One of the negative effects of social media is that it can impact the self-esteem and body image of impressionable teens. This is also an age where teens may pick up on language or criticisms of body types from parents and family members. For too many teens, these and other factors impact their own self-esteem …
Most teens have been socially isolated for more than a year now. For some teens, it may have been even longer if they had previously self-isolated. Going back to school and some of the normal activities might be a challenge after being in social isolation for so long. Parents, caregivers, and family members can help …
All teenagers have felt teen anxiety on some level at one time or another, whether it was the first day at school, meeting someone new, or going into an unfamiliar situation. However, clinical anxiety, also known as an anxiety disorder, is typically more intense, both physically and mentally. A teen with an anxiety disorder may …
Sometimes it is hard for parents to see the benefits of technology for teens. After all, when teens spend endless hours playing video games or staring at their smartphones, technology can feel more like a burden than a benefit. However, in today’s challenging world, both during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond, the positive effects of …
When a teen is experiencing substance abuse, it affects the entire family, but siblings are often greatly impacted and their needs overlooked. This doubles the impact of the substance abuse upon siblings: They experience the negative impacts of their sibling’s substance abuse, as well as a loss of parental attention because the parents are focused …
When we hear the word, “addiction,” what comes to mind? Whether they are legal or illegal, alcohol and various drugs are what most people typically associate with the word, “addiction”. However, many other habits or activities can become all-consuming and destructive in adolescents’ lives. While some teens develop an unhealthy compulsion toward certain behaviors, others …
Finding a therapist for a teenager can be a tremendous challenge. However, therapy can make the difference between good mental health and increased mental health problems. With so many different types of therapists and therapy available, being willing to invest the time and to research options can be life-changing for a teenager. What Is Evidence-Based …
The terms counseling and therapy are often used synonymously. There are, however, core differences between psychological counseling and psychotherapy. For one thing counseling is generally a more short-term solution as opposed to therapy which is more long term and focuses on a wider scope of issues. What do Therapists do? You may ask the question, “What does …
As parents, understanding teenagers and the different personalities, feelings, and thinking they have can be a difficult task. Sometimes your teen may be very chatty, wanting to tell you everything about their day and the next day your teen may be moody and brush you off. It can be frustrating sometimes to get through to …
A teen with social anxiety disorder is more than just shy or easily embarrassed. Social anxiety disorder is a serious form of anxiety from social situations that typically begins around 13 years of age. The repercussions can be very debilitating if left untreated, making it that much more important to be able to recognize and …
Every teenager is different, and parenting different teens requires different approaches. A teen with depression presents their own specific set of challenges. Often parents of teens who are dealing with depression feel constant concern for their well-being. However, it is important to use that concern to help them, rather than allow worries to immobilize or …
The teenage years can be difficult and challenging in many ways, leading to many types of insecurities. It is a period of change growing out of childhood and into adulthood, which comes with pressures, responsibilities, uncertainty, and self-doubt. Further, teens are constantly being bombarded by messages from the media, their friends, and society about how …