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| Counseling and Psychiatric Services for Adolescents and Young Adults |
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February 22nd, 2012
Adolescent DBT Group, Phoenix, Arizona
March 16th-May 3rd, 2012. Enrollment is now open for a new adolescent DBT Group in Phoenix, Arizona. Join anytime during session. Read more below:
Who: This group is recommended for male and female adolescents ages 13-17 who are struggling with their emotions and want to learn how to take back control of their life. The group exercises are fun and interactive and through them kids learn how to handle stress, be more self confident, regulate mood swings, communicate their feelings and more.
What: This Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) group is an interactive and educationally based group that explains the DBT coping skills to help young adults replace unhealthy and problematic behaviors.
When: Thursdays, March 16 – May 3, 2012, 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. Open enrollment, can join any time during 8 weeks.
Led by: Sam Lample, MA, PLC and Chase Kerrey, MA, LAC.
Where: Doorways, 1825 E. Northern Ave, Suite 200, Phoenix, Arizona
Cost: $45 per session, $360 total. Pay only $300 if paid in full by March 16.How: To sign up or for more information call Trina at Doorways, 602-997-2880 or email her at trina@doorwaysarizona.com.
Tags: Adolescence, Coping (psychology), DBT, Dialectical behavior therapy, Mental health
Posted in Anxiety Disorders, Counseling Services, Events, New, Support Groups | No Comments »
February 22nd, 2012
Eating Disorder Support Group for Young Women ages 17-25.
February 27-April 16, 2012 – Enrollment is now open. See below for more information.
Who: This group is recommended for young women ages 17-25 who are working through eating disorder issues.
What: A hands-on support group including a faith-based perspective to help in the eating disorder recovery journey.
When: Mondays, February 27 - April 16, 2012, 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. Open enrollment, can join anytime during the 8 weeks.
Led By: Rachel Daberkow, RD, and Chase Kerrey, LAC.
Where: Doorways, 1825 E. Northern Ave, Suite 200, Phoenix, Arizona
Cost: $45 per session, $360 total. Pay only $300 if paid in full by February 27.
How: To sign up or for more information call Trina at Doorways, 602-997-2880 or email her at trina@doorwaysarizona.com.
Tags: Doorways, Eating disorder, Mental health, Phoenix Arizona, Support group
Posted in Eating Disorder, Events, New, Support Groups | No Comments »
February 14th, 2012
The pressure to be thin in order to fit in is more extreme for today’s teenagers than it was for their parents and grandparents, often resulting in the development of eating disorder and the need for teen counseling. The obsession with weight that so often contributes to the development of eating disorders like bulimia is starting younger and younger. The National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders (ANAD) found that almost half of girls in 1st-3rd grade wish they were thinner and by age 10, 80% of those girls will be afraid of getting fat. By the time they reach college, more than 90% of them will have been on a diet at some point in their lives and 25% of them will be using the binge and purge cycle associated with bulimia as a way to manage their weight.
Statistics show that more than 80% of eating disorders start before age 20. As many as 4% of women will struggle with bulimic behaviors at some point in their lifetime and since people with bulimia can be any weight, this eating disorder can be harder to spot than others like anorexia. It is common, however, for people who are anorexic to also use bulimic behavior to control their weight.
What Bulimia Looks Like
People with bulimia can be any weight- from the kind of underweight associated with anorexia to obese. Like other eating disorders, those with bulimia are often afraid of being overweight, obsessed with weight management, and always trying to lose weight so that they will be happier with their body. However, the behaviors people with this disorder use to address those fears don’t generally result in weight loss by themselves. Bulimic behaviors follow a cycle that starts with the binge. During a binge, people will eat excessive amounts of high-calorie food in a short period of time and feel like they have no real control over their eating. After bingeing, the person feels ashamed, disgusted, afraid, or guilty for consuming so many calories and purging feels like a way to rewind the clock and undo the damage. Purging, which can occur through vomiting, abuse of laxatives, excessive exercise, or starvation, often relieves the anxiety and helps alleviate the negative emotions caused by bingeing.
The shame associated with bulimia often results in secretive behavior and people with the disorder may go to great lengths to hide their abnormal eating habits and purging behavior. There are however, some signs that can point to a problem with bulimia, if you know what to look for. People with this disorder are often preoccupied with food, may exercise compulsively for hours each day, frequently go to the bathroom directly after eating, and may take an excessive number of diet pills, diuretics, or laxatives. There are physical signs as well, but they can be more difficult to spot. They may have broken blood vessels in their eyes and swollen salivary glands at the corners of their mouths caused by vomiting, small calluses or cuts across their knuckles from inducing vomiting, and problems with their teeth like excessive decay, gingivitis, or loss of tooth enamel.
The Real Dangers of Being Bulimic
Like other eating disorders, bulimia can be dangerous and even life-threatening. People with bulimia may experience problems with constipation, dehydration, hemorrhoids, and even pancreatitis. Excessive vomiting can lead to serious damage to the esophagus including tearing and rupture in addition to permanent damage to teeth and gums. Overuse of laxatives or diuretics can result in electrolyte imbalance, and dehydration.
How You Can Help
People who have eating disorders need the support of those around them. If someone you know has an eating disorder, the best way to help is to educate yourself about the disorder and provide the support they need throughout their recovery.
Tags: Anorexia nervosa, Behavior, Binge eating, Bulimia nervosa, Eating disorder, National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders, Weight loss, Weight management
Posted in Eating Disorder | No Comments »
February 7th, 2012
It’s no secret that eating disorders are a real and pressing problem for today’s teenagers. According to the National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders (ANAD), there are more than 24 million Americans with eating disorders and only 1 out of every 10 of those people will receive any treatment. ANAD indicates that more than 80% of eating disorders, including anorexia nervosa, begin in adolescence. Anorexia is the third most common chronic illness amongst adolescents and it carries a mortality rate twelve times that of any other cause of death for females between 15 and 35.
When you consider the life-long consequences and life threatening danger faced by people with anorexia nervosa, it is clear to see that early detection is critical. Whether you are a parent, a teacher, a coach, a best friend, or a boyfriend, it is more important than ever for everyone to know how to recognize the signs and symptoms of anorexia. Understanding what to look for and knowing what to do could help save the life of someone you love.
What Anorexia Nervosa Looks Like
Everyone has seen pictures of people with the tell-tale emaciation that can be caused by anorexia nervosa. But there are many other signs that someone in your life has this eating disorder that are less overt.
- Food consumption and weight management become an obsession. This is not your teenage daughter complaining that she looks fat today. This is an all encompassing obsession with how much food they eat and how many calories and fat grams each bite of food they take contains that can take over their life.
- Food consumption decreases to starvation levels. People with anorexia nervosa may stop eating around other people, start making plans that result in them missing regular mealtimes, and use extreme portion control to limit their caloric intake.
- Irregular growth and loss of hair. While it may seem strange to have both excess growth and abnormal loss, both can be seen in someone with anorexia nervosa. Lack of nutrition can cause hair to become brittle and fall out while lack of body fat can signal the body to grow more hair in an attempt to regulate body hair. This abnormal growth appears as a fine layer of hair on the face and body.
- Overuse and abuse of laxatives, diuretics, and diet pills.
- Consistently low body weight paired with a refusal to maintain a normal weight. This is an important distinction as some people who do not have an eating disorder may be perpetually below their ideal body weight. But someone who has a body weight more than 15% below their ideal weight who also refuses to gain enough to maintain a normal weight may be anorexic.
The Real Dangers of Being Anorexic
Anorexia nervosa takes an immediate toll on the body that results in abnormal weight loss and nutritional deficiencies. But it also causes other problems that can take longer to be seen and may have life-long impacts. It creates a type of mental fog that makes it difficult to concentrate and regulate mood fluctuations. It causes irregularities in the cardiovascular system including slow, uneven pulse rates, low blood pressure, shortness of breath, and dizziness. It also impacts the musculoskeletal system and can lead to stunted growth rates, an increase in bone fractures, and osteoporosis. It can result in abnormalities in thyroid function that cause fatigue, hair loss, and low body temperature. It can lead to dependence on laxatives or other pharmaceuticals that result in life-threatening conditions like electrolyte imbalances and dehydration. Overall lack of specific nutrients like potassium can also be immediately life threatening.
How You Can Help
The best way to help someone with an eating disorder is to be there for them and provide the support they need to regain their health throughout the various stages of recovery. That starts with speaking up when you have concerns and following through until you are no longer concerned or the person in your life gets the help they need. We at Doorways have trained counselors to treat teens and adolescents struggling with eating disorders such as Anorexia.
It is a common misconception that it takes years to die from anorexia nervosa. If you are concerned about someone in your life, don’t wait; they may have less time than you think.
Tags: Adolescence, Anorexia nervosa, Body mass index, Bulimia, Bulimia nervosa, Eating disorder, National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders, Weight loss
Posted in Eating Disorder | No Comments »
February 4th, 2012
Doorways is available by contract to provide confidential, professional, onsite counseling (counceling) services to schools and universities, community organizations, associations and more. Onsite services offered include counseling for:
- Substance Abuse
- Domestic Violence
- Grief & Loss
- ADHD
- Anger Issues
- Sexual Abuse & Trauma
- Eating Disorders
- Stress Management
- Bullying Workshops and Seminars
- Suicide Prevention Workshops
- Communication with Teens
- Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention
A dietitian is available to go to your site to provide nutritional advice for:
- Athletes
- Vegetarians
- Internationals confused about American food
- Allergy sufferers
- Disordered eating or eating disorder awareness
- Weight management, how to lose or gain weight
- Diabetes, and other medical conditions
Workshops are also available on topics such as hydration, how to eat healthy in the cafeteria, snack ideas, how to avoid the freshman 15 and more.
Other counseling and nutritional services are offered off-site at Doorways, LLC for teens and young adults. Cost for offsite services vary. Please contact Doorways for more information about counseling for teens and young adults-ages 13-25. Additional services offered at Doorways include:
- Psychiatric Evaluations
- Family Counseling
- DBT Support Groups
- Medication Management
For more information about onsite counseling services for your school, university, business, or organization contact Doorways at 602-997-2880.
Posted in About, Counseling Services | No Comments »
January 30th, 2012
When we are overtired, everything in our life suffers. We are moody and irritable which affects our personal relationships. Our ability to concentrate and focus is compromised, making it difficult to learn, retain, and recall information. We lack energy which makes exercise and physical activity difficult. We drive when we are drowsy which endangers our lives and the lives of everyone else on the road. For teens and adolescents, sleep deprivation can cause these problems and more at one of the most crucial developmental periods of their lives.
Why Sleep Matters
Sleep is as important to our health as breathing clean air and eating healthy food. According to the National Sleep Foundation (NSF), there is a relationship between how much sleep you get, the quality of the sleep you get, and your overall health. If you don’t get enough sleep, it can impact your hormone levels, impact the way your body handles insulin, and increase your risk of developing diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and becoming obese. In addition to the health risks, sleep deprivation is also the primary cause of drowsy driving and has a detrimental effect on grades and scholastic achievement.
The Facts about Teens and Sleep
If your teen is staying up late and struggling to drag themselves out of bed in the morning, it isn’t because they are being lazy or disobedient; and simply telling them that they need to go to bed earlier isn’t likely to fix this issue. Our biological sleep patterns shift when we are teens making it difficult to fall asleep before about 11:00PM. Because teens need as much as nine hours sleep each night, this biological shift makes it difficult for teens to get the sleep they need and still get up for school on time.
