Category: Teen Counseling

When your teenager loses a friend to suicide, it’s a heartbreaking and overwhelming experience to say the least. As a parent, you may feel unsure about how to provide the support your teen. It also may bring up some of your own fears for your child’s mental health and safety. Here are some important things to remember when it comes to supporting your teen through this  confusing and painful time.

Understand Everyone Experiences Grief Differently

Everyone experiences grief differently and teens are no exception. It is normal to experience a vast range of emotions during the grieving process including: shock, denial, sadness, anger, avoidance, guilt, or confusion. Here are some of the most common reactions to grief:

• Withdrawal from loved ones
• Difficulty sleeping, or sleeping more than usual
• Difficulty concentrating in school
• Struggling with grades, failing test
• Risky behaviors
•  Feeling numb
• Expressions of hopelessness or guilt

Communication and a Safe Space

One of the most important things you can do as a parent is to create a safe space for your teen to talk, when they are ready. Try to resist the urge to ask the questions you may have out of curiosity and make sure not to force them to open up if they are not ready. Let them know you are here for them if they want to talk. Ask them questions like “How can I support you best in this time?” If they tell them they don’t know, you can let them know it’s okay they aren’t sure what they need, and if they do think of anything that might be helpful, they can let you know. You also might ask them “what is not helpful?” Sometimes for teens it’s easier to identify things that frustrate them over the helpful things, this allows you to do the opposite and potentially help them feel more supported in this difficult time.

Your teenager may not open up right away, but knowing that they can talk to you if and when they are ready is crucial. Let them know they are not alone in their grief and you are there to support them.  The beginning stages of grief are often experienced in shock in denial. Often by the time someone’s brain can actually wrap their head around what has happened, and they need support the most, everyone has moved on with their life. Make sure to check in weeks and even months later. This let’s them know it’s okay to still be grieving.

Don’t Make it About You

Make sure you aren’t making it about you. While this is likely never a parent’s intention. Suicide is not just heartbreaking and overwhelming for the teen, it is scary for adults too. It can bring up fears surrounding your own child’s mental health.  If your child has been actively suicidal in the past, it is a good time to check in with them on their own thoughts. If you have safety concerns for them, you should immediately take them to the emergency room or a mental health crisis center to be evaluated. If you do not have immediate safety concerns, try self-regulate so you can show up for them in the ways they need.  If teens see their parents falling apart, they may feel they need to keep their feelings to themselves so they don’t “overwhelm” their caregiver. It is of course ok to show them your grief for them and the situation, but they need to know the adults in their lives are taking care of them during this time, rather than feeling they need to be strong for their caregivers. This can be tough to balance, so it’s best to reach out to other adults in your life for support so you can best support your teen during this time.

Allow them to be sad. As caregivers, we often want to fix things for our children, because it is so heartbreaking to see them in pain. However, when we try to fix things, or rush along grief, we communicate it is not okay to be sad. As a caregiver, you have to learn how to sit in your own grief so they can feel the freedom to grief at the pace they need.

Supporting Your Teenager’s Mental Health

While emotional support from family is important, professional therapy can also be a crucial part of healing after a loss, especially because suicide isn’t just grief, it’s also trauma.  Trauma-informed grief counseling can provide your teenager with a safe space to process their experience and heal from the trauma they have experienced.

Seeking mental health therapy can prevent elongated suffering and help your child gain strength in the face of tragedy. Parent’s can also benefit from counseling in processing their own emotions related to these experiences. This helps them to show up better for their teen, and it models it’s okay to ask for help.

Tips for Helping Your Teen Cope with Loss

Here are some additional strategies you can use to support your teen during this challenging time:

1. Normalize Grief

It’s important for teens to understand that grief is a normal reaction to losing someone they care about. Encourage them to express their emotions, whether through talking, journaling, or engaging in creative activities like art or music.

2. Maintain Routine and Structure

After a traumatic event, maintaining a sense of routine can provide your teen with a sense of stability. Encourage them to stay engaged with school, extracurricular activities, and social connections.

