Most people associate the phrase “addiction” with dependence on a substance, such as drugs or alcohol. However, many people are addicted to behaviors, not necessarily substances, and have similar experiences as they would if they were dependent on a substance. Some people argue that “getting...
Many teens turn to substances to self-medicate undiagnosed mental health issues, like bipolar disorder, depression, and anxiety. As medication is one of the most common and effective forms of treatment for bipolar disorder, it can influence teens’ attitudes towards prescription pill use and other drugs....
Humor can be an effective defense mechanism when it’s used to reduce the intensity of a situation. Some parents worry that following social media accounts that post depression memes might make their teen more depressed by planting negative thoughts in their heads. However, when teens...
Practitioners of holistic medicine claim that most “diseases” are born during the changing of the seasons. As the temperature, humidity, and length of days start changing as a new season begins, teens with mood disorders may notice shifts in their energy and stress levels. Some...
According to the Center for Disease Control, teen boys are three times more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD than teen girls. This disparity isn’t necessarily because girls are less susceptible to the disorder. Symptoms of ADHD present differently in girls as they are often...
Social anxiety has almost become normative in our society. Canceling plans, awkward interactions, and shyness are all described as signs of being “socially anxious.” While rates of social anxiety are increasing across all age groups, the average onset is much earlier than in previous generations....
The most effective method of suicide awareness and prevention is reducing stigma. Often, people assume that the only way to keep someone safe is to encourage them to “get help.” Getting help is only the first step. There are other strategies that can be used...
Current forms of diagnosing depression are based on self-report questionnaires and structured interviews, which are not always reliable. Teens struggling with depression may struggle to identify risk factors in their own lives and recognize that their low mood and energy might be related to something...
The effect of social media on teen mental health depends on how it’s used. Living with mental illness can be an isolating experience, even though 1 in 5 people are affected by it at some point in their lives. It’s hard to speak up about...
More therapeutic programs are integrating holistic drug-free approaches into their treatment plans based on their low risk and accessibility. A recent study conducted by The University of Vermont found that patients responded positively to structured exercise programs offered in inpatient psychiatric facilities. In inpatient treatment,...