Teens are not getting the sleep they need. One study cited by the National Sleep Foundation showed that 85% of teenagers are getting less than 8.5 hours of sleep on most school nights despite the fact that many teens actually need more than nine hours of sleep every night. Another study showed that 26% of high school students are sleeping less than 6.5 hours a night which is causing a serious sleep debt to accrue.
The Dangers for Teens
The list of problems that sleep deprivation contributes to is long and varied. While most of these problems affect anyone who isn’t getting enough sleep, the consequences to teenagers can be different than those for adults. Here are some of the problems the National Sleep Foundation and the American Psychological Association sleep deprivation in teens can cause:
- Problems with learning including difficulty concentrating, listening, problem solving, remembering, and with behavior. Sleep deprivation can lead to aggressive and inappropriate behavior including outbursts, anger, and impatience.
- Acne.
- Increases the likelihood of overeating and making bad food choices which when combined with hormonal changes caused by lack of sleep contribute to weight gain and obesity.
- Increases the use of caffeine and nicotine.
- Increases the risk of being involved in a drowsy driving accident.
- May be linked to depression and other mood disorders.
The best way to combat sleep deprivation in teenagers is to make sleep a priority and encourage them to follow a consistent sleep routine. Helping teens learn to use naps appropriately, create a good sleep environment, and stick to a schedule can decrease their likelihood of being sleep deprived while also teaching them the skills they need to be good sleep managers throughout their lives.
Tags: American Psychological Association, Conditions and Diseases, Health, National Sleep Foundation, Sleep, Sleep deprivation, Sleep disorder, United States
Posted in Sleep, Teens | No Comments »
January 25th, 2012
If you are the parent of an adolescent, it is likely that you will experience problems communicating with them at some point before they become adults. This is one of the most common problems parents and teens have to overcome and is often the root cause of other problems.
Teens are going through one of the most significant transitions of their lives; they should be learning to make their own decisions, take responsibility for their actions, and to become independent from their parents. This can be stressful, confusing, and frustrating for them and you as they struggle to handle situations and make decisions without the confidence that comes from experience. When parents take this struggle and frustration as a personal rejection or label it as just a bad attitude, it can close the door to effective communication at a time when teens need that two way interaction more than ever.
One of the most common mistakes parents make is forgetting that effective communication involves both sending a clear message and trying to receive the message as intended. Parents need to be able to listen more than they talk. This can be a challenge when it feels like your teen is being evasive, belligerent, or withdrawn and may feel impossible when it seems like they aren’t listening to you.
Open the door to meaningful communication with your teen by:
- Being willing to let them talk with you about everything and nothing. Make sure you have a strong reliable communication channel for the important stuff by using it even when there isn’t anything of great importance to say.
- Focusing on your teenager, show them you are interested in their life and engaged in your conversation with them by giving them your full attention, listening without judging, and being as respectful to their views and opinions as you expect them to be of yours.
- Using supportive, engaging language that shows you are listening and invites your teen to ask for advice, seek support, and turn to you in times of trouble.
- Making sure you stay on the same page by using your own words to restate important points your teen makes to confirm you have a shared understanding.
- Involving your teen in decision making and troubleshooting as a team.
- Maintaining a daily connection by spending time together, even if it is only a few minutes before bed or the length of the car ride to school.
- Using shared interests and activities to provide teens with a pressure-free platform to talk. It isn’t always easy for them to bring up sensitive issues or to talk through things they are struggling with when they are on the spot.
- Respecting your teen’s privacy. This helps foster independence and creates a bond of trust that increases the likelihood that they will come to you when it really matters.
- Talking to your teen with respect as you would talk to another adult to help them learn how to communicate and interact like one.
Make sure that door stays open by avoiding the following:
- Talking down to your teen, demeaning their ideas, or using every conversation as a chance to criticize them. You, of course, can disagree and hold to your own standards and expectations of conduct, but let them know that you value what they say and think.
- Talking over your teen or interrupting them when they are speaking to you.
- Dismissing your teen’s point of view or their concerns.
- Being judgmental, criticizing their friends, belittling their beliefs, or overriding your teen’s opinions.
The bottom line is that you want to be the rock they rely on, the person they know they can always turn to when they are struggling or in trouble. In order to be that person for them, they need to have confidence that you will listen, you won’t fly off the handle, and you will help them find the right solution to their problem. The keys to fostering that type of relationship are being reliable, listening, staying calm, and helping them figure out how to solve the problems that matter to them.
Tags: Adolescence, Communication, Family, Generations and Age Groups, Parent, People, Understanding, Youth
Posted in Relationships, Teens | No Comments »
January 23rd, 2012
The question for parents used to be, “do you know where your children are?” Now, that question may be changing to “do you know where your child’s cell phone is?” Research on teens and texting seems to support growing concerns amongst members of the medical and mental health community that there may be a price to all this texting that cannot be mitigated with any unlimited plan.
The Numbers
A study published in 2010 by Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine Master of Public Health program found that heavy usage of texting and other social connection technology is associated with higher rates of unhealthy behaviors. They determined that teens and adolescents who sent more than 120 texts per school day fell into a category called hyper-texters.
This group was:
- 40% more likely to have tried cigarettes
- 41% more likely to have used illicit drugs
- 55% more likely to have been in a physical altercation
- 2x as likely to have tried alc
ohol
- 3.5x as likely to be sexually active
When the study data was collected, only about 20% of teens fell into this hyper-texting group. However, according to a poll taken at the end of 2010 by The Nielsen Company, the average teen now sends almost 3,400 texts per month which equates to about 113 texts per day. This means that most teens are either already hyper-texters or are nearly there.
The Concerns
While the statistics are enough to raise the concerns of every parent, there are also concerns about the long term effects these technologies will have on the health and development of teens. The constant interruption caused by receiving a hundred text messages a day makes it difficult to study, focus, and retain important information. Some doctors are concerned that teens will develop repetitive motion injuries that impact the development of their arms, hands, and thumbs and even lead to permanent damage. There are also concerns amongst those who see to the mental health of our teens that some aspects of being constantly connected to peers and parents may negatively impact teen’s social and emotional development as well.
What Can Parents Do
The most important thing for parents to do is remain involved. This means monitoring social networking use and experience, monitoring text message logs, and setting guidelines about texting in school or after bedtime. Keep communication lines open and make sure you listen significantly more than you talk. Set a standard for responsible technology use in your house and then provide a good example for your teens to follow.
Tags: Adolescence, Case Western Reserve University, Health, Mental health, Nielsen Company, Parent, Social network service, Text messaging
Posted in Social Media | No Comments »
January 18th, 2012
 What effect does media have on teens? More than ever before, the media is all around us. We experience it on our TVs, on our computers, on our smart phones, in our newspapers, and on the radio. It is our primary medium for both communication and entertainment. For teens, this is even truer. The majority of their lives, including a significant portion of their social interaction, is guided and supported by different kinds of media and the messages that media provides.
The messages that seep into their lives through these media platforms are both subtle and pervasive. They can alter opinions, change minds, encourage new experiences, and set expectations about the world outside our family. These messages are both good and bad and teens may struggle differentiating between the two.
Negative Effects
- School Performance – According to the Kaiser Family Foundation study entitled Generation M2: Media in the Lives of 8-to 18-year-olds, teens that spend more time interacting with media have lower grades and spend less time reading than their peers.
- Obesity –The Kaiser Family Foundation pulled together the most significant research on childhood obesity and media usage from the last 30 years and presented it in a fact sheet entitled The Role of Media in Childhood Obesity. Although this analysis found that there are several factors that contribute to the obesity problem, media usage plays an important role.
- Exposure to advertising – An article from the American Academy of Pediatrics highlights the dangerous and unhealthy messages our teenagers get from advertising about food, body image, smoking, alcohol use, nutrition, sex, and obesity. Because advertising highlights benefits without showing negative consequences it can create unrealistic expectations for the outcome of specific behavior.
- Violence – The Kaiser Family Foundation also produced a fact sheet on the relationship between media violence and behavior. Although no study has established a definitive link between media violence and violent behavior in teens, there is adequate evidence to support a causal relationship between media violence and aggressive behavior.
- Sex – A study conducted by the RAND Corporation found that teens with significant exposure to sexual content in the media were more likely to become sexually active and had a greater risk for teen pregnancy.
What Parents Can Do
The American Academy of Pediatrics says there are some steps parents can take to minimize the effect media has on their teens. The most important factor is to stay involved and participate with your teen, especially when they don’t want you to. For most teenagers, elimination of media, if it were even possible, is not necessarily the right solution. Media is so pervasive in our culture that providing teens with the skills necessary to question, evaluate, analyze, and discuss the messages they see in media is more effective than outright bans. By teaching them to process the messages they are being bombarded with everyday, parents are giving them the tools to mitigate the impact of media on their lives.
Parents can also work with their teens to create a media plan that includes watching TV and movies together, limiting media time, restricting programs and content that are not appropriate and setting aside media free time for school work and family meals. Parents can also limit media usage by keeping televisions, video games, and computers in common areas and out of bedrooms.
Tags: Adolescence, American Academy of Pediatrics, Kaiser Family Foundation, Media violence research, Parent, RAND Corporation, Social media, Television
Posted in Social Media, Teens | No Comments »
July 29th, 2011
September 24, 2011- Phoenix Convention Center
The Art of Recovery – is a one-day event offering educational workshops, resources and solutions. This Expo is for everyone- people searching for help, those already in recovery, family members especially parents who want to learn about prevention, and anyone whose life has been impacted by addiction.
The 2011 Art of Recovery Expo will take a special focus on substance abuse prevention and will present parents and all youth mentors in the Valley with an important fact-gathering opportunity. The event is free.
For more information: The Art Of Recovery.com
Tags: Addiction, Centers and Counseling Services, Drug rehabilitation, events, Organizations, Substance abuse, Substance abuse prevention
Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »
July 27th, 2011
 Image via CrunchBase
Since computers starting coming into the home and video games left the arcade, parents have expressed concerns about how much is too much and how these virtual interfaces will impact the lives of our children over the long term. For years, the main concerns around overuse of electronic media have centered on physical activity levels, studying, and the effect of violent, sexist, and racist themes on young minds. Recently I was asked my thoughts on the impact things like Facebook, Twitter, and video games are having on today’s youth. My answers might surprise you.
One of the main problems that I see is an increase in teens and young adults with significant social anxiety problems that seem to stem from spending too much time interacting with a computer and not enough time interacting with actual people. I call this “Social Phobia.” This is especially pertinent for teens that are in the 12 to 15 year old range that are actively developing and refining the social skills that will help them throughout their lives. The more time a child spends in isolation posting on Facebook, playing Xbox, chatting online, texting, and watching YouTube videos, the less time they spend interacting with their peers and families. These real-world interactions are necessary for developing social skills, understanding social protocols, and building interpersonal relationships.
What Parents Should Look For
- Parents should trust their instincts and if they are concerned there might be a problem, seek the opinion of a professional.
- Parents also need to make the distinction between what is normal behavior and what is healthy behavior. Your son might spend 12 hours a day playing video games which seems normal when compared to his friends, but most health professionals would agree that even if it is normal, 12 hours of video game play in a day is definitely not healthy.
- Watch for resistance to social situations and avoidance of social interactions. If your child is having a significant emotional response to a situation that requires social interaction, there may be a social problem that needs to be addressed.
What Parents Can Do
- The most important step parents can take is to start young. Set expectations and ground rules about media use early in childhood which will help your child develop good habits as they grow into teenagers.
- Provide multiple social outlet opportunities for your children through church, community, sports, and educational activities. But, beware of over-scheduling, children need downtime too.
