Encourage Self-Exploration and Discovery

A key aspect of preparing your teen for adulthood is encouraging self-exploration and personal discovery. Provide them with opportunities to explore their interests, passions, strengths, and even weaknesses. Encourage them to pursue activities and hobbies that capture their curiosity. This will help them develop a sense of purpose and build a foundation for their future endeavors. 

In addition to this, be sure to actively listen to their ideas and opinions, and respect their individuality. As they explore and discover what interests them, they are likely to come across certain activities that are not the right fit. Rather than pushing them to continue these activities, empower them to find a better fit and continue on their search for what brings them joy.

Develop Strong Communication Skills

Effective communication is vital for success in both personal and professional relationships. You can help your teen develop strong communication skills by encouraging open and honest conversations. Teach them active listening techniques, empathy, and how to express their thoughts and feelings clearly. Developing these skills will equip them to articulate their ideas, collaborate with others, and navigate challenging conversations in the future.

Foster Financial Literacy

Financial literacy is an essential life skill that is often overlooked, especially within the school system. Start teaching your teen about money management early on in order to properly prepare them for adulthood. Teach them about budgeting, saving, investing, and responsible spending. You can also introduce them to concepts like credit and the importance of long-term financial planning. Motivate them to take on part-time jobs or engage in entrepreneurial ventures to learn the value of earning money and the responsibilities that come with it. By equipping your teen with financial literacy, you are setting them up for a secure and independent future. This knowledge can give your teen the upper hand as they become more independent and move out of the family home.

Cultivate Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving Skills

The ability to critically think and solve problems are two of the most important skills you can teach to your children. You can encourage your teen to think critically by asking open-ended questions, challenging assumptions, and exploring multiple perspectives. You’ll want to teach them problem-solving techniques such as analyzing situations and brainstorming solutions. Puzzles, riddles, and strategy games that stimulate their cognitive abilities are great family activities to engage in on a regular basis. By nurturing these skills, your children will develop the resilience and adaptability needed to overcome challenges in their personal and professional lives.

Promote Emotional Intelligence and Resilience

Emotional intelligence is an essential skill not only for a thriving adulthood but for relationships as well. Help your teen develop self-awareness by encouraging reflection and introspection. Teach them to recognize and manage their emotions, as well as empathize with others even when they might not understand or relate. You can promote resilience by teaching them how to bounce back from failures, cope with stress, and adapt to changes.

Preparing your teen for a thriving adulthood requires intentional effort and a holistic approach. By putting these strategies to work, you can lay a solid foundation for their future success. Every teen is unique and the journey to adulthood is a personal one but by being patient and supportive, you can help them feel empowered in their own experience. Provide them with guidance and resources, but also give them the freedom to make their own decisions and learn from their experiences.

Other Strategies To Consider:

• Encourage independence: Gradually offer more responsibilities and opportunities to make decisions. This will help them develop self-reliance and problem-solving skills.
• Foster a growth mindset: Show your teen that intelligence and abilities can be developed through effort and perseverance. 
• Provide mentorship and guidance: Connect them with mentors or professionals in fields they are interested in. These role models can offer guidance, support, and insights into various career paths.
• Promote time management and organization: Help your adolescent learn how to prioritize tasks, manage their time effectively, and stay organized. These skills are crucial for success in college, career, and personal life.
• Encourage responsible social media use: Teach your teen about the potential risks and consequences of social media and the importance of maintaining a positive digital footprint. Guide them in making wise choices and using social media as a tool for personal and professional growth.
• Instill a strong work ethic: You might teach them the value of hard work, perseverance, and integrity. 
• Support exploration of career options: Help your teen explore different career paths through internships, job shadowing, or volunteering.
• Promote a healthy lifestyle: Encourage them to prioritize physical and mental well-being. Teach them the importance of regular exercise, balanced nutrition, sufficient sleep, and stress management techniques.
• Teach problem-solving in relationships: Help your children navigate friendships, romantic relationships, and conflicts by teaching them effective communication, empathy, and problem-solving skills. 
•  Foster a global perspective: Expose your teen to diverse cultures, traditions, and perspectives.

