Self-Care Practices for Teens to Support Their Mental Health

Dear community,

I hope you’ve been doing well since I’ve last written. I’ve been thinking a lot about how I prioritize self-care to boost my mental health, especially considering how important it is to me in my own life. I wanted to share some self-care practices for teens that have helped me along the way in hopes they might resonate with you too.

Prioritize Self-Care

First and foremost, I’ve learned to prioritize self-care. It’s not just about indulgence; it’s about recognizing when I need a break and giving myself permission to take it. Whether it’s reading a book, going for a hike, or simply enjoying a cup of tea in peace, these little moments of self-care recharge me and keep me grounded. My favorite practice is listening to music and my favorite artists.

Connect with Family & Friends

Staying connected has also been a big part of my mental health journey. I’ve found that reaching out to friends and loved ones, even when I don’t feel like it, can make a world of difference. Just knowing that there are people who care about me, and are there to listen, can be incredibly comforting. 

Practice Mindfulness

Mindfulness has become a daily self-care practice for me. Whether it’s through meditation, deep breathing exercises, or simply taking a few moments to appreciate the present moment, mindfulness helps me stay centered and calm, even in the midst of chaos.

Mind Your Body

Taking care of my body is another essential aspect of my mental health routine. Eating well, staying hydrated, and getting regular exercise not only make me feel good physically but also have a huge impact on my mood and overall well-being.

Stick to Your Values

Setting boundaries has been a game-changer for me. Learning to say no to things that drain my energy or don’t align with my values has allowed me to prioritize my own needs and focus on what truly matters to me. 

Find What Works For You

I hope these insights into self-care practices for teens based on my own journey with mental health and wellness resonate with you in some way. Remember, it’s all about finding what works best for you and being gentle with yourself along the way. 

If you ever need someone to talk to or support in any way, reach out to the National Mental Health Hotline, offering free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources at (866)-903-378. 

Need help prioritizing self-care to boost your mental health? Enter your information below to submit your request for a free consultation. 

Contact Soul 2 Soul Healing Today to Schedule Your Free Consultation!

Soul 2 Soul Healing Office
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Local Teen Opens Up About Mental Health Journey

Dear fellow wave riders,

Sometimes, I feel as though life is just like the sea. For the longest time, anxiety was the relentless wave that threatened to capsize my ship. The pressure, self-doubt, and sleepless nights felt like navigating through a never-ending storm. I questioned my worth and was scared to embark on my mental health journey by starting something like therapy, which I had never done before.

But amidst the chaos, I discovered resilience within myself. It wasn’t an overnight revelation but a gradual understanding that my mental health deserved attention and care. I began seeking help, opening up to friends and family, and, most importantly, to professionals who offered mental health counseling for teens and guided me through the storm.

Therapy became my anchor, providing a safe harbor where I could explore the depths of my thoughts and emotions. It wasn’t about erasing the waves but learning to ride them. Understanding that vulnerability is not a weakness but a strength that connects us. Self-care became my life jacket, reminding me to prioritize my well-being. Whether it’s a quiet moment with a book, a walk in nature, or simply taking a break, these small acts became lifeboats in the storm. I learned that preserving my mental health required intentional efforts and self-compassion. 

Support from loved ones transformed into a lighthouse, guiding me through the darkest nights. Sharing my struggles with mental health became a bridge that connected me to others who had faced similar challenges. In those connections, I found solace, understanding, and a community that stood as a collective testament to the power of empathy. 

As I write this letter, I want to emphasize that the journey is ongoing. Mental health is a continuous exploration, a commitment to self-discovery and growth. There are still days when the waves are high, but now I face them with a newfound resilience. It becomes easier to practice skills and navigate your daily life better.

To anyone reading this who may be struggling along their own mental health journey, I want to say that you are not alone. Reach out, seek help, and embrace the journey. There is strength in vulnerability, and a community is ready to support you. Probably one of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that there is no reason to feel ashamed to ask for help; we are all human.

Yours Truly, 

CJ

El Segundo high school student

Contact Soul 2 Soul Healing Today to Schedule Your Free Consultation!