- Don’t accommodate their anxiety; it’s ok for them to be uncomfortable in social situations because they are learning how to manage those types of interactions. Giving in and allowing them to avoid socializing only reinforces the avoidance behaviors.
Tags: Adolescence, anxiety, dating, depression, Facebook, Interpersonal relationship, parents, Social anxiety disorder, Social media, social phobia, teen relationships, twitter, Video game, YouTube
Posted in Social Media, Stress, Teens | No Comments »
August 18th, 2011
For parents with children who are suffering from a mental illness, it can be very difficult to know when their child’s problems are typical and manageable, and when those problems begin to endanger other people.
There are warning signs you can watch for if you are concerned that there may be something going on with your child that might endanger themselves or others. Here are four tips parents can use in these difficult situations.
1. When Something Feels Off, Pay Attention
As parents, we know our children better than anyone and the most important thing you can do is to trust your instincts. If something feels off, check it out. If your child’s behavior seems to change overnight or they suddenly stop participating in things they used to enjoy, talk to them and don’t stop talking and listening until you find out what is going on.
2. Challenges with Peers
Often times, the peers of teens who act out in dangerous ways or harmed their families also sensed something was off or strange about them. If your child is having difficulty interacting with their peers, getting bullied, or having trouble fitting in with others in their age group, seek a second opinion. Often, as parents, we are too close to form an objective opinion about whether our child is struggling to fit in because they have some social anxiety, a few extra pounds, or braces and when their peers avoid them because they sense they are anti-social, odd, or dangerous. Someone outside the situation can provide valuable insight into what is normal and what needs immediate attention.
3. Keep Lines of Communication Open
One of the biggest challenges every parent faces is keeping communication going when times get tough. Often, the times when our children need us the most are also the times they are least likely to seek our counsel or ask for our help. Create safe spaces for your child to open up about things you don’t approve of so that they don’t let small problems become life-altering situations simply because they didn’t want to get in trouble. Remember that communicating is a two way street and that you need to listen at least as much as you talk.
4. No Such Thing as Perfect Parents
Remind yourself that there is no such thing as perfect parents or perfect children. Be the best parent you can and provide your children with a solid foundation, room to learn to make mistakes, and opportunities to make decisions, even bad ones. Be there for them in whatever ways you can when they falter but remember that they have free will and they are going to make their own choices. Even amazing parents can have children who make very bad choices. But, the opposite is also true, even when parents seem to do everything wrong, most adolescents turn out to be amazing, wonderful adults!
Jan Hamilton, MS, PMHNP-BC
Jan is a nationally Board Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner who specializes in adolescent treatment. She earned her Master’s of Science and Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner certification through the University of Arizona. She then worked for over eight years at Remuda Ranch providing inpatient services for adolescents and adults suffering from eating disorders. Jan has been a registered nurse for 31 years and worked in a wide variety of medical settings, including 30 years of serving young people through her work with Young Life, an interdenominational outreach program. Her desire to provide quality psychological and psychiatric care for adolescents and young adults in an outpatient, faith based setting has led to the opening of Doorways in 2008.
Tags: Adolescence, Child, Child and Adolescent, Health, Jan Hamilton, Mental health, Young Life
Posted in Relationships, Stress, Teens | No Comments »
August 23rd, 2011
By: Jan Hamilton, MS, PMHNP-BC
Every parent who has ever had a teenager understands this feeling. It is a topic I get asked about a lot and a frequent topic in family therapy. As teenagers grow, one of the fundamental changes they are making is the formulation of their own identity, separate and distinct from that of their parents. In former centuries, this change more closely coincided with actual changes in circumstances as well, like getting married, striking out on their own, or taking on more adult responsibilities. Even so, there were probably quite a few shouting matches and just as much misunderstanding between parents and their teenagers as there is today.
Communication is the key to helping our teenagers navigate the often rocky path between childhood and adulthood. Unfortunately, the very nature of that change creates significant challenges and barriers to communication. In order to keep the communication channels open, parents need to take charge of keeping them clear. Here are 6 things that will help you communicate better with your teen.
1. Communication is more than Words
Remember that there is more to communicating than just the words that come out of your mouth. Your teenager is attuned to the subtle and silent messages you send with your body language and the tone of your voice. If these messages don’t match, your child will interpret what they think you really mean and respond accordingly.
2. Watch What You Say
Most teenagers have heard what you are about to say a hundred times. They can tell by the circumstances, your body language, and the tone of your voice what is coming and if it is old news or an unwelcome message, they may tune it out. Pay attention to all the messages you are sending and look for ways to impart the same message without wandering into a well-known battlefield.
3. Listen
Communication is not just about talking or educating the other person or convincing them that your point of view is right. Communication is about a two-way exchange. You need to learn to listen, to truly listen, to what your teen is saying before you can learn to communicate with them. Too often, parents tune out their kids as well, only hearing the things they want to hear or using the time their child is talking to think about what they are going to say next. Listening to your teenager is the most empowering thing you can do.
4. Trust Your Parenting
Trust in the foundation you provided them and give them room to make choices, fail, and then learn from their mistakes. Believe in the guidance and education you instilled in them. Don’t lecture. Focus on listening and allow them to make decisions for themselves. Bolster their belief in themselves by showing them you believe in their ability to make good decisions.
5. Be a Curious Observer
One of the reasons teenagers feel so misunderstood is that their lives, bodies, hormones, and relationships are in a constant state of flux. You can help them through these challenges by providing validation that they are OK, that they are good people, and that what they are going through is normal. To do this, you must be curious about their lives, ask open-ended questions, and then listen to what they have to say. But you must only be an observer; you cannot force openness and you shouldn’t use curiosity to spy or pry into their lives.
6. Watch Out for Transference
Remember that your child is not you. If you have issues to work through, take the initiative and work through them yourself, don’t assume your child is going down the same path you did or that they will make the same mistakes you made. You don’t want to limit their freedom to find their own path, make their own mistakes, and learn to live with the consequences that result because of your own fears or guilt about your past. The healthier you are, the better you are able to let go when you need to.
About Jan Hamilton, MS, PMHNP-BC
Jan is a nationally Board Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner who specializes in adolescent treatment. She earned her Master’s of Science and Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner certification through the University of Arizona. She then worked for over eight years at Remuda Ranch providing inpatient services for adolescents and adults suffering from eating disorders. Jan has been a registered nurse for 31 years and worked in a wide variety of medical settings, including 30 years of serving young people through her work with Young Life, an interdenominational outreach program. Her desire to provide quality psychological and psychiatric care for adolescents and young adults in an outpatient, faith based setting has led to the opening of Doorways in 2008.
Tags: Adolescence, Communication, Health, Jan Hamilton, Mental health, Parent, Psychiatric and mental health nurse practitioner, University of Arizona, Young Life
Posted in Relationships, Teens | No Comments »
August 29th, 2011
November 9th, 2011
(Anxiety and Eating Disorder treatment in preadolescent males)
Presented by Sam Lample along with Rachel Daberkow for Sierra Tucson Professional Networking
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August 30th, 2011
Few parents escape the teenage years without dealing with daily doses of drama that are an inescapable part of growing up. But how do you know when your teen is just being over-dramatic, when they are hurting but healthy, or when the drama is a sign of clinical depression?
Many teens today are dealing with the relationship drama that is part of being a teenager and mood difficulties can be the result of all the drama. Many teens are struggling because they find themselves in relationships, romantic or not, that they aren’t equipped to handle. Depression can result when a relationship fails or does not work out as they expected and the drama associated with sudden changes in relationships only complicates the situation.
Many teens find themselves in relationships that got too romantic too quickly, and not just in the physical sense. The end of a whirlwind relationship can be just as devastating if the connection wasn’t physical, if there was an emotional aspect, that’s enough. The emotional highpoints of a new relationship and the emotional drama experienced when the relationship suddenly disappears can lead teens to feelings of depression.
Social networking, online friendships, and electronic communications have also changed the rules of the teenage game. Unlike the teen years of their parents, today’s teens are hyper-connected to everyone they know, every minute of the day. Twenty years ago, a fight between two friends may have resulted in a flurry of phone calls and drawn in three or four other people. Today, that fight is played out on Facebook in front the entire school. We know as therapists that human beings are not designed to participate in a hundred relationships at the same time which is in essence what social networking sites like Facebook ask us to do. As a result of all of these relationships and the hyper-connected nature of their lives, teens today are bombarded with an exponential amount of relationship drama that is playing out like a television soap opera 24 hours a day.
The implied intimacy of knowing the thoughts, feelings, and everyday activities of the people in your life provides the façade of friendship where no real relationship exists. Many of these online friendships and relationships weren’t built the way real relationships need to be built in order to be sustained. Pair this with the fact that most people will say things to others online that they would never consider saying in person, and it is easy to understand why all this drama can drag our teenagers further into potential mood problems.
Even more concerning for the long term is how social networking impacts the skills teenagers need to develop in order to be able to handle relationships as they move into adulthood. Today there is a whole generation of people who have developed friendships online through platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and chat, but these relationships are not the same as relationships that were formed and built in person. This group of teenagers doesn’t understand how to build real relationships and sustain them over time. As a result, when a real relationship comes into their life, they don’t know how to participate in it or how to take care of it, because the skills they need are missing. And when they lose that real relationship, they don’t know to handle the loss because it isn’t the same as having someone de-friend you on Facebook.
So what should parents do to help their child have healthy relationships and avoid relationship-caused mood problems?
- Encourage your teenager to get involved in extracurricular activities at school, church or other organizations. From participating in sports or youth groups or volunteering for a community organization, all of these live activities provide teens with important one-on-one interaction and the opportunity to develop relationships with people.
- Monitor computer and cell phone usage; set boundaries. I’ve heard some parents say that they insist that their kids share their passwords and give their parents 24 hour access to their social media accounts or text messages. While some might think this is extreme, as parents who are responsible for the well being and safety of our children, it might be a good idea.
- Have regular family time. Another family started a tradition when their children were young of going out to pizza as a family every Friday night. Often times they would invite friends of the kids. Even though the children are now teenagers, and one in college they still look forward to going to dinner as a family every Friday night when the can. The benefit was that the family and kids spent the time eating and having conversation, something they didn’t do when they were all running in different directions.
- Encourage your teen to go out with groups of friends instead of just dating one person exclusively.
Related article
Tags: Adolescence, Facebook, Health, Parent, twitter
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September 2nd, 2011
How Social Media is Affecting our Teens-
Since computers starting coming into the home and video games left the arcade, parents have expressed concerns about how much is too much and how these virtual interfaces will impact the lives of our children over the long term. For years, the main concerns around overuse of electronic media have centered on physical activity levels, studying, and the effect of violent, sexist, and racist themes on young minds. Recently I was asked my thoughts on the impact things like Facebook, Twitter, and video games are having on today’s youth. My answers might surprise you.
One of the main problems that I see is an increase in teens and young adults with significant social anxiety problems that seem to stem from spending too much time interacting with a computer and not enough time interacting with actual people. This is especially pertinent for teens that are in the 12 to 15 year old range that are actively developing and refining the social skills that will help them throughout their lives. The more time a child spends in isolation posting on Facebook, playing Xbox, chatting online, texting, and watching YouTube videos, the less time they spend interacting with their peers and families. These real-world interactions are necessary for developing social skills, understanding social protocols, and building interpersonal relationships.
What Parents Should Look For
- Parents should trust their instincts and if they are concerned there might be a problem, seek the opinion of a professional.
- Parents also need to make the distinction between what is normal behavior and what is healthy behavior. Your son might spend 12 hours a day playing video games which seems normal when compared to his friends, but most health professionals would agree that even if it is normal, 12 hours of video game play in a day is definitely not healthy.