3. Monitor Their Mental Health

Keep an eye on how your teen is coping with their emotions. If you notice concerning behaviors like withdrawing from loved ones, expressing hopelessness, or engaging in self-harm, it’s crucial to seek professional help right away.

4. Encourage Peer Support

Teenagers often find comfort in talking to friends who may be going through similar emotions. Encouraging your teen to connect with their peers can help them feel less isolated in their grief.

When to Seek Professional Therapy

It’s natural for your teenager to experience intense emotions after losing a friend to suicide, but if their grief seems to persist or worsen over time, it may be time to consider professional counseling. Prolonged sadness, feelings of guilt, or changes in behavior like disengagement from daily activities could indicate that your teen is struggling to process the loss on their own.

Finding a therapist that specializes in working with teens experiencing grief can help your child work through their emotions and develop healthy coping strategies for managing their grief. If you feel your teenager could benefit from counseling, don’t hesitate to reach out to us.

Losing a friend to suicide is a life-changing event for any teenager. As a parent, your role is to provide comfort, patience, and a supportive environment where your child feels safe to express their emotions. Professional mental health therapy is an invaluable resource that can help your teen navigate the complex emotions of grief and loss.

If your family is seeking support during this difficult time, we are here to help. Our specialized therapists are trained to work with teens and children, providing the care and guidance they need to heal. We also work to support parents through parent coaching so that you can best support your child. If you think counseling may help you or your teen. Don’t hesitate to reach out today for a free 15 minute phone consultation.

Adolescence is a time of significant change! Bodies start to grow, identities begin to form, and emotions are felt on a much deeper level. Due to high emotional states and the still-growing ability to regulate them effectively, teenagers are more likely to develop mental disorders such as depression.

Depression manifests differently in teens than it does adults, and it often shows up as irritability, withdrawal, or declining performance in school. There are ways to help teens in need. If you start to notice signs of depression, try these 4 steps:

1. Open the Lines of Communication

The first step is to make sure that teens are supported through open, nonjudgmental lines of communication. Teens may not always feel comfortable expressing their feelings, especially if they fear they will not be understood. It’s important for them to know that they have people there to talk to, no matter how difficult or uncomfortable the conversation might be.

Tips for Improving Communication:

• Listen more, talk less: Instead of immediately offering advice or solutions, practice active listening. Let your teen know that you hear them and understand what they’re going through.
• Validate their emotions: Teens need to know that their feelings are valid, even if their struggles seem minor or temporary from an adult’s perspective. Avoid minimizing their experiences by saying things like “This won’t matter in a few years,” or “It’s just a phase.”
• Ask open-ended questions: Instead of asking “yes” or “no” questions, encourage deeper conversation by asking, “How have you been feeling lately?” or “What’s been on you mind?”

2. Create a Supportive Environment

Home should be where a teen feels safe. When a teen is struggling with depression, they may need extra attention, patience, and flexibility from their family. A supportive home can help teens manage stress, process emotions, and regain a sense of stability.

Ways to Make a Home Safe:

• Establish routines: Depression can disrupt a teen’s sense of structure. Help your teen by establishing consistent routines, including regular mealtimes, bedtimes, and study times.
• Limit excessive pressure: Teens today face significant pressure from school, extracurricular activities, and social media. Try to alleviate some of this pressure by emphasizing that their personal well-being is more important than academic and social achievements.
• Promote healthy habits: A healthy lifestyle can improve a teen’s emotional well-being. Encourage regular physical activity, balanced nutrition, and adequate sleep.

3. Be Aware of Warning Signs and Take Action

Recognizing signs of depression or suicidal ideation is critical. Depression can escalate quickly, so you want to be sure to identify signs sooner rather than later.

Warning Signs to Watch For:

• Sudden withdrawal from family, friends, or activities: If your teen is isolating themselves more than usual, it could be a sign that depression is worsening.
• Risk-taking behavior: Engaging in reckless or dangerous activities, such as substance abuse or self-harm.
• Talk of death or suicide: Any mention of wanting to die, disappear, or end their life should be taken seriously, even if it seems casual or offhand.

