they are constantly trying to define and redefine themselves in relation to others, they do not want to be associated with anyone having unacceptable or unattractive characteristics. They work to strengthen their own identities by excluding those who are not like themselves.

Helping your teen on their hunt

As the teenage years bring about many hardships, being supportive of your teen is crucial. While you cannot tell them who they are, and you shouldn’t, you can help guide and support them in the self-discovery process. Here are some guiding steps you can put in action with your teen:

Pull out the paper.

Have your teen create a list of personal characteristics that are most important to them, the aspects least important, and the aspects of intermediate importance. Use this list to talk about values and the threat that peer pressure poses to unpopular beliefs. Also don’t be afraid to revisit this list when your teen seems to veer from the path they set for themselves in a negative way.

Create a collage.

One entitled “Who I am,” and the other, “Who l would like to be.” After the collages are completed, discuss why the specific images were chosen in each collage. This is a great opportunity to set goals and plans to achieve the person that your teen wants to be.

Answer the “Who am I?”

Have your teen write down 20 responses to this question as quickly as possible, without self-censoring. Discuss the answers as well as the process of choosing each answer. Does your teen like their answers, if not what can they do to improve themselves? This is an effective and healthy way to process.

Solstice East can help

Solstice East is a residential treatment center for young women ages 14-18 struggling with behavior and emotional issues along with mental disorders. This program focuses on helping young women heal, recover, and reintegrate healthy habits into their lives. Students will learn to build healthy relationships, cope with emotions, and effectively communicate. Solstice East gives young women the skills and confidence they need to lead happy and healthy lives. We can help your family today!
Contact us @ 828-484-9946

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Help! My Daughter is Depressed

Help! My Daughter is Depressed 960 637 se_admin

The teenage years can be extremely tough. You remember the growing pains associated with trying to handle hormones, make good grades, maintain a social life, and enjoy your hobbies or find new ones. It can all be extremely overwhelming. Depression among teens is not a new phenomenon. It is more common now than ever. If your daughter is struggling with depression, you must first realize it. Then educate yourself. Then you can provide her with the help she needs.

Do any of the following apply to your teenage daughter?

  • Has she been sad or irritable most of the day, most days in a week for at least two weeks?
  • Has she lost interest in things that she used to really enjoy?
  • Have her eating or sleeping habits changed?
  • Does she have very little energy, very little motivation to do much of anything?
  • Is she feeling worthless, hopeless about her future, or guilty about things that aren’t her fault?
  • Have her grades dropped, or is she finding it difficult to concentrate?
  • Has she had thoughts of suicide? If so it’s crucial you have her evaluated by a mental health professional immediately.

How to Help Her

This is a list of common signs that parents identify in their depressed children. If you find that your child is struggling with depression here are four ways you can help support them:

  1. Build your relationship with them. Make it clear that you are giving a full effort to understand the pain they are feeling. Don’t dismiss their feelings or tell them they are wrong. Everyone is entitled to their own emotions. Create a foundation in which they know they can trust you and talk to you about what they are experiencing. Helping them starts with a healthy line of communication and trust.
  2. Point out the positives. When you notice your teen making full effort to interact with others, get homework done, or practice self-care, tell her you notice. Let your child know you’re proud of them. This can reinforce their value and make them feel accomplished. Keep a conscious awareness of if you are highlighting or helping your teen with their problems.
  3. Provide resources and proper care. If your child needs professional intervention. Help them get it. Teens won’t willingly hop in the car and engage with a stranger about how their feeling. It doesn’t work like that. Do your research and find the therapy program that you feel can address your teen’s needs. Talk with them about how beneficial this will be and make the transition as smooth as possible.
  4. Practice self-care. Parenting a child struggling with depression can be emotionally and physically taxing. In order to help your child get healthy, you should be healthy. Get rest, relax, and allow time for doing things you enjoy. This helps you recover and recharge so that you can provide the high-level of support your child needs.

Solstice East Residential Treatment Center can help

Solstice East is a program for girls ages 14 to 18 who struggle with mental health disorders. This treatment program focuses on high levels of family intervention, emotional safety, and healthy boundaries as a way to help young girls recreate a happy, healthy life. Solstice East’s environment sets the stage for an exceptional healing and recovering place. This program gives students the opportunity to regain their self-confidence, self-awareness, and integrate healthy habits into their everyday lives. Let us help your family today!

Contact us at (855) 672-7058.

healthy teen relationships
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6 Tips for Talking With Your Teen About Healthy Relationships

6 Tips for Talking With Your Teen About Healthy Relationships 3264 2448 se_admin

If given the choice between talking to their kids about dating and relationships and walking through a cave of bees with a honeypot in hand, many parents would choose the latter—and in a heartbeat!