Implications For Unprepared Teens

The ramifications of inadequate parental preparation can be far-reaching and destructive for many. Emotionally, these teens may struggle with self-confidence, decision-making, and managing their own emotions. They may feel overwhelmed by the expectations placed upon them, leading to anxiety and a sense of uncertainty about their future. Lacking the necessary life skills may cause them to face difficulties in even the most basic of tasks such as time management and problem-solving, hindering their ability to thrive independently.

Without a solid foundation, educational and career pursuits may suffer as well. Teens who are not adequately prepared for adulthood may find it challenging to navigate the education system or make informed choices about their career paths. Tasks like applying for financial aid, applying for colleges, and picking a major may be incredibly overwhelming. With proper parent support, they are more likely to make wise choices that will benefit them in the long run. Without this, they may lack the necessary skills to excel academically or professionally, impacting their opportunities for success and personal growth.

Socially, these unprepared teens might struggle to build and maintain healthy relationships, whether it be with friends or romantically. They are far more likely to face challenges in communication, conflict resolution, and understanding boundaries, which can lead to difficulties in forming meaningful connections with peers and mentors. This isolation can result in them feeling lonely and depressed in the long run.

Preparing your teen for a thriving adulthood takes preparation and consistency, but with the right steps in place, parents can help ensure that their teen is set up for success. By fostering self-exploration, communication skills, financial literacy, critical thinking, and emotional intelligence, you are equipping your teen with the tools they need to navigate the challenges and opportunities of adulthood. With your guidance and support, they will develop the confidence and capabilities to pursue their passions, make informed decisions, and lead fulfilling lives.

We Can Help!

MHThrive provides Individual Therapy, Couples and Marriage Counseling, and Family Therapy at our locations in Katy, The Woodlands, and the Clear Lake area of Houston, Texas. We also provide telehealth therapy for anyone who resides within the State of Texas. To schedule an appointment with one of the MHThrive therapists, contact us at 713-477-0333 or visit www.mhthrive.com to learn more.

If you or someone you know is experiencing any mental health or substance abuse issues, New Dimensions can help. Our team of experienced therapists and psychiatrists can help you overcome these challenges and help you develop the skills you need to thrive. To schedule a complementary assessment or to find out more about our programs, contact us at 1-800-685-9796.

Online Treatment Programs provides Teletherapy Partial Hospitalization and Intensive Outpatient Programs allowing participants to receive intensive therapy with our licensed therapists and psychiatrists without having to leave home.  If you or someone you know is struggling to overcome depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, trauma, panic attacks, PTSD, alcoholism, drug abuse, or other mental health or addiction issues, we can help.  To schedule a complementary assessment or to find out more about our teletherapy programs, contact us at 1-800-685-9796.

The post How to Prepare Your Teen for a Thriving Adulthood appeared first on MH Thrive.

Additionally, some adolescents simply experience lower motivation than others. This can be a result of a variety of factors. Even so, by providing the right support and guidance, you can empower them to reignite their excitement for adulthood and discover their true potential. In this blog, we will explore practical strategies to assist unmotivated young adults in finding their path, embracing their passions, and achieving their goals.

What Causes a Lack of Motivation in Young Adults?

Adolescents often face a barrage of societal standards and norms, leaving them feeling overwhelmed and unsure of their own identity and purpose. The constant comparison to others, fueled by social media and peer dynamics, can dampen their motivation as they struggle to meet unrealistic ideals. Especially with social media, young adults are exposed to a vast range of career paths that may feel impossible to choose from.

Another contributing factor could be the absence of meaningful goals and a clear sense of direction. Without a sense of purpose or vision for the future, adolescents may find it challenging to find the drive and determination to pursue their dreams. The lack of guidance and support in setting achievable goals can leave them feeling adrift, leading to a loss of motivation.

The education system can play a role in demotivating adolescents as well. Too rigid of a curriculum that emphasizes rote learning and standardized testing might fail to engage their interests and passions. When students do not see the relevance or value in their studies, they can become disengaged and lose motivation to excel academically. For students that have made up their mind to not attend college, they may feel that school is not a positive use of their time and as a result, it becomes unimportant to them.

Finally, family dynamics and parental influence play a massive role in shaping a teenager’s motivation levels. Lack of support, high expectations, or a dismissive attitude toward their aspirations can all contribute to demotivation. A nurturing and encouraging environment, on the other hand, can promote a sense of purpose and drive in young adults.