If you notice any of these signs in your teen, it’s important to address the issue quickly, seek immediate help, and offer love and support.

4. Encourage Professional Help

Professional treatment is often needed in treating depression. Therapy can help teens develop healthy coping mechanisms and provide a safe, neutral space to explore their feelings.

Ways to Support Professional Treatment:

• Normalize therapy: Help your teen understand that seeking help is not a sign of weakness. Normalize the idea that therapy is something that helps people, like going to the doctor when you have physical illness.
• Offer assistance: Some teens might feel overwhelmed by the idea of finding a therapist on their own. Offer your help with research on local therapists and attend consultation appointments.
• Encouragement: Allow them to make the decision on their own time, and keep encouraging them to seek help and to talk to support people.

In 2024, the mental health of teenagers is a growing concern, as both depression and anxiety continue to rise at alarming rates. The unique pressures teens face today—ranging from academic stress to the influence of social media—have fueled an unprecedented mental health crisis. More than ever, teens and their families are seeking professional counseling to address these challenges and improve their emotional well-being.

The Mental Health Crisis Among Teens in 2024

Depression and anxiety are two of the most common mental health disorders affecting teens today. Recent data from the CDC reveals that nearly 20% of teens have experienced at least one major depressive episode within the last year​. In addition, one in three teens suffers from an anxiety disorder, a number that has steadily increased over the past decade​.

The mental health crisis in teens is driven by several factors:

• Social Media and Cyberbullying: Teens today spend more time online than ever before, and while social media can offer connection, it can also lead to negative comparisons, feelings of inadequacy, and even cyberbullying. This constant exposure to filtered realities can severely impact teens’ self-esteem and lead to anxiety and depression.
• Academic and Extracurricular Pressures: The competition to succeed academically and secure spots in top universities places enormous stress on teens. With packed schedules, overwhelming workloads, and high expectations from parents and schools, many teens struggle to manage their mental health.
• Isolation and Loneliness: Despite being hyper-connected through technology, many teens report feeling more isolated than ever. A lack of meaningful, in-person interactions can contribute to feelings of loneliness and depression.

How Counseling Can Help Teens Cope with Depression and Anxiety

While the statistics are concerning, mental health counseling offers effective solutions to help teens manage their emotions and overcome challenges. Here’s how professional counseling is making a difference for teens:

1. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT is a widely used therapy that helps teens identify and change negative thought patterns contributing to their depression and anxiety. The CDC reports studies show that 60-80% of teens who undergo CBT experience significant improvement in their mental health​. Through therapy, teens learn to challenge their inner critic, manage stress, and develop healthier coping mechanisms.

2. Providing a Safe Space for Expression

Many teens feel misunderstood or afraid to open up about their struggles. Counseling provides a safe, judgment-free environment where teens can talk openly about their emotions. This space for self-expression is crucial for teens dealing with depression or anxiety, as it allows them to process their feelings and receive guidance from a mental health professional.

3. Tailored Approaches for Each Teen

Each teen’s mental health journey is unique, and therapy plans should reflect that. Mental health professionals work closely with teens to design personalized treatment plans based on their specific needs. This might include a combination of talk therapy, stress management techniques, mindfulness exercises, or emotional skill-building activities.

4. Telehealth Counseling for Accessibility

Telehealth counseling, which became more prominent during the COVID-19 pandemic, continues to be a valuable tool in 2024. Teens and their families can now access mental health services from the comfort of their homes, reducing the barriers that might otherwise prevent them from seeking help. Research shows that teletherapy is just as effective as in-person therapy for treating depression and anxiety in teens​, with busy school schedules and extracurricular activities, this flexibility ensures that mental health care is accessible.  However, some people still prefer in person therapy and DenverCAC offers both in person therapy and telehealth based on client preference and needs.