- Watch for resistance to social situations and avoidance of social interactions. If your child is having a significant emotional response to a situation that requires social interaction, there may be a social problem that needs to be addressed.
What Parents Can Do
- The most important step parents can take is to start young. Set expectations and ground rules about media use early in childhood which will help your child develop good habits as they grow into teenagers.
- Provide multiple social outlet opportunities for your children through church, community, sports, and educational activities. But, beware of over-scheduling; children need downtime too.
- Don’t accommodate their anxiety; it’s ok for them to be uncomfortable in social situations because they are learning how to manage those types of interactions. Giving in and allowing them to avoid socializing only reinforces the avoidance behaviors.
Tags: Adolescence, Facebook, Interpersonal relationship, Licensed Professional Counselor, Social anxiety, Social media, Social skill, twitter, Video game
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September 9th, 2011
Join us September 14, 2011 at La Casa de Cristo Lutheran Church for an interactive discussion about Adventures in Miscommunication. This is designed for teens and parents.
Sam Lample, Rachel Derbokow and Jan Hamilton will be facilitating.
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September 30th, 2011
As a counselor who works with teens and parents, this is one of the most common questions I am asked. Parents often struggle with this issue because the natural mood swings and personality changes that are a part of the teen years can make it difficult to determine if their child is acting normal or needs help. They are also hesitant to ask difficult questions because they don’t want to damage their relationship with their teen by accusing them of taking drugs. Maintaining a relationship built on trust can be an important part of successfully navigating the teenage years and it only takes one misstep to demolish the foundation of that trust. Parents may be hesitant to approach their teens when they are concerned because they don’t want to alienate them or push them further away.
In order to know when to be concerned, when to ask questions, and when to intervene, you need to know the facts. Here are the common signs of teenage drug use.
1. Changes in Social Circles
One sign that parents should be watching for is a significant change in their child’s friends or social circles. If your teenager has been friends with the same kids since elementary school and suddenly shifts to an entirely different set of friends, this may be cause for concern. First, look for other factors like joining a new club, or playing on a sports team that may explain an influx of new friends. Changes in social circles or standing by themselves are not always indicative of drug use, but parents should pay attention to these types of changes as they can point toward several teenage problems.
2. Changes in School Participation
Another thing to watch for is the development of a negative attitude about school in general. This includes spending less time and effort on school work and home work, skipping classes, and grades that are going down.
3. Changes in Personality
When teenagers begin using drugs, they often become more secretive and are touchier about privacy and having their own space. Signs of these behavior changes include getting angry if you are in their room, unwillingness to let you borrow their cell phone, refusing to leave their backpacks or school bags where others could access them, or offering vague answers about where they are going and who they are spending their time with.
4. Changes in Aromatic Usage
If your teen suddenly develops the need to burn incense or use room deodorizer on a regular basis, but doesn’t seem more concerned with cleaning their room, they may be trying to hide the smell of smoke or other odors. Intensified use of body spray or perfume is also a sign that something may be amiss.
5. Changes in Financial Needs
One indication that your teen may be using drugs is an increased need for money. This may be evident because of an increase in their requests to borrow money, offers to work around the house for cash, or money disappearing from purses and wallets. Teens that become suddenly invested in selling or pawning things like video games and other electronics may also have a problem that needs parental attention.
Parents and their involvement in their teenager’s lives are still the best deterrent to drug use. Providing a supportive environment with clear expectations helps set the stage for drug-free teen years. But it is equally important to know the signs that your teen is in trouble and how to help them through whatever problems they are facing.
by Jan Hamilton, MS, PMHNP-BC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Sources:
http://www.theantidrug.com/ei/
http://www.theantidrug.com/ei/signs_symptoms.asp
Tags: Addiction, Adolescence, Drug rehabilitation, Health, Jan Hamilton, Parent, Partnership for a Drug-Free America, Substance abuse, Teen Health
Posted in Uncategorized | 1 Comment »
October 4th, 2011
Everyone knows that teenagers often have bigger appetites because of their rapid growth. Teen athletes, who can burn through as many as 5,000 calories a day, need even more food than their peers. If they don’t get enough calories it affects their energy level and can impact their athletic performance. In some cases, insufficient calories may even cause problems with their overall growth. But it isn’t enough for teen athletes to eat enough calories; it is also important that they are taking in the right mix of nutrients and have a relatively balanced diet.
Breakfast
Parents can help support the nutritional needs of their teen athletes by starting each day with a healthy breakfast. Have carbohydrate and protein filled choices such as whole grain bagels, peanut butter, eggs, yogurt and oatmeal available for a quick and healthy breakfast at home or on the go.
Diet
Everyone needs to eat a balanced diet but for teen athletes this is even more important. Their bodies are still growing which means they need the right mix of nutrients to support that growth while also providing the building blocks to boost performance and repair minor injuries. According to KidsHealth.org, a teen athlete’s diet should be 60-65% carbohydrates, 12-15% protein, and 20-30% healthy fats. Each of these three is equally important to your teen athlete’s development and performance. Carbohydrates provide the main fuel source for their body, while protein helps build muscle. Fats like those found in avocados and fish are critical to athletic performance because they provide the fuel for sustained energy.
Hydration
Teen athlete’s need to pay particular attention to their water intake and be diligent about keeping themselves hydrated. Drinking water throughout the day as well as before, during, and after physical exertion is the best way to maintain the optimal level of hydration in the body. When teen athletes become dehydrated, they may feel more tired, have less energy, and be less able to perform as expected on the field.
Calories
While there is no set amount of calories that all teen athletes need each day, the requirements are higher for teens that are active in sports or other physical activities. On average, teen athletes may need 2,000 calories more per day than their less athletic friends. The actual number is dependent on the person however and varies based on weight, sport, and age. The best way to determine the right amount of calories for your teen athlete is to work with a registered dietitian.
Snacks
One of the best ways to help teen athletes get the balanced diet and number of calories they need is to ensure they have healthy, energy boosting snacks available throughout the day. If your teen has practice directly after school they may be hitting their worst energy slump of the day just as practice is starting. Depending on what time lunch period is, it may have been 3 or more hours since their last meal and by the time practice is over, they may have gone for seven or more hours without anything substantial to eat. Pack snacks in their sports bag for before and after practice to ensure they have the energy to power through. Healthy and energy-boosting snack choices include nuts, dried fruits and fresh fruits and vegetables.
By Rachel Daberkow, MS. RD.
Sources:
http://www.childrenshospital.org/az/Site988/mainpageS988P0.html
http://www.livestrong.com/article/289346-teenage-athletic-diet/
http://www.livestrong.com/article/74741-eating-teenage-athlete/
Tags: Adolescence, Athlete, Athletics, Breakfast, Calorie, diet, Health, Human nutrition, Hydration, Nutrition, Snack food, Weight loss
Posted in Diet Nutrition, Uncategorized | No Comments »
October 18th, 2011
 Why do teens cut themselves? Read more to find out. Image via WikipediaOn a good day, it can be difficult for parents to understand their teenagers. The teen years can be a mix of intense emotions, physical changes, peer pressure, and hormonal overload that can leave teens feeling like visitors in their own bodies. Lacking the emotional maturity and coping skills to deal with this onslaught, some teens turn to cutting and other destructive behaviors for relief. For parents everywhere, this terrifying trend is impossible to understand. To help, here are the basics.
On a good day, it can be difficult for parents to understand their teenagers. The teen years can be a mix of intense emotions, physical changes, peer pressure, and hormonal overload that can leave teens feeling like visitors in their own bodies. Lacking the emotional maturity and coping skills to deal with this onslaught, some teens turn to cutting and other destructive behaviors for relief. For parents everywhere, this terrifying trend is impossible to understand. To help, here are the basics.
What is Self Harm?
Any behavior that involves deliberately inflicting injury on your own body is considered self harm. This includes behaviors like cutting, head banging, and burning. Teenagers use these behaviors as coping strategies to deal with intense emotions that they don’t know how to handle. It is important for parents to understand that self harm behaviors are not suicide attempts, although they can be a cry for help.
Common forms of self harm include severe scratching, cutting, poisoning, carving into skin, hitting, piercing the skin, biting, and burning. It is common for people who self harm to use more than one method to cause injury. The most common locations for self injury are those that are easily reached including legs, arms, and the front of the body.
Why Do Teens Hurt Themselves?
For some teens, self harm provides a respite of some sort. It may be an outlet for intense emotional turmoil or it could offer a release of mounting tension. In some teens it even brings a sense of calm and quiet.
Self harm can also be an expression of control in a world that feels completely of control or a distraction from emotional pain. Teens may use self harm as a way to release emotions, to give their internal feelings an external representation. In some cases, self harm is a cry for help, while in others it is simply a way to attract attention and manipulate other people.
What Causes it
There is no specific condition that causes teens to self harm. While teens are the most prevalent sufferers, people of all ages may use self injury as a mechanism for dealing with difficult emotions. Self harm can also manifest in people who are suffering from mental illnesses like depression or eating disorders.
There are, however, some risk factors that can increase the likelihood of a teenager turning to self harm as an emotional outlet. These factors are:
- Age – Teenagers in the highest risk age group
- Mental Health – People who struggle to manage negative emotions, have difficulty with impulse control, and who suffer from specific mental illnesses are more prone to self harm.
- Life Experiences – Teens who suffered abuse, neglect, or loss during their childhood are more likely than their peers to self harm.
What to Watch For
Most teens that self harm are secretive about their struggle because they are confused and ashamed by their own behavior. Signs to watch out for are scars, cuts, scratches, wounds, burns, and broken bones. Teens who wear long sleeves and pants in summer or claim clumsiness as the reason for their injuries may be trying to hide their self injuries.
How to Get Help
If you have a child that is harming themself, consult your medical practitioner and request an evaluation. These professionals can help guide you in raising the issue with your child and getting them the help they need. Psychotherapy is the most common treatment for self harm which may include individual counseling for your teen and family group.
Tags: Adolescence, cutting, Mental health, Self-harm
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October 24th, 2011
 Does your teenager have OCD? Read more to find out. It can be difficult in this age of acronyms to know when your teenager’s behavior is appropriate for their developmental stage of life of when it’s something that a parent should be concerned about. With anxiety disorders like Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), it is even harder to find. The difference between the two is the impact it has on the child’s daily life.
What is Obsessive Compulsive Disorder?
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is an anxiety disorder that causes those who suffer from it to experience persistent anxiety, fear, or distressing thoughts and/or exhibit a ritualized behavior as a method to control their anxiety. For example, a child might be so afraid of germs, they wash their hands every 15 minutes. The obsessive nature of these thoughts and their compulsion to perform the ritual interfere with the teenager’s daily life.
Someone who is afraid of germs may develop a ritual that involves washing their hands a certain number of times at certain points over the course of the day. A child who is worried about their house burning down may develop a ritual involving checking their smoke alarms and fire extinguishers to ensure they are operating. It is important to remember that someone with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder does not believe they can control their compulsions and that these rituals offer only a temporary respite from their anxiety.
People with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, both children and adults, may realize that their behavior is out of the ordinary but this is not always the case in children. OCD may be accompanied by other conditions including depression and eating disorders and affects the same number of males and females. In many cases, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder first presents during adolescence or the teen years.
What Causes Obsessive Compulsive Disorder?
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder is a brain disorder. Research has shown that it does tend to run in families but there is no clear indication of why one person develops the condition and another doesn’t. But the truth is clear, that OCD is no one’s fault, and especially does not occur because of something a parent did, or did not do.