Soul 2 Soul Healing Office
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Understanding Teen Trauma and What You Can Do to Help

Being a teenager comes with its own unique set of struggles and emotions. From the ever-changing hormones to the social pressures, teens often feel overwhelmed and anxious. But, on top of all of this, teens are also especially vulnerable to trauma. Trauma is a difficult thing to understand, but it’s important for both parents and teens to be aware of what trauma is and how it can affect teenagers. Let’s take a look at teen trauma and how you can help your teen cope with it.

What is Trauma?

Trauma is described as a person’s emotional reaction to an extremely distressing or painful experience. It can be physical or psychological in nature, but regardless of the type of trauma someone has experienced, it can have lasting effects that interfere with their day-to-day life.

Common Types of Trauma Teens Experience

Teenagers may be exposed to a wide variety of traumatic events or trauma types, such as:
  • The impact of divorce
  • Separation
  • A family members addiction/substance abuse
  • Sexual abuse
  • Sexual/gender identity issues
  • Bullying
  • Loss of a loved one

Signs of Trauma in Teens

Signs of teen trauma can manifest in a variety of ways. Teens may begin to struggle more with their ability to regulate their emotions and act out more aggressively or engage in risky behaviors. They may also start to avoid situations that remind them of the trauma or withdraw from activities they used to enjoy.

Other signs may include depression, anxiety, changes in sleep patterns and appetite, increased irritability or angry outbursts, difficulty concentrating or focusing on tasks at school, struggling with relationships both inside and outside the home, and increased use of alcohol or drugs.

Additionally, teens exposed to trauma might have nightmares about it or flashbacks that seem real. They may also become more impulsive and have trouble controlling their emotions. In some cases, teens who experience trauma might self-harm or attempt suicide as a way to cope with the aftermath of what has happened.

It’s important for parents and family members to be aware of any changes in their teen’s behavior so they can intervene if necessary and connect them with resources that can provide support in managing the trauma they experienced.

The Impact of Trauma on Teens

Trauma has an immense impact on teenagers and can have a lasting effect on their physical and emotional development.

The effects of trauma on teens extend far beyond the immediate emotional or psychological effects. When traumatic events occur during adolescence, it can interfere with brain development and limit cognitive abilities in areas like memory, concentration and problem-solving. This can lead to difficulties in learning and academic achievement as well as social development.

Physical effects are also common among those who have experienced trauma in their youth. Teens may experience headaches, digestive issues, fatigue and sleep disturbances as a result of traumatic events. Studies have also found that some teens may be at higher risk for developing chronic health conditions such as heart disease or diabetes due to the compounded stress of repeated childhood traumas.

The long-term consequences of trauma experienced by teens can be severe if not addressed properly. It is important for parents to understand the signs of childhood trauma so they can provide effective support for their children throughout adolescence and into adulthood.

Help Your Teen Cope with Trauma

If your teen is struggling with unresolved traumas from past experiences, there are steps you can take as a parent to help them cope with their pain and move forward in life.

1. It is important to be patient and understanding when your teen is struggling with a traumatic experience.

2. It is essential for you to listen carefully when your teenager talks about their feelings related to the traumatic event(s). You should try not to judge what your teen has experienced but instead offer a listening ear and support.

3. You should encourage healthy behaviors such as getting enough sleep, participating in calming activities like yoga or mindfulness meditation and setting achievable goals for themselves each day.

4. It can be helpful for parents/caregivers to encourage teens who are struggling with trauma-related effects to seek professional help such as teen therapy.

5. It is essential that parents/caregivers practice self-care so you can provide better care for your teen during stressful times – taking regular breaks away from being with your teen if possible; staying connected with family/friends; exercising regularly; eating healthy foods; engaging in calming activities like deep breathing exercises; seeking out professional support if needed.

Teen Therapy & Treatment Options

If your teen is displaying any signs of trauma, then teen therapy would likely benefit them greatly. Soul 2 Soul Healing provides a safe space for your teen to talk about their experiences without feeling judged, allowing them the opportunity to process their emotions and work through any underlying issues causing them distress.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Trauma

Cognitive behavioral therapy, sometimes referred to as CBT, is a form of psychotherapy that focuses on how people think about and react to situations. It places emphasis on understanding the connection between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. By focusing on this connection, it helps individuals identify and change any unhealthy thought patterns or behaviors that are hindering their progress towards positive mental health.