5. Developing Resilience and Emotional Skills

Counseling doesn’t just focus on reducing symptoms in the short term; it aims to equip teens with lifelong emotional skills. Teens learn techniques like emotional regulation, mindfulness, and resilience, which help them cope with future stressors. These skills are especially important as teens transition to adulthood, ensuring they are better prepared to handle life’s challenges.

Early Intervention is Key

As teen depression and anxiety rates continue to rise, it is crucial for parents and guardians to be proactive in seeking help. Early intervention is key to preventing long-term emotional distress. Teens who receive counseling early often experience shorter recovery times and develop a stronger foundation for mental well-being in adulthood.

How to Support Your Teen’s Mental Health

Parents and guardians play a critical role in supporting their teen’s mental health. Encouraging open conversations, being supportive, and connecting them to professional resources are some of the most impactful steps you can take. Here are a few ways to help:

• Promote Open Communication: Create a safe, non-judgmental space where your teen feels comfortable sharing their emotions and struggles. The more supported they feel, the more likely they are to seek help.
• Encourage Healthy Habits: Encourage your teen to engage in activities that promote physical and mental well-being, such as regular exercise, adequate sleep, and hobbies that they enjoy.
• Seek Professional Counseling: If your teen is showing signs of depression or anxiety, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. Early counseling can make a significant difference in their ability to cope and recover.

As depression and anxiety continue to rise among teens in 2024, mental health counseling remains a critical resource for those struggling to manage their emotions. With the right support, teens can overcome their mental health challenges and develop resilience that will serve them well into adulthood. If you or your teen is facing mental health difficulties, reach out to a  today to take the first step towards helping yourself or your teen heal.

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Ways You Can Help Your Teen with Depression

Adolescence is a time of intense emotional, physical, and mental changes. As parents, it’s challenging to navigate the constant ups and downs of teenagers. While emotional changes are normal, for some teens, these changes can lead to depression, which affects millions of young ones worldwide. Watching your child go through emotional pain can be heartbreaking, but fear not, because there are ways you can help!

1. Open the Lines of Communication

Establish open and nonjudgmental lines of communication with your teen. Depression can make teens feel isolated, misunderstood, and reluctant to talk about their feelings.

• Practice open-ended questions that encourage teens to communicate.
  • Example: “What was your favorite part of school today?” or “What would you like to do today?”
• Actively listen without interrupting or offering solutions.
• Avoid dismissing their feelings. Allow them to feel and express their emotions fully.
• Create a safe space for emotional expression by allowing “judgment free” conversations.

2. Educate Yourself about Depression

One of the main reasons parents become frustrated with their depressed teens is because they do not fully understand what their children are going through.

• Learn about the symptoms, causes, and treatments of depression.
• Recognize that depression is a medical condition, not a “phase” of being a teen.
• Explore different resources, such as books, websites, and support groups for parents.
• Approach this situation with compassion and empathy.

3. Promote Healthy Habits

One way to help overcome depression is to change certain lifestyle habits. Encourage and model to them what these healthy habits look like.

• Encourage regular physical activity to boost mood and energy.
• Support a healthy, balanced diet that includes essential nutrients.
• Make sure that your teen gets adequate sleep each night—at least 8 hours of sleep is needed.
• Help your teen find and explore different activities they can look forward to.

4. Create a Supportive Home Environment

A positive and supportive environment can make all the difference when it comes to your teen’s ability to cope with depression.

• Reduce stressors at home, such as family conflicts or excessive demands.
• Focus on including more positive interactions with your children, and spend more quality time as a family.
• Encourage the pursuit of interests and hobbies.
• Set realistic academic and personal expectations, and praise teens for their efforts and accomplishments.

5. Watch for Warning Signs

Depression can sometimes lead to more severe mental health issues, including self-harm and suicidal thoughts. As parents, it is important to be able to identify these warning signs before they become worse.

