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Understanding Teenage Moodiness: Is it More Than Just a Phase?

November 26, 2023 Categories: Uncategorized Tags: , dr.michael.bishop@gmail.com

Adolescence is a tumultuous period marked by significant physical, emotional, and psychological changes. It’s common for teenagers, particularly girls, to experience mood swings as they navigate the challenges of adolescence. However, distinguishing between typical teenage moodiness and more serious underlying issues is crucial for parents, educators, and caregivers. This article aims to shed light on how to tell if moodiness in a teenage girl is more than just a phase.

  1. Duration and Intensity: One key factor to consider is the duration and intensity of mood changes. While mood swings are a normal part of adolescence, persistent and extreme moodiness that lasts for an extended period may indicate a deeper issue. If a teenage girl consistently exhibits intense emotions for several weeks or months, it’s essential to explore the root cause.
  2. Social Withdrawal: Teenagers often seek more independence and privacy, but excessive social withdrawal can be a red flag. If a once sociable and outgoing girl starts isolating herself from friends and family, it may suggest underlying emotional struggles such as depression, anxiety, or other mental health issues.
  3. Changes in Academic Performance: Academic performance can be a reflection of a teenager’s emotional well-being. If there’s a noticeable decline in grades, lack of interest in school activities, or a sudden disinterest in academic pursuits, it’s essential to consider whether there may be an emotional or psychological factor contributing to these changes.
  4. Sleep and Appetite Changes: Pay attention to alterations in sleeping and eating patterns. Significant changes, such as insomnia, oversleeping, or a sudden change in appetite (either overeating or undereating), can be indicative of emotional distress. These physical manifestations are often linked to mental health concerns.
  5. Expression of Hopelessness or Despair: Take note of the girl’s verbal and written expressions. If there are consistent mentions of feelings of hopelessness, despair, or a lack of purpose, it’s crucial to address these concerns promptly. Such expressions could be indicative of depression or other mental health challenges.
  6. Unexplained Physical Symptoms: Sometimes, emotional distress can manifest as physical symptoms. Persistent headaches, stomachaches, or other unexplained physical complaints without an apparent medical cause might be a signal that something more than typical teenage moodiness is at play.
  7. Drastic Changes in Behavior or Appearance: Keep an eye on any drastic changes in behavior or appearance. Substance abuse, self-harm, sudden changes in clothing style, or extreme alterations in appearance may be signs of underlying emotional struggles that require attention and intervention.

It’s important for parents, educators, and caregivers to maintain open lines of communication with teenagers and create a supportive environment where they feel comfortable expressing their feelings. While moodiness is a normal part of adolescence, consistent and intense emotional struggles may indicate a need for professional help. Recognizing the signs early and seeking appropriate support can make a significant difference in a teenager’s well-being and long-term mental health. If in doubt, consulting with mental health professionals can provide valuable insights and guidance.

Evangelhouse: Helping Teen Girls Battling Depression

September 2, 2023 Categories: depression Tags: dr.michael.bishop@gmail.com

The teenage years can be a tumultuous period filled with challenges, emotions, and self-discovery. For some young girls, this phase can become overwhelming, leading to the development of depression, a serious mental health condition that affects millions of adolescents worldwide. In such critical times, a supportive and specialized environment can make all the difference. Evangelhouse stands as a beacon of hope for teen girls struggling with depression, offering a unique and effective approach to healing and recovery.

Understanding Depression in Teenage Girls

Depression is not a mere case of “the blues” or occasional sadness; it is a debilitating mental health disorder that can impact every aspect of a person’s life. In teenage girls, depression often manifests differently than it does in adults, making it particularly challenging to identify and address. Some common signs of depression in teen girls include:

  1. Persistent sadness or irritability.
  2. Changes in eating and sleeping patterns.
  3. Social withdrawal and isolation.
  4. Decline in academic performance.
  5. Loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities.
  6. Physical symptoms like headaches or stomachaches.
  7. Increased sensitivity to criticism or rejection.
  8. Thoughts of self-harm or suicide.

The importance of early intervention and specialized care cannot be overstated when it comes to teen depression.