How Can CBT Help Teenagers with Trauma?

CBT can be incredibly helpful for teens dealing with trauma because it encourages them to face their emotions head-on. This can be beneficial for teenagers who may be struggling to deal with the aftermath of a traumatic event. Through CBT, teens can work through their grief in a safe environment where they will receive support from a trained professional.

In addition to helping teens process their emotions in a healthy way, CBT also teaches them coping strategies to help manage their emotions in stressful situations. These techniques include deep breathing exercises and mindfulness meditation techniques which can help reduce stress levels and promote relaxation. These tools can be invaluable when it comes to managing anxiety or depression that may stem from traumatic experiences.

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy for Trauma

DBT is an evidence-based form of psychotherapy developed by Marsha Linehan in the 1980s. It combines cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) with mindfulness practices to help people become more aware of their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. The main goal of DBT is to help teens understand why they feel the way they do, so that they can develop healthy coping mechanisms for managing their emotions.

The Benefits of DBT For Teenagers Struggling with Trauma

One of the most important benefits of DBT for teenagers struggling with trauma is that it helps them create better relationships with themselves and others. Through DBT, teens can learn how to become more mindful and aware of their thoughts and feelings, as well as those around them. This can lead to improved communication within relationships and better overall emotional regulation. Additionally, DBT teaches teens strategies for dealing with difficult emotions such as anger, fear, or sadness in healthier ways – rather than relying on self-destructive habits like substance abuse or disordered eating.

Another benefit of DBT is that it helps teach teens how to set realistic expectations for themselves when it comes to responding to challenging situations or even traumatic events in their lives. This means they will be less likely to give up when faced with difficult problems or experiences because they will have learned how to manage these emotions in productive ways instead. Finally, DBT encourages teens to be kinder towards themselves – something we all need more practice doing!

Therapy for Teens in El Segundo, Ca

Trauma can have a profound effect on teenagers at a time when they are already trying their best to navigate teenage life successfully. Learning how to recognize potential warning signs early on is key so that appropriate treatment options can be pursued quickly before things spiral out of control. If you suspect your teenager might be struggling with unresolved trauma, then seeking professional help right away could make all the difference not only now but also throughout their future lives as well!

Contact Soul 2 Soul Healing Today to Schedule Your Free Consultation!

Soul 2 Soul Healing Office
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8 Signs Your Teen Should See a Therapist

Teen mental health is an incredibly important topic for adolescents and their families. The teenage years are full of emotional, overwhelming, and sometimes painful experiences. Parents may write off their child’s behavior as typical teen rebellion or adolescent hormones. You hate to see your teen struggle, and you want to believe that they’ll simply grow out of it. In some cases, though, there are more serious issues at play.

Therapy is a valuable resource for teenagers who are facing mental health concerns. Most teens don’t want to open up to their parents about their emotions, but they may feel more comfortable when working with a professional. Recognizing the need for therapy for teens is one of the best things you can do as a parent to protect your child’s mental health.

Here Are Eight Signs Your Teen Should See a Therapist

 

1. They’ve been lashing out.

Occasional angry outbursts from your teen are normal. Adolescence is a stressful and turbulent time, and your child may lash out when they don’t have a better outlet for expressing their emotions.

Frequent outbursts may be a sign of an underlying mental health issue, though. Anger and irritability can be a cover for stress, anxiety, fear, shame, or other painful emotions. Irritability is one of the key symptoms for children, struggling with depression. If you’ve noticed that your teen has an extremely short fuse all the time, it may be time to try therapy. In therapy, your child can explore the cause of their anger and learn healthier coping skills so that they can handle the stressful moments in their life without lashing out.

2. They’re socially isolated.

The teenage years usually bring about a major social transition. Teens go from leaning on their parents for emotional support to relying on their friends. Your child needs strong and trusting friendships as they go through adolescence. While being introverted and valuing your alone time is perfectly normal and healthy, being completely isolated is not.