• Look out for talk of hopelessness, worthlessness, or not wanting to be around anymore.
• Take notice of possible withdrawal from social activities, or reckless behavior.
• Address any concerns directly with your teen. Try not to hide your worry and show that you care about them.
• Seek immediate help from a mental health professional if you notice alarming signs.

6. Professional Health

While it’s important to provide parental support, professional intervention is often necessary for treating depression. If your teen is showing symptoms, such as persistent sadness, loss of interests, changes in behavior, or thoughts of self-harm, it’s important to seek help from a professional.

• Consider therapy options like talk-therapy, also known as Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, to work through depression symptoms.
• Seek advice from a primary care doctor to see if medication is a necessary treatment option.
• Reassure your teen that seeking help is not a sign of weakness, but rather a strength.

Helping your teen with depression will definitely be challenging, but your support can make all the difference with their recovery. Remember, you are not alone, and you can work with your teen to overcome these issues. Reach out and schedule an upcoming therapy session today!

Relationship dynamics between parent and child can sometimes feel like navigating through a maze. With many twists, turns, and dead ends, communication often feels painful and confusing. As parents, we want our children to feel comfortable confiding in us, yet sometimes it seems they would rather hole up in their bedrooms than spend quality time with us.

So, how do we build this connection and create an environment where our teens feel safe and supported in opening up to us? While it may seem straightforward, the answer can often be found through listening.

The Power of Listening

Listening is not just about hearing words; it’s about understanding emotions, concerns, and underlying messages behind them. In a world filled with distractions, giving our teens undivided attention can help them feel important. Our attention tells them that they matter and that their thoughts and feelings are valid.

When we truly to listen to others, we create a safe space for self-expression without fear of judgement or criticism. Listening is a useful skill, especially while navigating the challenging teenage years and working with our children as they try to find a place in this world.

Tips to Build Open Communication

Be Present

Put away any and all distractions, such as smartphones and television, and make direct eye contact with your teen while they are speaking to you. Show them through actions that they have your full attention and value what they have to say.

Practice Empathy

Try to see things from your teen’s perspective. Empathize with their struggles and validate their emotions, even if you may not agree with their point of view.

Avoid Judgement

Keep an open mind and refrain from jumping to conclusions or criticizing their choices. Remember, your teen is more likely to confide in you if they feel accepted and understood.

Ask Open-Ended Questions

Avoid the typical “yes or no” response questions and utilize more open-ended questions that encourage them to elaborate on their thoughts and feelings. For example, instead of asking “Did you have a good day at school?” try asking “What was the best part of your school day?”

Respect Their Privacy

While it is important to be involved in your teen’s life, respect their boundaries and give them space when they need it. Avoid prying or interrogating them about every detail of their life. This can backfire and actually push them away, making it less likely that they will want to open up to you.

Be Patient

Building trust and fostering open communication takes time. Be patient with your teen and let them know that no matter what, you will always be there for them.

Creating Opportunities for Connection

Throughout the day, it is important to find time to connect with your teen and utilize the skills previously mentioned. Here are some ways to build this connection:

• Family Dinners: Make it a priority to sit down for dinner together as much as possible. Use this time to catch up on each other’s day, tell stories, and engage in meaningful conversations.
• Quality Time: Find activities that you and your teen will enjoy doing together, such as watching a movie, going for a walk outside, or playing a game.
• Taking Interest: Show genuine interest in your teen’s activities, hobbies, and passions. Try to attend their events and take active interest in what they value.
• Technology Free Zones: Try to make certain areas of your home (e.g. dinner table or living room) “tech-free zones” where family members can disconnect from technology and interact face-to-face.
• Open Door Policy: Inform your teen that at any point, your door is always open for them to come and talk.
• Mental Health Counseling: Family counseling can be a great way to learn how to communicate effectively and actively listen to one another. Reach out and schedule a session today!

As a parent, one of the most challenging aspects of raising a teenager is navigating their emotional well-being. Teenage years are marked by significant life changes, both physical and emotional. It is not uncommon for adolescents to experience feelings of stress, confusion, and even despair.