What are the Symptoms of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder?
A person suffering from Obsessive Compulsive Disorder will display many of the following symptoms:
- Repetitive thoughts that are distressing or cause anxiety about several different things. Common obsessive topics include germs, dirt, crime, sexual acts, cleanliness, violence, or hurting others.
- Ritual behavior patterns associated with their obsessions that they complete over and over to alleviate the anxiety. Rituals can involve actions like repetitive hand washing, locking and unlocking doors or windows, counting, and performing things in a specific way again and again.
- Performing rituals can be distressing and are not a source of comfort or pleasure although they do alleviate feelings of anxiety temporarily.
- Obsessive thoughts and rituals occupy at least one hour a day and impact the person’s daily life.
Symptoms may come and go over time and it is not uncommon for people suffering from OCD to use avoidance techniques to try and keep their anxiety from being triggered.
How is Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Diagnosed?
As with many mental health conditions, start with your medical provider who can rule out any physical conditions that may be contributing or causing the symptoms. This doctor can refer you to a mental health practitioner for diagnosis and treatment.
How is Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Treated?
Traditional treatment for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder involves both medication and exposure therapy. This type of therapy is often combined with cognitive behavioral therapy to provide desensitization and alternative coping strategies. Recent research supported by the National Institutes of Health’s (NIH) National Institute of Mental Health shows that children and teens respond most effectively to treatment with antidepressants in conjunction with therapy.
If you are concerned that your child or teen is experiencing obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors, work with a professional who can assess your child’s behavior and advise you on the appropriate course of action.
Tags: Anxiety disorder, Children, Cognitive behavioral therapy, Mental health, Obsessive–compulsive disorder, OCD, teenager
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October 26th, 2011
 Generalized anxiety disorder most commonly affects those between adolescence and middle age. Image via Wikipedia Overview
Everyone worries about things, even children and teenagers. Whether the worry is over the upcoming history test, getting a date to the prom, or making the soccer team, anxiety is a normal part of everyday life. However, in some people, normal everyday worries can become excessive and everyday things can cause severe anxiety. This type of anxiety is called Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) and it affects about 3% of the U.S.population each year, including one in eight children.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder is characterized by exaggerated anxiety and unwarranted worry about everyday problems. People with this disorder may obsess about the worst case scenario in every situation and are unable to stop their anxiety from spiraling out of control. Women are two times as likely to have the disorder and it most commonly affects those between adolescence and middle age.
Teens and young adults with the disorder may not do as well in school, may be susceptible to substance abuse problems, and may struggle with social milestones if it is not treated. However, with the right combination of treatment, support, and assistance, children with GAD can learn to manage their symptoms and successfully navigate their lives.
Symptoms
People with GAD experience consistent, persistent, chronic worry or anxiety about things that do not warrant this level of anxiety for more than 6 months.
One of the key differences between the anxiety everyone experiences and GAD is that everyday anxiety is temporary and GAD is not. Adults and children with GAD can experience heightened anxiety all day, every day and it can interfere with their normal activities. It is common for those with GAD to use avoidance as a tool for managing their anxiety. An adolescent who is experiencing temporary anxiety will respond to comforting words, reassurances, and a list of the reasons they don’t need to be anxious. The anxiety of a child or teen with GAD will not be soothed by these techniques.
In addition to the chronic nature of the anxious thoughts and feelings someone with GAD experiences, there are also some physical symptoms that are often present with the disorder including:
- Unexplained fatigue and problems sleeping
- Restlessness, edginess, and irritability
- Gastrointestinal problems including nausea and diarrhea
- Difficulties concentrating and headaches
Causes
Generalized anxiety disorder has no known cause but stress, traumatic events, heredity, and biological factors may contribute to its onset. It is relatively common and can affect people of all ages. Although it generally develops gradually over time, many people with the disorder cannot remember a time when they did not experience some level of anxiety.
Treatment
Many people with GAD respond well to cognitive behavioral therapy, medication, or a combination of both. Therapy can be beneficial in helping a person with the disorder to identify their triggers and modify their thought patterns and behavior. Techniques for easing anxiety and promoting relaxation can also be beneficial to those with GAD.
It is very common for people with GAD to have a co-existing disorder. Depression, substance abuse, and other anxiety disorders are commonly seen in those with the disorder. Getting diagnosis and treatment for any co-existing conditions is an important part of overall treatment for GAD.
Related articles
Tags: anxiety, Anxiety disorder, Cognitive behavioral therapy, GAD, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Worry
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November 10th, 2011
Overview
Statistics about college students and substance abuse are cause for alarm. According to a report from The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse atColumbiaUniversitypublished in 2007, half of all college students binge drink and/or abuse both prescription and illicit drugs. One out of every four college students meets the medical criteria for substance dependence which is two and a half times the national average. When you factor in the long term consequences of these behaviors and the cost of college tuition, many college students are on a very expensive road to nowhere.
There are severe short term consequences of these behaviors as well. Researchers estimate that 1,700 college students die each year from unintentional alcohol related causes. The incidence of acquaintance rape, drunk driving, assault, and other serious criminal acts has been shown to increase significantly when alcohol is present. As many as 80% of all campus arrests are alcohol related.
Are things getting better or worse?
There are several studies that have been tracking college age substance use over the last 10-15 years and the findings are not encouraging. The percentage of college students who drank in the fifteen year period from 1993 to 2005 was relatively stagnant at 70% and the percentage of binge drinkers remained constant at 40%. And this is the good news.
The first area where a significant increase has been noted is in the number of students who binge drink frequently, rising 16% from 1993 to 2001. Increases were also noted in the number of students who drink more than 10 times a month (25%), those who get drunk three or more times a month (26%), and those who drink with the sole purpose of getting drunk (21%). This means that although the number of college students who are drinking hasn’t increased, the ones who are drinking are drinking more and drinking more often.
The second area where a significant increase is emerging is in the use and abuse of prescription drugs. The increases in the use of these substances are so high they almost seem outlandish with increases of 450% in the use of drugs like Xanax and 343% in the use of drugs like Vicodin and Percocet. Adderall, which is the prescription drug that has gotten the most press for abuse by college students, actually has the lowest percentage increase from 1993 to 2001 at 93%.
The third area where increases tell a disturbing story is in the use of illicit drugs. In the 15 year time span between 1993 and 2005 the percentage of college students using illicit drugs saw significant increases in all areas. The use of marijuana on a daily basis more than doubled while the use of all other illicit drugs including cocaine, heroin, amphetamines, ecstasy, and hallucinogens increased by 52%.
It is clear to see that the programs and systems put in place over the last two decades to turn the tide of drug and alcohol abuse by American college students are failing. This means more college students are suffering the consequences of these risky behaviors.
Who is at the highest risk?
Research from the Monitoring the Future organization indicates that there are some subgroups within the college environment which have a higher incidence of substance abuse and therefore are at a greater risk for developing substance abuse problems. College students who participate in the Greek system and belong to fraternities or sororities are more likely to abuse substances and participate in risky behavior than their non-Greek peers. Almost 90% of those students who participate in the Greek system drink alcohol compared to 67% of other students. Students in the Greek system are also more likely to binge drink, 67% vs. 37%, drink and drive, 33% vs. 21%, and smoke marijuana, 21% vs. 16%. Another subgroup at a higher risk is incoming freshman, 45% of whom were classified as heavy drinkers in 2001.
Male college students are more likely than female students to have used any illicit drug in the previous 12 month period and for most of the individual illicit drugs, male students were twice as likely as their female counterparts to have used that drug in the last year. Male students also use marijuana and alcohol on a daily basis at a rate twice that of female students. All these statistics indicate that male students are at greater risk of substance abuse problems during their college career.
Other research indicates that there are regional differences in the use of alcohol and all drugs that may put some students at higher risk than others. Students in the Northeast and West have a higher incidence of illicit drug use across the board. The use of methamphetamines, crystal meth, and ecstasy is the highest in the Western states. Alcohol use and abuse, including the highest prevalence of binge drinking, occurs more in the Northeast andMidwest.
Consequences of Abuse
The consequences of substance abuse by college students can be both significant and severe. Statistics show that the incidence of criminal activity like assault, vandalism, acquaintance rape, and driving under the influence increases with the use of alcohol or other substances. In 2001 alone, more than 1700 students died as a result of alcohol related injuries. The number of students who hurt themselves as a result of drinking went up by 38% between 1993 and 2001. Arrests on college campuses that were alcohol related increased by more than 20% from 2001 to 2005 and accounted for more than 80% of all campus arrests in 2005. Almost 100,000 students in 2001 alone were victims of an alcohol related rape or sexual assault and nearly 700,000 were assaulted by another student who was binge drinking.
The academic consequences of these behaviors cannot be understated. According to the National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) Task Force on College Drinking, one of the main impacts of alcohol use on college campuses is failure to meet academic obligations. As many as 25% of college students have experienced some academic problem because of their alcohol use including failing tests, skipping classes, falling behind on class work, missing deadlines for papers and projects, and getting lower grades than expected.
The link between alcohol consumption and grades is so significant it can be used as an indicator. The findings of a survey conducted over a 3 year period that included almost 100,000 students found that the number of drinks consumed per week directly correlated to the student’s grade point average as follows:
- Students with A averages consumed 4 drinks per week
- Students with B averages consumed 6 drinks per week
- Students with C averages consumed 8 drinks per week
- Students with D or F averages consumed as many as 10 drinks per week
These findings make it easy to see why there is also a direct relationship between alcohol consumption and college drop-out rates.
Students who abuse alcohol or other substances are not the only ones impacted by their behavior. Other students on campus are consistently subjected to circumstances that impact their college experience because of substance abuse by others. Almost 60% of college students have had to miss sleep or found themselves unable to study because of another student’s drinking or drug use. The safety of students is also compromised by the use of alcohol or drugs by other students. Almost 30% of students report being insulted or humiliated by another student and 15% have had personal property damaged by someone else’s intoxicated negligence. These students also find themselves as the victim in many of the crimes mentioned above.
What Makes College Students So Susceptible?
When students make the transition from high school to college, it can be the most challenging experience of their young lives. The volatility of this time period puts students at risk as they search for new social connections and try to find their place in their new environment. Additionally, there is this mainstream idea that part of the college experience is drinking, experimenting, and behaving with reckless abandon which leads many students to seek out these experiences as soon as they arrive on campus. College students are also in the highest risk age group for heavy alcohol consumption and experimentation with the use of multiple substances.
College students also find themselves dealing with new kinds of stress and pressures that they may be unprepared to handle including financial obligations and responsibility, making major life altering decisions, and separating from parents and other support systems. Students also look to alcohol and drugs as the means to ensure social acceptance and as tools to create confidence when they are feeling unsure and insecure in their new environment.
Living arrangements do seem to play a part in determining whether or not a student will use alcohol or other substances. Students who live at home and commute to college are less likely than those who live in residence halls to abuse alcohol. However, hovering parents who continually insert themselves into their child’s life can keep college students from achieving the appropriate level of maturity they need in order for them to transition into responsible adults. Parents who make major decisions for their college age child and regularly rescue them from the consequences of their actions don’t allow them space and opportunity to learn how to make the right decision in difficult situations.
College students are also less likely to seek help, even when they are in very real trouble, because of the social stigma associated with alcohol dependence and drug addiction.
Conclusion
The abundance of research on substance abuse by college students shows that the situation is not improving. Despite efforts to curb alcohol use and access to illicit drugs on college campuses, the prevailing public attitude that drinking and experimenting with drugs are part of the college experience continues to undermine the ability to make real, lasting changes. Students are engaging in risky behavior like unprotected sex, driving under the influence, and experimentation with all types of drugs in alarming numbers and many students are paying a steep price for this self-discovery. As long as it remains socially acceptable and even socially commendable to participate in binge drinking and swap study time for sorority parties, it will be difficult to make the high in higher education mean what it used to mean.