The sad fact of the matter, however, is that the conversation that nobody wishes to have with their teen is a vital and necessary one. This is because females between the ages of 16-24 experience the highest rates of intimate partner violence, and 1 in 5 high school girls is physically or sexually harmed by a dating partner. Furthermore, 1 in 3 teen-agers of both genders experience some variety of abuse in their romantic relationships.

And perhaps not coincidentally, a quarter of teen dating violence survivors feel isolated from family and friends.

Helping Your Teen Develop Healthy Relationships

You as a parent can play a vital role in protecting your teens from the perils of unhealthy and even violent relationships. So with that in mind, here are 6 tips for talking with your teen about healthy relationships.

  1. Be open. Let them know that they can ask or talk to you about anything. In this way, they won’t feel as awkward or self-conscious about coming to you about personal (read: dating) relationships.
  2. Build their self-esteem. Praise and compliment your teen often, giving them a strong sense of confidence and self-worth. A confident and self-assured teen will be less likely to accept bad treatment from a dating partner.
  3. Encourage them to set boundaries. Let them know that they always have the right to say no to any dating or relationship experience; regardless as to whether or not their dating partner has paid for dinner, asked them to go steady, etc.
  4. Set your own boundaries. Establish curfews for your teens, asking them to contact you if they will be late for any reason or if they need a ride home. Also establish any rules that you would like regarding the ages and personality types of their dates.
  5. Ask your kids to meet their dates. You as an adult may be able to form and offer an informed opinion; looking past whatever cool clothes and rockin’ car said date might possess.
  6. Don’t be afraid to tackle the tough issues. Your teen might at various points need to talk to you about topics that might include sex, date rape, teen pregnancy, birth control and STD prevention, and same sex dating. OK, now fish out your smelling salts and sit upright; your baby isn’t a baby anymore, and they need your help to affect a smooth and safe transition into adulthood.

Solstice East can help

Solstice East is a residential treatment center for girls ages 14-17. Located outside of Asheville, North Carolina, this mental health facility empowers clients with age- and gender-specific therapies. For more information, call (855) 672-7058 or visit https://solsticeeast.com/.

social media and depression
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Don’t Let Social Media Get Your Daughter Down: Social Media and Depression in Teens

Don’t Let Social Media Get Your Daughter Down: Social Media and Depression in Teens 640 426 se_admin

Depression is an all too common problem among today’s teens. The National Institute of Mental Health reports, in fact, that between 10-15% of teen-agers suffer symptoms of teen depression; and, furthermore, that 17.3% of teens that suffered a depressive episode in 2014 were female.

It may come as less of a surprise that social media usage is a surefire trigger of depression in teen girls. And if you ever have observed your daughter’s Facebook, Twitter or Instagram sessions, you may see why.

You may hear your daughter lament the fact that her best friend has just posted some glamorous prom photos that put her own to shame; or marvel at how her favorite celeb is painfully slender and always wears the poshest clothes. And you may sense that, behind her derisive laughter and frequent eyerolls, she may be experiencing some genuine feelings of sadness, envy, and insecurity.

Steps to avoiding issues with social media

With a few simple steps, though, you can help your beloved daughter navigate the murky waters of today’s social media; and in the process, help to battle the problem of depression in teen girls.

  1. Introduce her to the concept of smoke and mirrors. Inform your teen that the vast majority of celebrity photos are professionally staged; employing soft focus camera lenses, pro lighting, airbrushing and touch ups, and advanced hair and makeup services to achieve flawless results.
  2. Remind her that most folks present their best faces on Facebook—and, for that matter, on all social media platforms. Her friends likely put a great deal of prep work into their ‘impromptu’ selfies, sometimes spending an hour or more on hair, makeup and clothes.
  3. Remind her that people in general post only the best and most positive facets of their everyday life across their social media pages. They may post photos of their romantic dates with their boyfriends, for examples, but never shots of the heated arguments they’d had the day beforehand. If their lives appear too perfect to be rea;, then most likely they are.
  4. Invite her to step away from the computer. Make sure that your daughter is in attendance at regular family meal times and outings, and that she doesn’t bring her phone with her. Make sure that she leads a balanced life, one filled with academic and social pursuits in addition to any and all online activities.
  5. Remind your daughter on a regular basis that she herself is brilliant, beautiful and magnificent—and that she need not be envious of anyone!

Solstice East can help

Solstice East ranks among the leading residential treatment centers for adolescent girls in the nation, helping those who deal with depression in teen girls and other issues; striving to empower teenage women to believe in and empower themselves. For more information, call 855-672-7058.

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