Why Evangelhouse Stands Out for Girls with Depression

Evangelhouse is a residential treatment center that specializes in helping teen girls aged 12 to 18 who are grappling with depression, anxiety, self-esteem issues, and other emotional and behavioral challenges. There are several reasons why Evangelhouse is an excellent option for these young girls in need:

  1. Holistic Approach: Evangelhouse adopts a holistic approach to treatment, recognizing that emotional, physical, and mental health are interconnected. Therapy and counseling are combined with activities like art therapy, yoga, and equine therapy to provide a well-rounded healing experience.
  2. Individualized Treatment Plans: Every girl is unique, and their journey through depression is personal. Evangelhouse customizes treatment plans to address the specific needs and goals of each resident. This individualized approach ensures that girls receive the care and support that aligns with their struggles and strengths.
  3. Experienced and Compassionate Staff: The staff at Evangelhouse is comprised of experienced professionals who are passionate about helping young girls find their way back to emotional well-being. They create a safe and nurturing environment where girls can explore their feelings and work towards healing.
  4. Family Involvement: Evangelhouse recognizes the importance of family support in the recovery process. They actively involve families in therapy and provide resources and guidance to help parents and guardians better understand and support their daughters.
  5. Academic Support: Academic success is crucial for a teenager’s overall well-being. Evangelhouse offers a structured academic program to ensure that girls continue their education while receiving treatment. This approach helps them stay on track academically and transition back to their regular school environment more smoothly.
  6. Long-Term Healing: Evangelhouse’s goal is not just to provide short-term relief but to equip girls with the tools they need for long-term healing and resilience. Their comprehensive approach prepares teens to face the challenges of life with confidence and emotional strength.

Depression in teen girls is a complex and challenging issue, but with the right support and treatment, recovery is possible. Evangelhouse offers a lifeline to girls struggling with depression, providing them with a safe, nurturing, and specialized environment where they can heal, grow, and rediscover their sense of self-worth. By addressing the unique needs of each resident and taking a holistic approach to treatment, Evangelhouse empowers these young girls to break free from the shackles of depression and embrace a brighter, healthier future.

Empowering Recovery: Why Evangelhouse is a Beacon of Hope for Girls with Depression

June 12, 2023 Categories: depression Tags: , dr.michael.bishop@gmail.com

Depression can cast a long shadow over a girl’s life, affecting her overall well-being, self-esteem, and ability to function in daily activities. While depression can affect anyone, it is crucial to acknowledge that certain individuals may face unique challenges and require specialized care. Evangelhouse, a renowned treatment center for girls, is an exceptional option for girls battling depression. With a focus on individualized care, a nurturing environment, and evidence-based therapies, Evangelhouse shines as a beacon of hope for young girls seeking to reclaim their lives.

A Holistic and Individualized Approach

One of the key reasons why Evangelhouse stands out is its commitment to providing holistic and individualized treatment for girls with depression. Each resident undergoes a thorough assessment to tailor their treatment plan, acknowledging their specific needs, preferences, and challenges. The skilled and compassionate staff at Evangelhouse understand that girls experiencing depression may require different therapeutic approaches and methods of support. By addressing the unique circumstances of each individual, Evangelhouse empowers girls on their journey toward healing.

Nurturing and Supportive Environment

Evangelhouse prides itself on fostering a nurturing and supportive environment that promotes growth, healing, and connection. Recognizing the importance of a safe space, Evangelhouse ensures that girls with depression feel understood, validated, and valued. Through group therapy sessions, experiential activities, and personalized counseling, residents build strong bonds with peers who are also facing similar struggles. This camaraderie cultivates a sense of belonging, reducing feelings of isolation and reinforcing the notion that they are not alone in their battle against depression.

Evidence-Based Therapies

The treatment approach at Evangelhouse revolves around evidence-based therapies, which have proven effective in combating depression. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) are just a few of the therapeutic modalities employed to equip girls with the necessary tools to manage their symptoms and develop healthy coping mechanisms. By combining talk therapy, experiential therapy, and psychoeducation, Evangelhouse empowers girls to challenge negative thought patterns, regulate emotions, and cultivate resilience.

Comprehensive Mental Health Care

Beyond addressing depression, Evangelhouse recognizes the importance of comprehensive mental health care. Many girls with depression may also struggle with co-occurring disorders or underlying trauma. Evangelhouse provides comprehensive assessments to identify and treat any additional mental health challenges, ensuring a holistic approach to recovery. The availability of psychiatric services and medication management further enhances the treatment program, promoting stabilization and overall well-being.

Life Skills and Transitional Support

Recovery from depression involves learning essential life skills and developing strategies to navigate the challenges of everyday life. Evangelhouse places a strong emphasis on equipping girls with the necessary tools for a successful transition into independent living. Life skills training, educational support, and career counseling are integrated into the treatment program, empowering girls with the confidence and competence needed to reintegrate into society.