Tags: Addiction, Alcoholism, Binge drinking, college, College students, National Institute of Alcohol Abuse, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Student, Substance abuse
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November 14th, 2011
 Social Anxiety Disorder in Teens Overview
It isn’t uncommon for children and teens to be anxious about social situations and interactions as they move through the different stages from child to adult. Given that their bodies are constantly changing, the hormonal effects of puberty, and the rapid succession of milestones these adolescents are going through, it is no wonder that they don’t always feel comfortable and worry about how other people are perceiving them. But for some adolescents and teens, the common anxiety experienced at these stages can become all encompassing and even debilitating. These adolescents may develop social phobias, also referred to as social anxiety disorder.
For teens with the social phobia, social anxiety disorder, the fear of rejection, humiliation, being embarrassed, or having others develop a negative opinion of them becomes excessive. This makes anything requiring social interaction or that singles out the child a challenge and can lead to avoiding interactions altogether. Adolescents with social anxiety disorder have difficulty meeting new people, standing up to give a report or solve a problem in front of the class, participating in physical activities and sporting events, and even doing things that seem simple like eating in public.
For parents, it is important to remember that children with social anxiety disorder may respond to situations disproportionately. In situations where they are not faced with any actual physical danger, they may respond as though they are and experience the same physiological changes like sweaty palms, a racing heart rate, and the activation of their fight or flight reaction. These can be actual Panic Attacks. Simply telling the teen that they don’t need to be afraid may not alleviate the fear they are experiencing.
Symptoms
An estimate from the National Institute of Mental Health indicates that about 12% of those adolescents who call themselves shy may actually have social phobias. One of the primary ways to differentiate between typical teenage shyness and social anxiety is that shyness doesn’t generally lead to debilitation or consistent avoidance behavior. The primary symptoms of social anxiety are:
- Excessive fear and/or anxiety of any individual or group performance like presenting an oral report or participating in a concert with the school chorus
- Intense fear of social situations and difficulties with social interactions like meeting new people, unstructured conversations, and talking on the phone
- Social isolation
- Inability to actively participate in conversations with peers
- Excessive concern about how others perceive them and fear related to the negative opinions of others
- Fear of being humiliated or embarrassed which often leads to anxiety about being called on in class or having to participate in classes like gym or music
- Panic attacks resulting from social situations or experiences (Physical symptoms like a racing heart rate, rapid breathing or shortness of breath, feeling nauseous, sweating, or blushing)
Causes
There are no specific causes of the social phobia, social anxiety disorder. Like many other anxiety disorders, it develops as a result of a combination of factors including genetics, environment, and life experiences. Some people may be genetically predisposed to a certain type of temperament, like being shy. Factors in the environment have a big influence on our perspective and socially anxious parents or siblings model those behaviors for the children and teens in their lives. If a child watches a parent continually avoid a specific situation or sees them experience intense fear or anxiety about social interactions, it can reinforce any social anxiety the child is already experiencing. Life experiences also play a big part in the development of an anxiety disorder. A teenager who is shy and self-conscious may be more likely to develop social anxiety if he is bullied or ridiculed at school.
Treatment
Most social anxiety disorder can be effectively treated with cognitive behavioral therapy that seeks to address the sources of the anxiety and teaches other strategies for managing these kinds of fears. It may also be helpful for adolescents and teens with the condition to participate in group therapy with others in their age group as this can provide a safe environment that enables them to build social skills and practice positive interactions.
Many adolescents and teens with social anxiety may also have another condition. It is important to the success of treatment to know if there are other co-existing conditions so that they can be treated appropriately.
People with social anxiety can learn to manage their fear and make great strides in participating more fully in their own lives. Parents can support their adolescents by getting them the right help, offering encouragement, and helping celebrate small successes that will build confidence and self esteem.
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Tags: Adolescence, adolescents, anxiety, National Institute of Mental Health, Panic attack, Social anxiety, Social anxiety disorder, social phobias, teens
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November 17th, 2011
Most people have heard of anorexia, but have you heard of “Drunkorexia”? Though not an official diagnosis, this term refers to food restriction and alcohol consumption. It has become more prevalent among young adults. It is especially common in college students that are trying to keep themselves thin. Parents should be aware of this issue so that they can help their adolescents overcome it so that it does not take over their life. Catching this early is the key to making a full recovery before it begins to get out of hand.
What Is” Drunkorexia”?
“Drunkorexia” is a combination of excessive alcohol consumption and eating disorder behaviors. Generally, college age students will skip meals during the day in order to keep their weight down and the calories that they save is spent on alcohol. A new study conducted by the University of Missouri that found girls are much more susceptible to this combination than guys.
People that are “Drunkorexic” will purge the alcohol they consume in the attempt to not gain weight
Double Downsides
The problem that teens and young adults are facing is that “Drunkorexia” causes double downsides. While inadequate nutrition is something that can cause many health issues, the over consumption of alcohol poses many risks as well. They will not only reap the physical repercussions of anorexia or bulimia, they will also have issues with alcohol abuse including alcohol poisoning and malnutrition. While intoxicated, teens and college students are also much more likely to fall victim to physical or sexual abuse.
What to Look For
It is a good idea to educate yourself about this disorder, especially if your college student has a history of eating disorders or drinking. There are a few signs that you can look for that will help you to recognize Drunkorexia in your adolescent. Here are a few of these signs:
- Frequently skipping meals
- Spending a lot of money but having nothing to show for it
- Poor grades
- Poor class attendance
- Rapid weight loss
The Good News
Most college campuses have recognized that eating disorder behaviors are a wide spread issue and they offer classes on nutrition and healthy living. They offer many counseling services to students to educate them on the risks involved with both eating disorders and alcohol abuse.
Also, there are counseling programs that will offer help to adolescents that are already sunk into the “Drunkorexic” trap. Whether you have issues with binge drinking, anorexia, bulimia, or a combination, help is available. Most adolescents will not admit to themselves that they have a problem. It often takes the help of a friend or parent to get them the help they need.
Doorways offers many treatment options for those who are dealing with eating and alcohol disorders. Counseling is typically needed to overcome these disorders and when you choose Doorways as your treatment provider, you will be able to get the help that you need in a faith-based setting. This is definitely great news for those that are dealing with “Drunkorexia. “
Tags: Alcohol, alcohol abuse, alcohol consumption, alcohol poisoning, Anorexia nervosa, Binge drinking, college student, consumption, Drunkorexia, Eating, Eating disorder, eating disorders, food restriction, Health, know, parents, prevalent, Student, UNiversity of Missouri
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November 16th, 2011
 PTSD and Teens. Image via Wikipedia PTSD, or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, used to be something associated only with war veterans and abuse survivors but it can affect anyone who experiences a traumatic event. Even though teens and adolescents may show different symptoms than adults , they can suffer from the same disorder and usually require treatment to overcome the challenges it presents. Understanding the causes and contributing factors can help parents identify when their children need help and how to get them the help they need.
What is PTSD?
Post traumatic stress disorder describes the development of a set of symptoms following a traumatic experience. Everyone who is impacted by trauma may feel extreme stress and suffer from strong emotional responses, difficulties with normal activities like sleeping, eating, and concentrating, and anxiety or fear related to the circumstances of the event. However, not everyone impacted by trauma also develops PTSD.
Those who suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder will have symptoms for a month or longer and their symptoms don’t abate with time. In some cases, symptoms do not start directly following the event and may actually get worse as time passes.
What Causes PTSD?
Experiencing a traumatic event like a car accident, natural disaster, violent crime, or physical assault can cause Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. It is not necessary for someone to be injured or even to have directly participated in the event in order to develop PTSD. In some cases, merely witnessing an event can lead to the disorder. It is important to note that not everyone who experiences trauma will develop Post Traumatic Stress Disorder just like not everyone who has the same experience will respond in the same way.
One theory about why some people develop PTSD has to do with our bodies fight or flight response, the chemical reaction triggered by fear or danger. This physiological response is meant to enable us to protect ourselves and respond in critical survival situations. But in some people, a traumatic event disrupts this response, causing the same kind of chemical reaction in circumstances where it isn’t necessarily warranted. This can lead to feelings of anxiety, severe stress, fear, and danger when there is no external cause of those feelings.
There are some risk factors that can elevate someone’s likelihood of developing Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. These risk factors include previous experience with traumatic events, a history of mental illness, lack of social support after the event, and being injured as part of the event. There are also factors that can make someone more resilient and thereby reduce their risk of PTSD including strong post-event support, feeling positive about how they handled the event, and specific coping strategies for dealing with stressful events.
What are the Symptoms of PTSD?
Regardless of when PTSD develops, there are some characteristic symptoms that develop after the experience. People may experience any combination of these symptoms.
- Nightmares
- Flashbacks
- Mental images of the event or it’s aftermath
- Avoidance of people, places, or things that are reminders of the event
- Unwillingness to talk about the event or discuss what happened
- Emotional detachment
- Edginess, irritability, and hyper-vigilance
- Trouble sleeping
- Inability to concentrate
- Depression and survivor guilt
- Angry outbursts
While teens and older adolescents may show symptoms similar to adults, they may also act out and become disruptive and destructive. In young children and some adolescents, PTSD can cause a different set of symptoms including bedwetting, forgetting how to speak, refusing to speak, repeatedly acting out the traumatic event, and having unusual separation anxiety from parents or other adults.
How is PTSD Diagnosed?
PTSD is diagnosed by a doctor, psychiatrist, or psychologist based on a personal interview. In order to be diagnosed, a person must display a certain set of symptoms for at least one month. The set of symptoms must include one symptom related to re-experiencing the event like nightmares or flashbacks. They must also be experiencing at least three avoidance symptoms like refusing to talk about the event or to participate in any activity relating to the event. Additionally, the person must suffer from at least two different symptoms showing hyper-arousal like irritability and edginess.
PTSD is treatable and sufferers can make a complete recovery but it doesn’t generally resolve without assistance. PTSD is most commonly treated with counseling or therapy and in some circumstances medication to treat underlying depression or other conditions may be used to help mitigate the effects of the disorder. If you are concerned that your teen or young child may be suffering from PTSD, schedule an appointment with their doctor to rule out any medical causes of their symptoms and get a referral for a qualified practitioner.
Tags: anxiety, Diagnosis, Doorways Arizona, Fight-or-flight response, Mental health, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Posttraumatic stress disorder, Psychological trauma, Symptom
Posted in Anxiety Disorders | 1 Comment »
November 21st, 2011
Overview
In order to protect teenagers from sexual abuse, it is important that both parents and teens understand what constitutes sexual abuse. While it is broadly defined as abuse that can be considered sexual in nature, some acts, like date rape or sexual advances from an adult are generally considered by everyone to be forms of sexual abuse. But things like voyeurism, exposure to pornography, and exhibitionism that do not involve direct physical contact between a teen and a perpetrator are also forms of sexual abuse and can be as devastating s physical abuse to the victim.
Although most teenage sexual abuse is committed by an adult in a position of power, it is also important for teenagers to understand that the perpetrator doesn’t have to be an adult for sexual activity to be considered abuse. Teenagers need to be aware that being drunk, drugged, afraid, or otherwise incapacitated does not make sex consensual. Even if they don’t fight back, unwanted sexual advances and forced sexual activity is sexual abuse and is illegal.