Unfortunately, these intense emotions can escalate to the point where they contemplate or even attempt suicide. It’s a heartbreaking reality that no parent wants to face, but understanding the factors that contribute to teen suicide, and understanding how to best support them, is essential in preventing such tragedies. Let’s talk about what parents should know.

Recognize Warning Signs

The first step in preventing teen suicide is knowing what signs to watch out for. While every teenager is different, common indicators that a teen may be struggling with thoughts of suicide include:

• Sudden changes in behavior
• Withdrawal from friends and social supports
• Loss of interest in activities they once enjoyed
• Expressions of hopelessness and worthlessness
• Giving away prized possessions

Paying attention to these warning signs and taking them seriously is crucial with providing timely intervention.

Understanding Risk Factors

Teen suicide is often a result of a combination of biological, psychological, and environmental factors. While there is no singular cause, certain risk factors can increase a teenager’s vulnerability to suicidal thoughts and behaviors. These risk factors may look like:

• History of mental illness
• Substance abuse
• Family history of suicide
• Experiences of childhood trauma or abuse
• Bullying
• Academic pressures
• Identity struggles

Creating Open Communication

One of the most important things parents can do to support their teenager’s mental health is to create an environment of open communication. Encourage your child to express their feelings and concerns without fear of judgment. Listen actively and validate their emotions, even if you may not understand or agree with them. Be present and attentive, and no matter what, let your child know that they can come to you with anything they are going through.

Promoting Healthy Coping Strategies

Help your teenager develop healthy coping skills to manage stress and navigate through difficult emotions. Encourage activities that promote relaxation and self-care, such as:

• Exercise
• Mindfulness practice
• Journaling
• Spending time outside
• Eating three meals a day
• Getting adequate sleep
• Taking care of personal hygiene

Teach your child problem-solving techniques and how to find healthy ways to release their emotions, such as talking to a trusted friend or adult instead of resorting to self-harm or isolation.

Limiting Access to Lethal Means

Limiting access to lethal means, such as locking away firearms or medications, can significantly reduce the risk of suicide. If you have any of these in your home, ensure that they are securely stored and inaccessible to your teen. Take proactive steps to remove any potential means of self-harm from your child’s environment.

Fostering a Supportive Environment

A supportive and nurturing environment within your family can help reduce suicidal risk. Strengthen family bonds through quality time spent together, shared activities, and meaningful conversations. Encourage healthy relationships with peers and role models who provide positive influences and support. Let your teenager know that they are loved unconditionally and that help is available whenever they need it.

Seek Professional Help

If you suspect that your teenager may be struggling with suicidal thoughts or behaviors, do not hesitate to seek help from a mental health professional. Reach out to a therapist or a psychiatrist who can assess your child’s needs and provide appropriate treatment. In some severe cases, hospitalization may be necessary to ensure your child’s safety. Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness, and it’s essential to prioritize your child’s well-being above all else. Reach out and schedule a session today.

Congrats, grad! Finishing high school is a major milestone in one’s life and it’s a time for celebration and cheer! What comes next? Well, perhaps you have made the decision to further your education and enter college. This is an exciting time and marks the beginning of an entirely new journey.

Enrolling in college also leads to feelings of uneasiness and nervousness. Pre-college anxiety is entirely normal, however it will be important to manage these feelings to make the transition smoother. Whether it’s worrying about academics, social life, or leaving home, here are some strategies that may be helpful for navigating this nerve-wracking time.

1. Seek Support

The overwhelming sensations of transitioning to college can feel suffocating, but remember that you are not alone. Seek support from friends, family, teachers, or other trusted individuals in your life who have gone through similar experiences.

Talking with your friends can provide you with reassurance and validation that this can be a scary time for everyone. Older family members and teachers may have experienced the transition to college themselves. Reach out and ask for their advice how to effectively manage nerves surrounding this major change.

2. Stay Organized

A big source of stress can stem from feeling unprepared or uncertain about what lies ahead. You can overcome this stress by staying organized and proactive with your preparation.