Depression can be an overwhelming and isolating experience, but with the right support and treatment, it is possible to regain control and live a fulfilling life. Evangelhouse stands out as an exceptional option for girls with depression, offering individualized care, a nurturing environment, evidence-based therapies, and comprehensive mental health support. By combining these elements, Evangelhouse serves as a beacon of hope, empowering girls to overcome their challenges, embrace their true potential, and embark on a journey of healing and recovery. If you or someone you know is struggling with depression, Evangelhouse is a place where transformation and renewal are possible.

Addressing Self-Harm in Adolescent and Teenage Girls

May 8, 2023 Categories: Uncategorized Tags: , , , dr.michael.bishop@gmail.com

Why Do Young People Cut Themselves?

In order to deal with their anxiety, rage, low self-esteem, self-hatred, or other unresolved emotional distress, teenagers sometimes self-harm. Teenagers who self-harm repeatedly do so because it provides them with a sense of almost euphoric release and catharsis.

According to research, a teen’s brain releases a rush of dopamine soon after self-harming that is comparable to the rush felt by drug users.  The brain also releases painkillers called beta-endorphins into the body in reaction to self-injury pain, which heightens the dopamine-induced “good” feeling.

Teens crave all kinds of sensations, even agony. Teenagers who cut frequently claim to feel emotionally numb, cut off from their classmates, and alienated from reality. They seek distraction from suicidal thoughts. It is painful and needs effort and concentration to cut, burn, or carve words into someone’s skin. By making the brain dwell on the purgative experience of self-harm, self-harm temporarily dispels suicidal ideas.

When teens are unable to “treat” their emotional wounds, they find solace in being able to heal physical wounds. They want to test their physical pain threshold since they are experiencing such intense emotional suffering.

Factors at Risk for Self-Harming Behaviors

Teenagers who have experienced sexual abuse are most likely to harm themselves. Self-harming behaviors are more likely to occur in adolescents with eating disorders, borderline personality disorder (BPD), PTSD, anxiety disorders, and depression disorders.

Self-harm is committed by youth who identify as LGBTQ at a rate that is close to 50%, which is twice as often as teens who do not. The main causes of LGBTQ teen self-harm include anxiety and stress from bullying, feeling excluded from society, and having little or no parental support.

All teenagers, regardless of their sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, or ethnicity, may engage in self-harm behavior as a means of coping with mental and emotional health issues. Adolescents who have attempted or threatened suicide at some point in their lives.

What Must Parents Do If They Think Their Adolescent or Teen Is Cutting?

Self-harming behavior is an indication of significant emotional problems that need for immediate parental and professional intervention. Cutting and self-injury behaviors hardly ever “go away” on their own, even with parental help.

Never yell at your youngster or threaten punishment if you’ve truly witnessed your teen self-harming. Recognize the emotions you are experiencing right away, such as wrath, guilt, shock, and panic, and restrain yourself from acting on them.

Step away from the situation and take some time to thoroughly consider your sentiments if you don’t think you can begin a cool, collected dialogue with your daughter at that particular time. Recognize that no one is to blame for what your daughter is doing to themself.

Recognize that your daughter is going through emotional pain and requires your love, care, and support more than they have in the past. Ensure your daughter that you care about them and are not upset with them. If teens are certain that their concerns won’t be judged or ridiculed, they will be more willing to discuss them openly.

Talk calmly about what you believe is best for your daughter, and then invite them to share their own opinions on what they believe will best help them deal with their emotional issues. Tell your daughter that it’s OK for now but that you will be back later to talk about their self-harming behavior if they refuse to engage in a dialogue about cutting. This break will give your teen some time to consider what to say and how to express their feelings before speaking with you.

Treatment Self-Harm at Evangelhouse Christian Academy

Christian residential treatment can be a powerful tool for addressing self-harm behaviors in teenage girls. Evangelhouse offers a holistic approach to treatment that combines therapy, counseling, and spiritual support to help teenage girls overcome self-harm behaviors. Our program is designed to provide a safe and supportive environment where girls can address their underlying issues and develop healthy coping mechanisms.

Through individual and group therapy sessions at Evangelhouse, teenage girls can explore the root causes of their self-harm behaviors and learn new ways of coping with stress and emotional pain. Christian therapists can provide a faith-based approach to therapy that incorporates biblical principles and teachings into the healing process.

Girls can receive individual and group counseling that focuses on addressing any underlying mental health concerns, such as depression, anxiety, or trauma. They can also receive support and guidance from trained counselors who understand the challenges of self-harm behaviors and can offer practical strategies for managing difficult emotions.