Statistics
Amongst teenagers, girls are more likely to be the victims of sexual abuse and 1 in 4 girls will have been sexually abused by the age of 18. The majority of teenage sexual abuse victims know their abuser. The most common type of abuser is a family member or someone who has close ties to the family. More than 50% of females who are raped in theU.S.are raped before they turn 18 and teenagers account for more than half of all reported sexual abuse in this country. Abuse victims have an increased risk of being abused again and teens between 16 and 19 are more than 3 times as likely as anyone else to be the victim of sexual abuse. The majority of sexual abuse against teenagers happens in their own homes. Teenagers also make up almost a quarter of sexual offenders.
While the report rate for sexual abuse across all ages is about 50%, this statistic drops to 31% amongst teenagers. Due in part to anxiety about the social stigma of being a victim and fears of retribution, many teens choose not to report their abuse in an attempt to forget it happened at all. Other factors like mediocre arrest rates, conviction rates below 20%, and short prison sentences may also deter victims from stepping forward.
The Signs
It is very common for victims of teen sexual abuse to have changes in behavior and to exhibit the same symptoms as a teen who has survived a traumatic event. Common behaviors seen in victims of teen sexual abuse include:
- Increased anxiety and panic attacks
- Eating disorders
- Depression
- Displaced anger
- Nightmares and difficulties sleeping
- Problems in school including acting out in class and rapidly falling grades
- Withdrawing from friends, family, and activities
- Self destructive behavior like cutting, using drugs, or promiscuity
- Poor hygiene or excessive bathing
- Running away
- Suicidal thoughts, talking about suicide, and attempting suicide
- Discussing sexual knowledge or language that is not age appropriate
Preventing Sexual Abuse
The best way to help prevent your teen from becoming the victim of sexual abuse is to arm them with information. Understanding what constitutes sexual abuse can help teens identify and avoid dangerous situations. Discussing the topic openly lets your teen know that if something does happen, they can come to you for understanding and support. Help your teen practice saying no and empower them to be the boss of their own body. Just as with smaller children, don’t force teenagers to hug or have physical contact with family members or any other person if it makes them uncomfortable. Give them the absolute right to say no if they do not want someone touching them and you will empower them to say no when it matters most.
How to Get Help
Sexual abuse is traumatic and can cause serious issues with sexuality, self esteem, trust, loyalty, and the development of healthy relationships. Teens who have been victims of sexual abuse may be struggling with depression, anxiety, eating disorders, PTSD, cutting, and other self harm or self destructive behaviors. The first step is to find the right practitioner who can provide the treatment and support needed to overcome the effects of the abuse. Together with this professional, parents and friends can create a caring, understanding support system to aid in recovery.
Tags: Catholic Church, Child abuse, Child sexual abuse, Jerry Sandusky, Pennsylvania State University, Posttraumatic stress disorder, Sexual abuse, Support Groups
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November 23rd, 2011
For many parents, it is difficult to understand why an adolescent who has their whole life in front of them, would consider ending it prematurely through suicide. As children make the transition to teenagers, they become more private and generally stop sharing their thoughts and feelings as openly with their parents. This can make it even more difficult to gauge when normal teenage angst develops into clinical depression, an anxiety disorder, or suicidal tendencies.
Many factors may contribute to teen suicide. Compared to the stress and pressures of adulthood, teenage problems may seem small and unimportant to us. Things like not fitting in at school, being bullied, and losing friends and first loves are just a normal part of growing up to most adults. It is often hard for us to remember that these normal things often carry a huge emotional toll for teens. We know that her boyfriend breaking up with her isn’t the end of the world, but it can feel that way to her. We can see that not making the basketball team doesn’t mean he won’t be successful in life, but it can feel that way to him.
As the third leading cause of death for those aged 15 to 24 and the fourth leading cause for those aged 10 to 14, suicide is a serious issue for teenagers. A survey of high school students showed that more than half of them had thought about suicide and almost 10% admitted to trying it at least once. No matter how well-adjusted you think your teen is, it is important to know the warning signs and when to intervene to keep your child safe.
Who is at Risk?
Adolescence and the teen years are a time of turmoil and rapid change. Between forming their own identities, learning to deal with new sexual feelings, struggling to figure out where they fit in, and the pressure to perform in school, teens can easily become overwhelmed. If teens feel like they don’t have a reliable support system or if they lack healthy outlets for dealing with their tumultuous emotions, it can leave them feeling disconnected and alone both of which increase the risk of suicide.
For many teens who attempt or commit suicide, this desperate act comes directly after a stressful event in their lives like the end of a relationship, death of someone close to them, parental divorce or separation, or something they perceive as a life altering failure like being cut from a sports team or doing poorly in school.
Teenagers, especially girls, who were subjected to any kind of abuse as children are more likely to attempt suicide. In general, girls are more likely to think about suicide and are twice as likely to attempt suicide as boys. However, boys are four times as likely to succeed. The risk of suicide increases when there are guns in the home which means parents need to maintain safe storage practices for all firearms even when their children have grown into teens.
Here are other factors that increase the risk of suicide in adolescents and teenagers:
- A psychological problem like depression or bipolar disorder. 95% of people who commit suicide were mentally ill when they took their life.
- Recurrent unpleasant feelings like isolation, distress, hopelessness, worthlessness, and irritability.
- Learning how to handle emerging sexuality including homosexuality in an unsupportive environment.
- Previous suicide attempts.
- A family history of mental health problems or suicide.
- Being a victim of physical, sexual, or emotional abuse.
The Warning Signs
In order for parents to be able to protect their children from suicide, they need to know what to watch for. Here are some of the warning signs that your teen may be suicidal.
- Drastic changes in personality, appearance, sleep habits, or appetite.
- Relationship drama with a girlfriend/boyfriend.
- Withdrawing from friends, social groups, and activities.
- Unexplained drop in grades.
- Participating in rebellious and/or dangerous behavior
- Running away from home or giving away personal items that are important to them.
- Substance abuse.
- Writing or talking about death and suicide.
- Previous suicide attempts.
The most important thing parents can do is talk to their children and listen when their children talk to them. Many teenagers who contemplate suicide feel like no one understands them or cares about them. Talking to your teen about their lives, expressing your love for them, and ensuring your teen knows you are there to help, no matter what problem they are facing, all help reassure them that you are there, that you care and that you want to understand.
When your teen opens up, don’t minimize, judge, or dismiss their concerns. Regardless of whether or not you think her failure to make the cheerleading squad is a life or death situation, she might and downplaying her emotional reaction only shows her you don’t understand what she is going through.
Pay attention to your parental intuition. If you feel like something is wrong, don’t downplay your own emotions either. Ask your teenager about what is going on in their lives, what they are concerned about, and share your concerns with them. Talk in specifics rather than generalities. Listen to what they say and don’t say. Don’t talk over them, interrupt them, correct them, or be dismissive of their concerns or problems. Ask the other people in their lives like teachers, counselors, and friends. Don’t shy away from the “s” word. If you are concerned about suicide, ask directly and invite your teen to participate in an open discussion on the topic. Get help right now. If you have concerns about suicide and think there is a possibility of your child being a danger to themselves, don’t wait. Find a mental health professional to assess your child today.
Tags: Adolescence, Child, Emotion, Major depressive disorder, Mental disorder, Parent, Suicide
Posted in Cutting and Self Harm | No Comments »
November 28th, 2011
Overview
No matter what statistics you look at, it’s clear that substance abuse by adolescents is a major public health concern. Although recent years have seen the percent of adolescents who are abusing substances level off, there are some disturbing trends in which teenagers are using and how early they are starting to use. When you consider that 90% of adults with substance abuse problems started using before they turned 18 and 50% of those adults started before age 15, the trend towards younger and younger adolescents experimenting and becoming regular users becomes even more important.
To many adults, the experimentation with drugs and alcohol that occurs during the adolescent years seems like a normal part of growing up. But using drugs and drinking alcohol aren’t just inappropriate because they are breaking the rules, they can result in very serious consequences to both their future and their health.
During this phase, teens can have a hard time forming cause and effect connections between choices they make today and the long term consequences of those choices. Substance use can further lower inhibitions resulting in a string of bad choices. From the increased risk of being involved in a motor vehicle accident to the increased likelihood of developing a lifelong addiction, substance abuse during adolescence is life threatening and needs to be treated accordingly.
Statistics
According to the current Monitoring the Future Survey as reported by the National Institute on Drug Abuse:
- The daily use of marijuana increased in 3 of the 4 high school grades year over year and was the highest it has been since the early 80’s amongst those in the senior class.
- Marijuana use has surpassed cigarette smoking amongst the seniors.
- Although cigarette smoking has been declining in recent years, those declines have stalled amongst high school students indicating that smoking may soon be on the rise again.
- While marijuana is the drug of choice for high school students, prescription drugs and the abuse of over the counter medication are now number two in 12th graders. Although non-medical use of drugs like Vicodin and Adderall has not increased in recent years, usage statistics remain high.
- Ecstasy, which had seen years of decreasing use, increased last year in 8th graders.
- Overall, alcohol use has continued to decline year over year.
Risk Factors
While there is no way to determine which adolescents will try drugs and alcohol or which will become addicted to one of these substances, there are some risk factors that increase the likelihood of developing a serious drug or alcohol problem. These factors include:
- Being part of a family with a history of substance abuse problems
- Being depressed
- Having low self esteem or feeling as though they do not fit in anywhere
- Drug availability in the community
- Learning disabilities and mental health conditions
- Poor academic performance
- Being part of an unhealthy social group
Warning Signs
There are several warning signs that parents can use to determine if their teenager is in danger. As many of these signs can also point to problems other than alcohol or drug abuse, it is important to discuss any concerns with a medical practitioner to rule out physical causes.
There are several physical signs like unexplained fatigue, ongoing health complaints, bloodshot eyes, glazed over gaze, and a cough that lasts for weeks and won’t go away. From an emotional standpoint, adolescents who exhibit sudden changes in personality, rapid mood swings, increasingly irresponsible behavior, and general lack of interest, especially in things that they were previously interested in should be evaluated. Other warning signs include starting fights with family members, breaking rules, dressing differently, withdrawing from friends and family, swapping current friends for a different group of friends, skipping school, and requiring significant disciplinary action on a regular basis.
How to Help
There is no question that one of the most effective tools parents have in preventing their teens from abusing drugs and alcohol is the relationship they have and are able to maintain with their teenager. Parents should initiate discussions on the dangers of substance abuse, be honest, open, and invite their teen to participate. Parents need to provide a good role model for teenagers to follow by exhibiting responsible behavior, communicating often, and raising issues as soon as they develop in a calm and supportive way.
Research has shown that parents are in fact the “Anti-Drug” and are the main deterrent against experimenting with drugs and alcohol during adolescence. The key is building a solid relationship that encourages open communication. Remain a visible presence in their daily lives by being involved, supporting them in their interests, and attending their activities like games, plays, and concerts. Be clear, consistent, and fair in setting rules and expectations. Overly harsh and restrictive rules often have the same result as no rules at all, an increased risk of substance abuse. Overall, remain an active and interested participant in their lives and be available when they need advice, support, or help as they navigate the challenges of adolescence.
Tags: Adderall, Adolescence, Duke University, Health, Monitoring the Future, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Substance abuse, Vicodin
Posted in Substance Abuse | No Comments »
November 29th, 2011
Doorways LLC, a Phoenix Teen and Young Adult Counseling Center Seeks to Provide over 200 New Beanie Caps and Blankets to Tumbleweeds Center for Youth
On any given day there are over 1800 homeless youth living in the streets of Maricopa County and very few places for them to turn to for help. One of those places is Tumbleweeds Center for Youth which provides emergency shelter, counseling, and educational and employment assistance to over 3,000 homeless young people per year.