Social isolation can be especially concerning if you’ve noticed that your child has recently withdrawn from their friends. Maybe there’s bullying at play, or maybe your teen is isolating themselves as a result of depression or another mental health issue. Whatever the reason, therapy for teens is an opportunity for your child to gain an understanding of their social needs and how they can meet those needs.

3. They have low self-esteem.

Low self-esteem is one of the most common mental health challenges teenagers face, especially in the age of social media. Teens are always comparing themselves to their peers. Constantly feeling like you don’t measure up to friends or classmates can be
extremely painful.

Your child may fixate on their perceived flaws or poke fun at themselves relentlessly. Self-deprecating humor can be harmless sometimes, but your teen may be struggling with their mental health if they’re always criticizing themselves. Therapy can help them learn how to dismiss the negative self-talk and treat themselves with more compassion.

4. Their performance in school is slipping.

Students are sometimes held to impossibly high standards, which only leads to more stress and anxiety. You shouldn’t expect your child to perform perfectly in school. However, a significant decline in their grades or a loss of interest in their extracurriculars can be a sign that something’s wrong.

Depression causes a lack of motivation and decreased interest in hobbies. If your teen seems to stop caring about school, they might be so emotionally fatigued that they just don’t have the energy to try anymore. Therapy can help your child figure out why they’re struggling with school, and it can encourage them to process and release the negative emotions that are holding them back.

5. They’re developing unhealthy habits.

A change in sleeping, eating, or grooming habits is a common sign of a mental health issue. When you’re struggling with your mental health, you may engage in unhealthy habits like overeating or oversleeping as a form of coping. It’s also hard to take good care of yourself when you’re constantly fighting off negative thoughts and emotions.

You might notice that your teen isn’t showering as frequently or has started wearing old or mismatched clothes. They may overeat, skip meals, or only eat unhealthy foods. Any decline in self-care can be cause for concern and may be worth addressing in therapy. Be careful when bringing this up with your teen, though, as you don’t want them to feel like you’re shaming them.

6. They’ve been through a trauma or major transition.

Trauma is painful at any age, but it’s especially hard to process as a teenager. Unresolved trauma can lead to depression, anxiety, social isolation, risky behavior, and so many other issues. Whether your teen recently went through trauma or experienced a traumatic event as a younger child, going to therapy is an important step in the healing process.

Similarly, going through a major life transition as a teenager can have mental health consequences. A move, a change in schools, a death in the family, the loss of a pet or the remarriage of a parent can all dramatically affect your teen’s life and emotional well-being. Therapy for teens provides a safe, private environment for them to process these changes.

7. They’ve been talking about death or suicide.

Speaking frequently about death or dying is one of the most important signs your teen should see a therapist. When someone’s struggling with suicidal ideation, it often comes out in their words. Your child might sound like they’re just making a dark joke, but even offhand comments about dying need to be taken seriously.

If you’re concerned that your child is in immediate danger, you should call 911 or 988 for the crisis lifeline. If they’re not in an acute crisis but are struggling with suicidality, therapy for teens is essential. They may feel like they can’t escape their suicidal thoughts, but therapy can help them overcome the harmful beliefs and emotions that are causing them so much pain.

8. Marijuana, Alcohol Use and Vaping

The use of marijuana, alcohol, vaping and other drugs is frequently the sole means of escape for many unhappy teenagers. They can feel better, less stressed, and more able to manage by temporarily reliving their depressive symptoms. Unfortunately, marijuana usage worsens the signs and symptoms of depression and increases the risk of more severe mental illnesses.

Therapy for Teens in El Segundo

Soul 2 Soul Healing offers therapy for teens. We understand how painful it can be to see your child struggle with their mental health, and we’re here to help. Whether they have a diagnosed mental health disorder or just need extra support navigating challenges at school or home, therapy can equip them with the coping skills they need to thrive. Please reach out to us today to learn more about how our teen therapy services can help your family.

Contact Soul 2 Soul Healing Today to Schedule Your Free Consultation!

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