Creating a Supportive Environment

To help an unmotivated young adult, it’s essential to create a supportive environment that fosters their personal growth. Encourage open communication and create a space where they feel safe to express their thoughts, fears, and aspirations. Show genuine interest in their concerns and provide empathy without judgment. By building a foundation of trust, you lay the groundwork for them to explore their inner motivations.

Exploring Passions and Interests

Encourage the young adult to explore different hobbies, activities, and subjects that pique their curiosity. Expose them to a diverse range of experiences, such as art, music, sports, or volunteer work. By exposing them to various interests, they can gradually discover their passions. Engaging in activities they genuinely enjoy helps motivate them intrinsically, igniting their inner drive to explore further and excel in their chosen field.

Goal Setting and Planning

Role models should assist young adults in setting achievable short-term and long-term goals. Start with small, manageable objectives that align with their interests and gradually progress towards more significant aspirations. Break down large goals into actionable steps and help them create a plan to reach those milestones. Show them how to track their progress, celebrating each accomplishment along the way. By providing a roadmap and support, you empower them to take control of their future.

Encouraging Autonomy and Independence

As young adults strive to find their way, it’s crucial to encourage autonomy and independence. Let them make their own decisions and take responsibility for their actions. Offer guidance when needed but allow them to learn from their mistakes and grow. It is also important to know when to step in if need be. 

Allowing young adults to make their own mistakes is helpful for their own development but dangerous situations require intervention. For example, spending time with friends that are engaging in risky behavior or experimenting with substances are not situations in which independence should remain uncontrolled. As a role model, it is crucial to know when to intervene in order to keep them safe.

Mentoring and Role Models

Introducing young adults to inspiring mentors and role models who have achieved success in their chosen fields can be a powerful way to spark motivation. Having conversations with other adults outside of the home can be valuable for teens, especially if they are not provided with this opportunity often. Mentors can serve as a source of inspiration, guiding the young adult toward their own path of self-discovery. Some ways to find a mentor or role model is through social media, family friends, or even an internship.

Encouraging a Growth Mindset

Instill a growth mindset in your young adult by emphasizing the belief that abilities and talents can be developed through dedication and effort. Help them understand that setbacks and challenges are opportunities for learning and growth, rather than signs of failure. Cultivating a positive attitude toward learning and resilience will help them become more motivated to overcome obstacles and pursue their goals with determination.

Providing Emotional Support

During this phase of self-discovery, young adults may experience moments of doubt, frustration, and low self-esteem. Be a source of emotional support by actively listening, offering encouragement, and reminding them of their strengths. Assure them that setbacks are a natural part of the journey and that their potential is limitless. Your unwavering support can help them regain their motivation and keep moving forward.

Try to remember that every individual’s journey is unique, and it may take time for the young adult to find their true calling. Be patient and understanding throughout the process, allowing them the freedom to explore and make their own choices. Celebrate their achievements, no matter how small, and remind them that setbacks are stepping stones to growth.

As they embark on this journey of self-discovery, encourage them to embrace new experiences, take calculated risks, and learn from both successes and failures. By doing so, they will develop resilience, determination, and a sense of purpose that will guide them toward a fulfilling adult life.

Helping unmotivated young adults find their way is a collaborative effort that requires a nurturing and supportive approach without being overbearing. Your role as a parent or mentor is to be a guiding light during this transformative phase, allowing them to navigate their journey of self-discovery and emerge as motivated and confident individuals ready to embrace the opportunities that lie ahead. Although it will not always be easy, taking the time and energy to properly support your young adult on their mission to self-discovery will undoubtedly pay off in the end.

We Can Help!

MHThrive provides Individual Therapy, Couples and Marriage Counseling, and Family Therapy at our locations in Katy, The Woodlands, and the Clear Lake area of Houston, Texas. We also provide telehealth therapy for anyone who resides within the State of Texas. To schedule an appointment with one of the MHThrive therapists, contact us at 713-477-0333 or visit www.mhthrive.com to learn more.

If you or someone you know is experiencing any mental health or substance abuse issues, New Dimensions can help. Our team of experienced therapists and psychiatrists can help you overcome these challenges and help you develop the skills you need to thrive. To schedule a complementary assessment or to find out more about our programs, contact us at 1-800-685-9796.

