May is Mental Health Awareness Month. In many communities, it’s an opportunity to participate in local events and activities that promote mental wellness. It’s also an ideal time to examine the way your own thoughts impact your quality of life. Many Americans struggle with conditions such as depression, anxiety, trauma disorder, and more. Sadly, instead of seeking treatment, some choose to self-medicate with drugs or alcohol. There are many reasons. There’s a stigma attached to mental wellness, and many people don’t want others to know they’re struggling. Or, there may be a lack of local resources in place. Regardless, if you’re one of the millions of Americans who experience chronic feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or suicidal thoughts, coupled with substance use disorder, there are treatment centers available to help.
Fort Behavioral Health’s dual diagnosis treatment program provides compassionate and comprehensive care to help your teen feel like themselves again.
Finding Mental Health Resources for Teens
Mental health can be especially fragile for today’s teens. This generation copes with problems that previous generations never imagined. As a result, many teens suffer in silence because they simply don’t know where to turn for help. They may feel too embarrassed or ashamed to share their thoughts with parents or teachers, and they may lack a supportive network of friends.
If you suspect your child is experiencing problems with their mental health and is using drugs or alcohol to help mask the pain, there are many people to which you can turn for assistance. These include:
- Your teen’s pediatrician
- A pastor or youth leader at church
- A school guidance counselor
- A nearby dual diagnosis treatment program
- Community support groups
If mental health resources for teens aren’t readily available in your area, call your local hospital and ask to speak with an addiction specialist. You or your teen can even call a national crisis hotline to find local addiction therapy treatment programs geared especially toward young people. Mental Health Awareness Month is the ideal time to seek recovery for your family.
Is Your Teen Struggling with Their Mental Health?
It’s important to know where to turn for help with your teen’s mental health, but how do you know when there’s a problem? Most adolescents are notoriously close-mouthed and reluctant to share information with parents. In addition, many of the symptoms of drug and alcohol use disorders may mimic normal teenage behavior. However, as a parent, you are your child’s most important advocate. Therefore, it’s important to speak out if you notice the signs of drug or alcohol abuse or mental health concerns in your teen. Common indicators include:
- Frequent periods of confusion or “spaciness”
- Self-isolation
- Loss of interest in friends, school, and activities
- Drastic changes in appearance or hygiene
- Chronic sadness
- Frequent irritability, paranoia, or aggression
Any of these symptoms may be confused with teenage moodiness, but if symptoms persist or seem more serious than they should, it’s time to sit down with your child and have a discussion about what they’re feeling. Use Mental Health Awareness Month to start the conversation.
Fort Behavioral Health Provides Mental Health Resources for Teens
In Texas and the surrounding areas, Fort Behavioral Health offers excellent care to those seeking treatment for mental health. Our adolescent youth program begins with a 12-step approach that addresses both addiction and adolescent mental health. Additionally, we provide a range of evidence-based therapies, including behavioral counseling.
Celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month with Fort Behavioral Health
If your loved one is struggling with mental health concerns, addiction, or both concurrently, Fort Behavioral Health provides a solid dual diagnosis treatment program. Call us today at 844.332.1807 for more information. Or visit us online to better understand how we can help your family heal during this year’s Mental Health Awareness Month.