Finally, Evangelhouse offers spiritual support that can be a powerful source of strength and comfort for teenage girls. By incorporating prayer, scripture, and spiritual guidance into the healing process, girls can develop a deeper sense of purpose and meaning that can help them navigate the challenges of life.

Social Media and Depression

April 10, 2023 Categories: depression Tags: , dr.michael.bishop@gmail.com

Social media has become an integral part of our lives, especially among teenagers. While it has its benefits, such as connecting with others and sharing experiences, social media can also have negative effects on mental health, particularly in teenage girls.

Social media can create unrealistic standards for beauty and body image. Teenage girls are bombarded with images of airbrushed, edited, and filtered pictures of celebrities, models, and influencers. This can lead to feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem, causing them to constantly compare themselves to others, leading to negative thoughts and feelings. Moreover, they may feel the need to conform to these unattainable beauty standards, which can lead to unhealthy dieting and eating disorders.

Social media can be a breeding ground for cyberbullying. Teenagers spend a lot of time on social media, and this means they are more susceptible to online harassment. Cyberbullying can have a significant impact on their mental health and well-being, leading to feelings of anxiety, depression, and even suicide ideation. Additionally, the anonymity of social media can make it easier for bullies to target and harass others without being held accountable.

Apps like TikTok and Instagram can be addictive, leading to feelings of isolation and loneliness. Teenagers spend a lot of time on social media, and this can take away from their face-to-face social interactions, leading to feelings of isolation and loneliness. Moreover, the constant need to check their accounts and notifications can lead to anxiety and restlessness.

Viewing idealized photos of influencers on social media can create a distorted sense of reality, leading to feelings of inadequacy and anxiety. Teenagers are constantly exposed to the highlight reels of other people’s lives, which can create unrealistic expectations for their own lives. This can lead to feelings of inadequacy and anxiety, as they feel they are not living up to what they see on social media.

Social media can have a negative impact on teenage girls’ mental health, particularly their susceptibility to depression. By creating unrealistic beauty standards, promoting cyberbullying, creating feelings of loneliness, and distorting reality, social media can contribute to the development of depression and other mental health issues. It is important for parents and educators to understand the potential negative impacts of social media on teenage girls and take steps to mitigate these risks. This can include limiting social media usage, promoting healthy body image and self-esteem, and providing support and resources for those who are struggling.

Social media can also reduce the amount of time children spend engaging in enjoyable activities like hobbies and exercise. It can also divert attention from critical things like homework. Children may experience more stress due to having to balance these obligations. Additionally, studies indicate that accessing social media at night prevents many teenagers from getting a good night’s sleep.

Parents should monitor their children’s social media usage and assist them in forming positive routines. Kids should be encouraged to disable notifications, spend a lot of time engaging in satisfying offline activities, and put their phones aside before night. Additionally, you can lead by example by using social media responsibly.

Finally, remember to watch out for indications of depression and get professional assistance if you are concerned. It’s crucial to keep an eye on children who are experiencing a lot of stress. If you are in need of professional assistance to deal with your daughter’s social media habits and more, give us a call today at (800) 924-4012.

Teenage Substance Abuse and Depression

February 6, 2023 Categories: depression, substance abuse Tags: , dr.michael.bishop@gmail.com

Teenage substance use, especially alcohol consumption, is becoming more widespread as peer pressure, environmental pressures, a desire for independence, and attempting to deal with emotional problems all encourage youngsters to drink. According to a 2017 poll on teenage risk behavior, 14% of high school students binge drank, 30% of them drank moderately, 6% of them drove after drinking, and 17% of them traveled with a driver who had been drinking.

While research has shown that drinking in teens can be an indication of underlying mental health concerns like depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder, it is not uncommon for people to mistake it for just being a sign of adolescent experimentation. The National Institute on Drug Abuse revealed that 6 out of 10 substance abusers also have a mental condition. Because these co-occurring disorders are so common, learning about the connection between depression and substance addiction and its effects will help you figure out the best way to support your daughter if she is going through these difficulties.

Because drinking or using drugs might help some teenagers with mental health issues feel more at ease in social circumstances and inside their own brains, they may do so more frequently. Teenagers may feel more at ease using alcohol as a form of self-medication than using prescribed medications like antidepressants because drinking is considered acceptable. Others use alcohol or other drugs to feel better or to lessen the irritation they experience from depression. It can appear to be a useful coping method if they are offered what appears to be an escape from the depression symptoms and bad thoughts they are experiencing.