Online Treatment Programs provides Teletherapy Partial Hospitalization and Intensive Outpatient Programs allowing participants to receive intensive therapy with our licensed therapists and psychiatrists without having to leave home.  If you or someone you know is struggling to overcome depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, trauma, panic attacks, PTSD, alcoholism, drug abuse, or other mental health or addiction issues, we can help.  To schedule a complementary assessment or to find out more about our teletherapy programs, contact us at 1-800-685-9796.

The post How To Guide an Unmotivated Young Adult on Their Path to Self-Discovery appeared first on MH Thrive.

Social Media

With the emergence of social media, student mental health has decreased drastically. Apps like Facebook, Instagram, MySpace, Twitter, and now TikTok have become popular amongst school-aged students over the last decade. Specifically, it has caused an uptick in depression, anxiety, sleep disorders, and poor academic performance. All of these factors have specific relevance to students. 

One of the largest impacts of social media is the way that it has altered communication and interaction in general. Students can now communicate with peers from afar without important aspects like tone involved. Messages can be misconstrued, harsh words are more accessible to fire off on a keyboard than to another person’s face, and the ability to quickly change one’s personality is easier than ever. 

All of these changes impact the way that students feel about each other as well as themselves. Similarly, social media has allowed for the filtering, photoshopping, and editing of photos and videos. Students are constantly inundated with their peers’ highlight reels without a proper understanding of any challenges or hardships they may be facing. This constant exposure to what appears to be perfection can cause decreased self-esteem, resentment, and an overall feeling of inadequacy. 

Long term, this can impact students’ driving forces, motivation, and health. For example, a student may experience heightened stress as they feel motivated to achieve a similar body type to a person they have seen on social media. This can contribute to depression, and anxiety, and become as serious as developing an eating disorder. It is important to remind students that not everything on the internet is truthful or realistic and that there is danger in constant comparison.

Another personal and school-related issue that has been linked to social media is decreased attention span. With apps like TikTok, students are exposed to quick 15-30 seconds videos that are effectively training the brain to seek instant pleasure or gratification. Because the prefrontal cortex does not fully develop until the age of 25, this can be harmful to students. As a result, their ability to focus becomes diminished. This could affect their schoolwork, future careers, and personal life.

Cyberbullying

Social media and the internet have paved the way for harmful peer-to-peer communication techniques. Bullying has plagued the school system since its conception, but cyberbullying is a newer subgroup of this traumatic experience. 

The act of cyberbullying occurs via the internet and has allowed even more students to engage in this disturbing act. The root of this behavior is similar to traditional bullying in that it includes threats, rumors, lies, blackmailing, and generally aggressive language. With the ability to bully others from behind a device or screen, it has allowed students to spread hatred at an alarming rate. The implications of cyberbullying are concerning, with some incidences even ending in suicide.

Cyberbullying has the ability to greatly impact a student’s school experience. Although it affects primarily K-12th grade students, college students experience it as well. Students can be bullied by people they have never spoken to in person or even by someone they have never met. Most often, though, this bullying is done by friends or close peers. 

The incessant harassment and torment can cause hysteria, paranoia, anxiety, and depression. Most males report cyberbullying in the form of physical threats, while females are faced more with rumors and lies. Even so, both genders experience all types of cyberbullying to some degree. 

This bullying has impacted other school-related and societal issues like school shootings. Many of the mass shootings have been linked to cyberbullying and in-person bullying. School-aged males make up the majority of school shooters, which remains consistent with the physical violence correlation to the male gender. This relationship stands to prove the incredibly harmful effects of bullying on a young person’s psyche. 

Other Internet-Related Concerns

Some of the other issues that coincide with internet use are exposed to violence, negativity, and hate. One prime example of this comes from playing online video games. Not only are young adults or children exposed to extreme violence, but they are also able to communicate with others from around the world. 

A highly popular game, Call of Duty, allows users to join a game on the internet and talk freely with others playing the same game. They are simultaneously responsible for killing characters in video games while being exposed to vulgar and disturbing language. There are no filters on communication in these games, meaning hate speech, racial slurs, and bullying are free-flowing. Especially for younger students, this can be incredibly detrimental to their psyche. 