Doorways LLC, a counseling clinic in Phoenix that specializes in working with teens and young adults, is inviting the community to join them in helping out homeless teens by dropping off donations of new beanie caps and lightweight blankets at their clinic located at 1825 E. Northern Ave. Suite 200, Phoenix, AZ 85020.
“Living on the streets is difficult enough, but living on the streets in the winter can be even more so. By providing homeless youth with their own beanie cap and lightweight blanket that they can take with them we can fill an unmet physical need and in a small way help with their emotional and spiritual needs as well,” says Jan Hamilton, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner and Founder of Doorways.
Donations of new “Beanies and Blankets” will be accepted through December 20th, 2011. The donations will be delivered to Tumbleweeds prior to Christmas Day.
For directions or any other information go to www.doorwaysarizona.com, or call 602.997.2880.
About Doorways LLC.
Doorways LLC. is a faith-based counseling organization in Phoenix, Arizona, that provides comprehensive outpatient treatment focused exclusively on adolescents, young adults and their families. Therapists at Doorways specialize in treatment for eating disorders, mood disorders, substance abuse, depression, ADD/ADHD, self-harm, suicide and more. For more information, visit http://www.doorwaysarizona.com, or call 602-997-2880.
Tags: Arizona, Beanie, Jan Hamilton, Maricopa County Arizona, Mental health, Phoenix Arizona, Street children, Youth
Posted in Past Events | 1 Comment »
December 1st, 2011
 Do the change in seasons affect your teen? It isn’t uncommon for people of all ages to get a little down as fall changes to winter, the days get shorter, and the temperatures drop. In most places around the country, the long, fun, sunny days of summer are gone and the bleak, cold days of winter loom ahead for months. But for some people, the transition from season to season can cause a type of depression that is much more serious than being bummed out that summer is over. This condition is called Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). It is a type of depression and it affects more people, of all ages, than you might think. Current estimates indicate that about 6% of people, including adults, teens, and children, have Seasonal Affective Disorder.
For parents of teenagers, it can be enough of a challenge to figure out what is natural teenage moodiness and what is a mental health concern. When the source of the moody behavior is Seasonal Affective Disorder, it can be even more challenging because the condition is rare in children and teens. The average age for onset of the illness is 20 and more females than males are affected.
The main thing that differentiates Seasonal Affective Disorder from depression is the seasonal pattern. A teenager with this condition will only experience symptoms for the same few months every year. The most common form of the disorder is winter depression which affects people as the seasons shift from fall to winter. There is also a form of the disorder called summer depression that begins in the late spring and runs through the summer.
What Causes Seasonal Affective Disorder?
The cause of SAD is unclear but lack of access to sunlight is suspected to play a part in the disorder. When the amount of sunlight decreases or increases, it may affect the way our body and brain produces chemicals. People with SAD may be more sensitive to these chemical and hormonal shifts. These theories are supported by research that shows a person inNew Hampshireis seven times more likely to have SAD than a person inFlorida. Anecdotal evidence that people with SAD who spend the winter months in a place with more access to sunlight do not experience symptoms.
Who is at Risk for Developing SAD?
While anyone can get this disorder, there are some factors that increase the risk of developing it including:
- Family history – If you have a close relative with SAD you may be more likely to develop it.
- Gender – More women have been diagnosed with the disorder than men.
- Location – People who live far from the equator, either north or south, are more likely to have SAD.
- Mental Health – Those people with depression or bipolar disorder may find that their symptoms are worse depending on the season.
What are the Signs and Symptoms?
The signs and symptoms of SAD are the same as those for depression but are only experienced during a specific season. These symptoms include:
- Fatigue
- Mood changes
- Loss of enjoyment in activities, socializing, and pastimes
- Lack of energy
- Changes in sleep patterns
- Problems with concentration
- Changes in eating habits that includes craving high sugar foods
How is it Treated?
There are several ways to treat SAD in teenagers. The first type of treatment involves increasing the person’s exposure to full spectrum lights during the months when they experience symptoms. These types of light bulbs mimic daylight and can relieve symptoms. If simple exposure to more light isn’t sufficient to alleviate symptoms, light therapy may be used. This approach uses special lights as well but concentrates the light in a light box or light panel. The person with SAD sits in front of the lights for a specific amount of time each day until the seasons change again. Psychotherapy and medication may also be used to treat teens with SAD.
Tags: Bipolar disorder, depression, Health, Major depressive disorder, Mental health, Mood swing, Seasonal Affective Disorder, Symptom
Posted in Seasonal Affective Disorder, Teens | No Comments »
December 5th, 2011
 Is your teen exhibiting signs of holiday stress? In the frenzy of planning, shopping, wrapping, decorating, entertaining, and visiting that often punctuates the holiday season, it is no wonder that many parents find the time between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day to be one of the most stressful of the entire year. Unfortunately, as our stress level increases, we often increase the stress level of those around us while also becoming less able to see the signs of stress the other members of our families’ exhibit. Without some blatant flashing sign like a school suspension, angry outburst, or emotional meltdown, we may be too wrapped up in our own holiday stress to notice that our teens are having a tough time too.
Teenagers have their own set of holiday stress, especially if they are part of a family that is struggling financially, dealing with a separation or divorce, or facing the holidays without a loved one for the first time. Stress impacts teens in many of the same ways it impacts adults. They can experience physical symptoms like headaches and insomnia. They can struggle emotionally and suddenly have a short fuse and be quick to anger. They may turn to unhealthy behaviors like binge eating as a way to cope with their stress.
What Can Parents Do to Help?
The first and most important thing is to notice if your teenager is stressed. According to the American Psychological Association’s Stress in Americastudy(http://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/stress/national-report.pdf) , while almost half of teens report being more stressed out from one year to the next not even 30% of parents noticed. Pay attention for the signs that your teen is worried and then work together to determine the source of their stress. Sometimes, just knowing that they aren’t alone can make a huge difference in how much stress they are experiencing.
Here are some other strategies parents can use to put the whole family on a stress-reduction diet for the holidays.
Share
Be honest, but be reassuring. It may be tempting to take this opportunity to over share with your teen and unload all your adult problems, worries, and concerns onto your teens. Resist that temptation by remembering that even if they are taller than you or have a moustache, they aren’t adults yet and don’t need to be burdened with adult issues.
Breathe
Institute a 2 minute breathing break a couple times a day where the whole family gets together and focuses on breathing. Just a couple minutes of deliberate, mindful breathing can wash away worry and alleviate accumulated stress.
Move
With all the holiday hustle and bustle, it is easy for everyone to get out of the habit of exercising. Since exercise is great for soothing stress, get everyone moving by turning on their favorite music and daring them to dance. Get off the couch and go for a walk or rearrange the living room, just get everyone moving and burning off some of their stress.
Give
The holidays are a time of giving, but often that means giving presents. Holiday stress over how many presents they will get, who will get the most, what they want that they won’t get, and feeling guilty for wanting things the family cannot afford can be soothed with a simple shift in priorities. Take time out of shopping and shipping to volunteer as a family at a soup kitchen, homeless shelter, nursing home, or any other venue that allows everyone in your family to give some of themselves and change their outlook on the holiday season.
Tags: Adolescence, American Psychological Association, Christmas and holiday season, Holiday, Stress, Stress management, Worry
Posted in Stress, Teens | No Comments »
January 11th, 2012
Doorways is contracted with Grand Canyon University to provide confidential, professional, Biblically-based counseling services to students on campus. Effective immediately they have expanded their hours of availability as well as are now offering nutritional counseling. Appointments may be scheduled through the counselor on campus, or by calling and identifying yourself as a GCU student. There is no charge to students of Grand Canyon University for use of on campus counseling and nutritional services. On campus services offered include counseling for
A registered dietitian will be on campus every Tuesday from 2:00-4:00 PM and will be available to advise students on a variety of issues.
The dietitian is available at Grand Canyon University to provide nutritional advice for:
- Athletes
- Vegetarians
- Internationals confused about American food
- Allergy sufferers,
- Disordered eating or eating disorder clients,
- Weight management, need for weight loss or gain,
- Diabetes, and other medical conditions
Workshops are also available on topics such as hydration, how to eat healthy in the cafeteria, dorm room snack ideas, how to avoid the freshman 15 and more.
Other counseling and nutritional services are offered off-site at Doorways, LLC. Cost for offsite services will be the responsibility of the student and include treatment and help for:
- Psychiatric Evaluations
- Family Counseling
- DBT Support Groups
- Medication Management
For more information about counseling services at Grand Canyon University, click here: GCU Brochure
Tags: Doorways, Eating disorder, Grand Canyon University, Mental health, Substance abuse
Posted in In the News, Uncategorized | No Comments »
January 16th, 2012
As the first few days of 2012 roll by, many people will be talking about and setting their New Year’s resolutions. However, even those who set resolutions don’t always expect them to be successful. The statistics don’t lie; 35% of those who make resolutions don’t even make it through the first day. But, statistics go both ways. According to a study completed at the University of Scranton, almost half of those who set resolutions go on to achieve some degree of success as opposed to only 4% of those who think about setting goals, do not commit to a specific resolution.
If you are interested in helping your teen set and stick to a couple New Year’s resolutions, think about making it a family affair. Setting goals together fosters the type of supportive environment that helps people succeed at making life changes. Even if each family member has their own set of resolutions, you can act as accountability partners for each other and work together to stay on track. In addition to the family unity benefits that this type of activity can offer, getting teenagers to start thinking what they want to achieve will help them develop the skills needed for long-term planning.
If your teen is resisting participation, talk about why goals and resolutions are important from your perspective. Then listen to their objections thoughtfully. If you cannot convince them to get on board, seek some kind of compromise. Resolutions and goals must be sincere to be attainable. Forced or begrudging participation may result in a list of resolutions, but it isn’t likely to result in long term change.
To help both parents and teens set their resolutions, we pulled together a list of some of the more common resolutions to provide each group a place to start. As you work through the list and determine your own resolutions, remember that being sincere about the resolutions you set and believing that you can succeed are the two factors that will contribute most to your success.
Ideas for Teens
- Commit to helping out around the house in one new way every week.
- Commit to being more helpful to your family or more social at school.
- Make yourself available take over the care of the family pets.
- Make a commitment to turn on the TV less.
- Decide to be nicer to your brothers and sisters, especially if they look up to you.
- Decide to read more, and to read just for fun. Set a goal for how many additional books you want to read next year.
- Resolve to ask for help when you need it and take help when it’s offered.
- Resolve to volunteer and give some of your time to someone else.
- Commit to being more organized and make a plan for how you will get organized and stay that way.
- Commit to taking school seriously.
Ideas for Parents
- Resolve to be a healthier family and set a good example for your children.
- Commit to eating dinner together at the table several nights a week.
- Decide to focus on getting more quality time with both your children and your spouse or significant other.
- Choose a home improvement project or a vacation that they family can plan and undertake together.
- Resolve to enforce your own rules.
- Commit to helping your children establish and adhere to their own boundaries.
- Decide that when interacting with your teen, you will listen more than you talk.
- Commit to saying one sincere, positive thing about each member of your family every day.
- Choose to focus on the good decisions your teens make at least as much as you focus on the bad decisions they make.
- Resolve to get your teen or your family whatever help they need to overcome their challenges and make it through their struggles successfully.
Tags: Holidays, Ice cream, John Selden, New Year, new years resolution, Smartphone, Smoking cessation, Writing
Posted in Teens | 1 Comment »
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