Because alcohol and other drugs activate the same brain regions as mental health illnesses do, they temporarily seem to lessen the undesirable negative mental health symptoms of depression and anxiety. However, over time, youth experience worse symptoms than they did before using the medications, which can have serious consequences like suicidal ideation, substance abuse, or addiction. Adolescents are especially at risk because they are more likely than adults to have the rapid onset of a serious substance use disorder. Addiction can develop even more quickly in teenagers who already have a mental health condition than it does in other children. If not treated, at least half of all adolescents who have been diagnosed with a mental health illness will also develop a substance abuse issue.

How Teenage Brains Are Affected by Alcohol

Alcohol is a depressant that slows down the central nervous system’s activity. Due to how alcohol affects the developing teenage brain, this can be especially risky for those who are underage drinkers. Alcohol usually has less of a detrimental impact on teenagers than it does on adults. This might increase teen binge drinking (four to five or more drinks at a time).

Additional mental repercussions of teen drinking include:

  • Alcohol slows down brain function, and its harmful effects can last up to two weeks longer in a teenager’s brain than in an adult’s.
  • The area of the teenage brain that regulates judgment, conduct, and impulse control can be impacted by alcohol even at modest doses.
  • There is a 40% risk that children who start drinking before age 15 will have their brains “programmed” for alcoholism.
  • Learning and memory can be impacted by some of the most severe brain damage brought on by alcohol. According to tests, persons who start drinking alcohol as teenagers struggle as adults to perform basic activities like reading a map or putting together projects. Teens who drink alcohol may experience changes in their psychological health in addition to physical ones.

Alcohol’s Mental and Emotional Effects on Teens

Teenagers who experiment with alcohol may use alcohol to mask their concern over a challenging situation in their life. However, regular drinking can be dangerous. Alcohol might momentarily lessen anxiety, but it can also make it worse within a few hours of drinking. Even moderate alcohol consumption might have an anxiety-inducing effect that lingers throughout the next day.

Psychological Perils of Minor Alcohol Use:

  • Alcohol usage in teenagers increases the likelihood of adult mental health issues such as depression, suicide, and psychosis.
  • 39 percent of 12- to 17-year-old current drinkers had severe behavioral issues, and 31% showed extremely high levels of psychological distress.
  • Teenagers who consume alcohol are more prone to have poor impulse control, which may result in dangerous sexual conduct or violent outbursts.
  • Teenage drinking’s physical repercussions might result in other types of substance abuse as well. Cannabis usage is 22 times more likely in underage drinkers, while cocaine use is 50 times more likely in them.

With all of the potentially harmful effects of having depression and substance use disorders together, it’s critical to get adolescent patients the care they require as soon as possible to avoid lasting effects.

How to Help Your Teen Who Does Drugs and Suffers From Depression

Treatment for an addiction and depression co-occurring diagnosis can take a variety of forms, from the more conventional approach of treating the addiction first and then the depression to more cutting-edge approaches that simultaneously treat both conditions to lower the risk of relapse in either condition.

Finding treatment that prioritizes treating both diseases simultaneously is crucial for youth in particular to prevent either disorder from sliding between the cracks. Additionally, because the stress they experience during standard addiction treatment programs like the 12-step recovery model can be detrimental to recovery, kids who have been diagnosed with co-occurring disorders often don’t succeed in them.

When treating both problems concurrently, practitioners frequently use cognitive behavioral therapy or DBT with medication to help manage both depression and substance withdrawal symptoms. Teens have been found to respond particularly well to programs that foster healthy social bonds. This can include interpersonal therapy, which can play a significant role in emotional support and skill-building that aids teens in coping with the unpleasant emotions connected to mental illness and substance abuse.

The care your teen needs to be successful on her healing path can be obtained from Evangelhouse if she is dealing with the co-occurring diseases of depression and substance misuse.

Evangelhoue Is Here To Help

We specialize in assisting young women on their road toward healing by combining a distinctive combination of therapeutic procedures with a healthy peer community founded on Christian values. Evangelhouse is one of the top behavioral healthcare facilities for girls in grades 6 through 12. We work to give adolescent girls the confidence to believe in themselves by giving them the resources and inspiration needed to implant these beliefs for life.

We provide treatment for teenagers who are struggling with a range of issues including previous trauma, loss, mental disorders, and addictive behaviors. Evangelhouse is a committed group of therapeutic professionals with specialized training and experience working with trauma, grief, and addiction. We have a track record of helping young women who are dealing with a range of issues successfully. Please call for further details on how Evangelhouse may assist.

Depression in Teenage Girls

January 5, 2023 Categories: depression, teen issues Tags: , dr.michael.bishop@gmail.com

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