The same goes for websites like Twitter and Reddit, in which there are very few limits on what users post. Profanity, indecency, and hate speech are just a few of the potential concerns found on these sites. Because many areas of the internet are not closely regulated, it is vital to monitor internet usage in students.

What The Data Shows

Research has shown a positive correlation between depressive symptoms and the time spent on social media. The higher the amount of social media exposure, the lower the self-conscience, self-worth, and overall mental health of students. One of the leading factors that contributed to this study was perceived physical and personality traits. Students were viewing others in a state of perfection and negatively comparing themselves to these people. The longer the exposure, the worse the symptoms became. Currently, research is being conducted on the addictive quality of social media, which will add another layer of concern to this already troubling area.

In regards to cyberbullying, a study conducted in 2006 showed that 40% of preteens were victims of this kind of bullying, and 30% of teenagers were as well. In 2006, the internet was not as readily available or accessible, so there is a strong likelihood that these numbers have increased.

How To Help

There are a few different ways that you can stay on top of these harmful effects of the internet. Firstly, it is wise to set limits on the amount of time your student is using social media or web browsing. With smaller windows of time being spent online, you can decrease the amount of exposure they are getting to potentially adverse experiences. 

Next, monitoring your student’s use of their cellphone, tablet, or laptop can allow you to catch any psychologically damaging acts. Setting filters is a great way to monitor from afar. You can enter specific words or phrases of concern, and if or when they pop up, you will be notified. Similarly, asking your student to remove any password locks is important to avoid any secrecy when it comes to the internet. 

Finally, having open and honest conversations about how the internet and social media can hurt their mental health is beneficial for greater understanding.

Although the internet offers many valuable aspects, the implications for younger adults and children can be concerning. Staying on top of your student’s social media and internet use can help negate the potentially harmful effects. 

Using the internet for school work, positive peer communication, and enriching activities are some of the ways to utilize this tool in a positive manner. In the event that you do detect cyberbullying or other adverse internet-related problems, having a conversation with your student is the first step in intervention. As research continues to be conducted on the long-term effects of social media, further recommendations may be released.

We Can Help!

MHThrive provides Individual Therapy, Couples and Marriage Counseling, and Family Therapy at our locations in Katy, The Woodlands, and the Clear Lake area of Houston, Texas. We also provide telehealth therapy for anyone who resides within the State of Texas. To schedule an appointment with one of the MHThrive therapists, contact us at 713-477-0333 or visit www.mhthrive.com to learn more.

If you or someone you know is experiencing any mental health or substance abuse issues, New Dimensions can help. Our team of experienced therapists and psychiatrists can help you overcome these challenges and help you develop the skills you need to thrive. To schedule a complementary assessment or to find out more about our programs, contact us at 1-800-685-9796.

Online Treatment Programs provides Teletherapy Partial Hospitalization and Intensive Outpatient Programs allowing participants to receive intensive therapy with our licensed therapists and psychiatrists without having to leave home.  If you or someone you know is struggling to overcome depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, trauma, panic attacks, PTSD, alcoholism, drug abuse, or other mental health or addiction issues, we can help.  To schedule a complementary assessment or to find out more about our teletherapy programs, contact us at 1-800-685-9796.

Keywords: Student mental health; Cyberbullying; Social media and mental health

References

• Burgess, Ann, Christina Garbarino and Mary Carlson 2006. ‘Pathological Teasing and Bullying Turned Deadly: Shooters and Suicide.’ Victims & Offenders 1: 1–13.
• Feinberg, Ted; Robey, Nicole. The Education Digest; Ann Arbor Vol. 74, Iss. 7,  (Mar 2009): 26-31.
• Nixon CL. Current perspectives: the impact of cyberbullying on adolescent health. Adolesc Health Med Ther. 2014 Aug 1;5:143-58. doi: 10.2147/AHMT.S36456. PMID: 25177157; PMCID: PMC4126576.
• Pantic I. Online social networking and mental health. Cyberpsychol Behav Soc Netw. 2014 Oct;17(10):652-7. doi: 10.1089/cyber.2014.0070. Epub 2014 Sep 5. PMID: 25192305; PMCID: PMC4183915.
• Sadagheyani, H.E. and Tatari, F. (2021), “Investigating the role of social media on mental health”, Mental Health and Social Inclusion, Vol. 25 No. 1, pp. 41-51. https://doi.org/10.1108/MHSI-06-2020-0039

The post How Social Media, Cyberbullying, and the Internet Impact Students’ Mental Health appeared first on MH Thrive.