• Do research about your college and if possible, take multiple tours of the campus before the first day.
• Know how and when to register for classes. Meet with an academic advisor to help with scheduling.
• Arrange housing if needed and create a check list of dorm room essentials to obtain before move-in.
• Prepare school supplies such as writing utensils, notebooks, or textbooks before the first day.
• Once enrolled in classes, read over the syllabus so you may be prepared for upcoming tests and assignments.

Break down these tasks into smaller, more manageable ones if you start to feel too overwhelmed. Start your preparations at the beginning of summer so you have a few months to accomplish them all.

3. Practice Self-Care

It can be easy to lose yourself in the stress of college preparation. Make sure to carve out time to take care of yourself. Get plenty of rest, eat adequate meals, and engage in pleasurable activities that help you relax and unwind.

Enjoy the freedom of summer and spending time with high-school friends. Get outside and enjoy the sunshine, take some walks through nature, and manage your stress as best you can. Taking care of your physical and mental health will help better prepare you for college.

4. Connect with Peers

College campuses will often provide their incoming students with many opportunities for socialization. Take advantage of these events and branch out to meet new people. With the advantages of social media, it is even possible to find online groups with individuals who are starting school the same time you are.

Consider joining clubs, sports, or student organizations to make new friends and explore new interests while at school. You can even try to meet up with your new roommate before you officially move in together. While it can feel scary, try not to limit yourself socially.

5. Focus on Positives

During life transitions, we can unintentionally start to play the “what if” game. “What if I fail my classes?” and “What if I don’t make friends?” or “What if I don’t like my major?” These anxieties can eat us alive. That is why it’s important to develop a positive mindset when preparing for college. Visualize your goals and what you want to achieve in life. Remind yourself that this is a time for personal growth, and that no matter what happens, you tried your absolute best.

If you find yourself still struggling with pre-college anxiety, seeking help from a mental health counseling  is the best way to prepare. Reach out today to learn more about how we can help!

 

 One of the most significant milestones in a teenager’s life is the college application process. As exciting as it is, it can also be one of the most stressful times — especially for an already anxious teen. There are many options to weigh, such as choosing the right schools, creating the perfect admissions essay, maintaining sufficient grades, and applying for scholarships.

The journey to higher education may start to feel more like uncertainty. As a parent, it can be difficult to watch your teen struggle with nerves, so it is important to love and support your child through this process and help them navigate the challenges as they come.

Start Early

The earlier the better! Most schools have an early admissions process for future students to complete. Starting early helps break down the tasks so they do not seem so overwhelming. It allows the teen to take their time and not feel so rushed to send in their application.

Create an achievable timeline with deadlines for completing standardized tests, application submissions, and financial aide. Being prepared like this may alleviate any additional stress.

Open Communication

With anxiety comes the potential for isolation. Reassurance and talking through any unpleasant feelings can help your child feel more comfortable with their college applications. Give them a safe space to process any fear, doubts, and career aspirations that may be weighing on their minds. Demonstrate active listening and validation for their thoughts and feelings. Teens will relish in the comfort as their parent acts as a trusted confidant.

Provide Guidance, Not Pressure

It’s natural for parents to want the best for their children. In doing so, however, they may provide unnecessary pressure without realizing it. Offer support and guidance without applying personal expectations. You can help them research, apply, brainstorm and prepare, but empower them to make their own choices and voice their own opinions about their future.

Manage Expectations

It’s important to provide your teen with realistic expectations about the college application process. Rejection is natural and a part of the journey. It does not mean they are not good enough or that they are failures. Come up with a plan to deal with possible rejection and encourage your child to keep an open mind about different schools. Remind them that the goal is not to get into the best of the best schools, but to find one that fits their academic, social, and personal goals.