Identify what you need for closure.

Finding the closure you need may be difficult to do on your own. In some cases, it’s a matter of asking for help from the other person. 

So, how do you know if you need closure? It all depends on how much time has passed since your breakup and how open-ended it was in the first place. If your breakup was abrupt or happened under ambiguous circumstances, then it’s likely that some additional information is needed before full closure can be reached. 

If the other party is unwilling to communicate or provide you with closure, there are some ways by which you can achieve this yourself. Reaching out to a mental health professional can be beneficial for helping you understand what may have gone wrong in the relationship. 

Identifying your own unhealthy behavior patterns can be enlightening, healing, and valuable. Additionally, reflecting on the relationship and seeking to understand what may have contributed to the breakup can help you reveal some of the issues that led to the breakup.

Understand that there’s no universal timeline for moving on.

For some people, moving on from a relationship can take just a few days; for others, the process could take months or even years. There is no right or wrong way to move on from a relationship, and there’s no universal timeline for it either. 

It is crucial that you understand your own process and be patient with yourself as you move through this next phase of your life. Ask yourself questions like: What do I need? What are my goals? How much time do I want to spend focused on healing and working through my feelings? 

Realize that your feelings are valid.

You may be feeling a wide range of emotions after a breakup. You might be angry and resentful, or you might be sad and depressed. Some people might even feel guilty about how the relationship ended, or just not want to admit that it’s over at all. 

The truth is that there are many ways in which we can experience loss, and every feeling is valid. The best thing you can do is to make space for yourself by allowing yourself to feel all of your feelings without trying to suppress or ignore them. In fact, talking through your feelings is one of the best ways for those feelings to dissipate naturally on their own.

Be patient with yourself through the process.

Rushing into a new relationship or jumping back into dating too soon can be counterproductive, as you might end up transferring your feelings for an ex onto someone else. 

Your healing process may not look like anyone else’s; there’s no need to compare yourself to others who might seem to recover more quickly than you do. It can be easy to feel frustrated if sadness does not dissipate as quickly as you would like. 

For many, there will be periods in which you feel better, and then a memory will trigger another episode of sadness. This is a normal and healthy response. Healing is not linear and can not be expected to improve in a precise manner. Being patient with yourself as you navigate these ups and downs is essential.

Don’t worry about finding someone new.

In short, don’t worry about looking for a new person to date and fall in love with soon after you begin moving on from your past relationship. Instead, focus on yourself and what you need to do to fully move forward after your breakup. 

Many people jump into new relationships shortly after a breakup in an attempt to mask their pain. Ultimately, this is unfair to your next partner and ends up doing more harm than good. By evading your feelings, you are prolonging the experience. Unattended feelings have a way of popping up again until they are properly addressed. By refraining from dating until you have fully healed, you can be a better partner for your next relationship and ensure that it starts off with a healthier foundation.

Let go of what you can’t control.

It’s important to remember that you can’t control what your ex does or how other people feel about you. You also can’t control how other people treat you and what they think of you or say about you. The only thing in your control is how you choose to react to these things. 

In the case of long-term relationships, many family members and friends can become invested in the relationship. This can make maintaining certain friendships difficult, especially if they were the friends of your ex-partner originally. Should these friends choose to let go of your friendship, it is important to remember that this is not something you can control. In many cases, this is better for your healing process in the long run. 

Additionally, if others have strong opinions about how your relationship ended, it is wise to distance yourself from these people as you are already navigating your own feelings on the situation. Setting healthy boundaries with others is essential to your healing.

Remember who you were before the relationship.

A common issue people experience following a breakup is an identity crisis. The self-concept of a person can be a struggle to grasp once a relationship has ended. Especially for long term relationships, your identity may become tied to the other person. You develop interests and hobbies together, establish routines, and become accustomed to factoring another person into every decision you make. Without the relationship, an identity crisis may occur. 