Practice Self-Care

Along with anxiety comes the ability to neglect physical and emotional needs. Encourage your teen to prioritize getting enough sleep, eating healthier, exercising, and practicing stress management techniques such as mindfulness or meditation. Model these behaviors yourself and educate your child on the importance of caring for yourself. This is great practice for when they go off to college as well!

Celebrate All Achievements

It can be easy to get lost in the stress and business of applying. Remember to pause and celebrate with your child all the successes they complete, no matter how small. Celebrate finishing their essay, receiving a positive letter of recommendation, and sending in that first application! Acknowledge their growth and achievements as they happen. This will increase their confidence and help them learn to think positively about themselves. Positive reinforcement will make their college journey more exciting and fulfilling.

Seek Professional Help

Anxiety can be challenging no matter where it stems from. If your teens’ anxiety is causing concern, it may be beneficial to seek help from a mental health professional. Therapists can help teach effective coping strategies, stress management skills, help set goals, and boost self-confidence. They can be a great support for your child during this process and offer guidance for you all as a family. If you believe you or your children could benefit from counseling, reach out and schedule a session today!

The coronavirus (COVID-19) caused many issues of fear, anxiety, depression, stress, uncertainty, and weariness for everyone. This was particularly true for teens who had to face school shutdowns, lack of socialization, and increased stress at home. On top of other stresses that teens struggle with normally, the pandemic heightened risks for the development of anxiety and depression. Let’s discuss some of the major effects COVID-19 had on teen mental health.

School Shut Downs

Schooling takes up a majority of children’s lives, promoting social skills, education, independence and responsibilities. They spend about 12 years in total going to school 5 days a week. It becomes a normal part of their routine and helps build their identities as young people in society. The pandemic shut down all schools for months, forcing the students to attend online schooling from their homes.

School can be difficult for teens and even more challenging when they are having to learn virtually rather than in person. Resources are limited, communication with teachers is not easily accessible, and social supports are severed. The stress of the adjustment to attending school at home and the potential of grades dropping, anxiety and depression symptoms start to increase.

Lack of Socialization

The pandemic called for a cease of all face-to-face contact without maintaining 6-feet distance. For fear of catching symptoms, most individuals stayed within their homes. Without having activities, fun plans, or social activities to engage with, teenagers struggled with feelings of intense loneliness, sadness, and despair. Even with the use of cell phones, social supports from peers and extended family members became limited.

Disengagement with Extracurriculars

Along with schools, restaurants, stores, and many other businesses, after school activities also shut down. Sports, clubs, and any other group activities did not meet for months, leaving teens with the inability to engage in things that bring them joy. Lack of extracurriculars enhances screen time by texting, scrolling, watching, and playing games. More time spent on their screens can lower motivation to exercise, talk with family and friends, and engage in self-care.

Family Stress

Being stuck indoors with the same people for months on end can cause an increase in conflict, irritation, arguments, and overall stress. With no way to relive this stress, tension can become almost unbearable. Symptoms of mental health issues start to impact teens. It is also possible that some teenagers’ home lives were not safe and warm before the pandemic. Staying in a hostile environment like this can cause emotional distress on the individual with no way to escape.

Long-Term Effects

Even now, 4 years out from the start of the pandemic, these effects can still impact teens today. Going back to school provided more anxiety rather than relief for most kids. Facing crowds, wearing masks, and learning to navigate safety now with COVID-19 present added to the stress.

After months of not socializing at all, children are now struggling with social skills and communication. School work is another added challenge; being out of study habits and not effectively learning for months can set kids back on where they should be academically.

Teenage and adolescent years present many challenges with identity, autonomy, relationships, education, and career interests. This age group is already susceptible to the diagnosis of mental health disorders. Add the mental toll of the pandemic and the risks increase exponentially.

If you notice that your child is still suffering with mental health symptoms, it may be beneficial to seek help from a mental health professional. COVID-19 was a terrible time for everyone and it’s time to learn to move forward and readjust our lives living with the illness.

Therapists can help your child with this transition as well as managing anxiety and depression symptoms caused by the pandemic. Reach out and schedule a consultation today.