It is vital to remind yourself of who you were before the relationship began. What were your prior interests? What makes you happy as an individual? From there, you can begin rebuilding your own identity, without the link to your ex-partner.

Moving on from a relationship takes time, but you can get through it if you’re patient and take care of yourself.

Remember, moving on takes time. The best way to get over someone is to take care of yourself. It’s okay if you’re sad, angry, or confused—that’s simply part of the process. Don’t force yourself through those emotions; let them come naturally as you allow yourself time to heal from your breakup. Leaning on loved ones or a mental health professional can make a dramatic difference in your healing journey and can remind you of all that you have to be grateful for following a breakup.

Therapy Can Help!

MHThrive provides Individual Therapy, Couples and Marriage Counseling, and Family Therapy at our locations in Katy, The Woodlands, and the Clear Lake area of Houston, Texas. We also provide telehealth therapy for anyone who resides within the State of Texas. To schedule an appointment with one of the MHThrive therapists, contact us at 713-477-0333 or visit www.mhthrive.com to learn more.

If you or someone you know is experiencing any mental health or substance abuse issues, New Dimensions can help. Our team of experienced therapists and psychiatrists can help you overcome these challenges and help you develop the skills you need to thrive. To schedule a complementary assessment or to find out more about our programs, contact us at 1-800-685-9796.

Online Treatment Programs provides Teletherapy Partial Hospitalization and Intensive Outpatient Programs allowing participants to receive intensive therapy with our licensed therapists and psychiatrists without having to leave home.  If you or someone you know is struggling to overcome depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, trauma, panic attacks, PTSD, alcoholism, drug abuse, or other mental health or addiction issues, we can help.  To schedule a complementary assessment or to find out more about our teletherapy programs, contact us at 1-800-685-9796.

The post How To Move On From A Relationship appeared first on MH Thrive.

Whу Do Tееnѕ Become Rebellious?

Thеrе are multiple rеаѕоnѕ behind thе rebellion durіng thе tееnаgе уеаrѕ :

• Thе desire tо bе іndереndеnt: Teens are somewhere bеtwееn being an adult and a kid. The in-between phase саuѕеѕ a ѕurgе іn mоtіvаtіоn tо change the status ԛuо. The urgе tо bе independent lеаdѕ tо increased dеfіаnсе to rulеѕ, аnd not lіѕtеnіng tо раrеntѕ.
• Hеіghtеnеd dіffеrеnсеѕ wіth parents: Thе rulеѕ thаt thеу have bееn following since thеіr сhіldhооd, ѕееm tо bе ѕuffосаtіng now. Thеу ԛuеѕtіоn thе rationale bеhіnd ѕuсh rulеѕ and feel thаt thе rulеѕ аrе сurtаіlіng thеіr freedom. A teen might lіkе thіngѕ thаt аrе “cool” fоr their gеnеrаtіоn, but mіght be dіѕаррrоvеd of bу thе раrеnt.
• Imрulѕіvе decisions: Exреrtѕ ѕtаtе thаt tееnѕ are рrоnе tо mаkіng impulsive сhоісеѕ. A teenager’s judgmеnt саn bе overridden by thе dеѕіrе to seek thrіlls аnd еnсоuntеr еxсіtіng еxреrіеnсеѕ. It саn сlоud the dіѕсrеtіоnаrу thоught рrосеѕѕ, whісh may eventually mаkе them vіоlаtе rulеѕ, and ignore rіѕkѕ іn favor of rеwаrdѕ
• Pееr pressure: Thе tееnаgе brаіn lауѕ grеаtеr еmрhаѕіѕ on the оріnіоn оf thеіr peer groups. This is so thаt thеу саn fееl a sense оf bеlоngіng іn those grоuрѕ. A tееn mіght want to do thіngѕ tо рlеаѕе the рееrѕ еvеn іf parents аrе against it.
• A сhаngе іn the brаіn structure: Rеѕеаrсhеrѕ nоtе thаt the connections between the neurons оf thе brain dо not dеvеlор соmрlеtеlу untіl thе mіd 20s. Thе effect іѕ соmроundеd bу thе impact оf puberty оn the brаіn. An іmmаturе nеurаl ѕtruсturе with thе соnѕtаnt change іn thе brain design impacts thеіr dесіѕіоn-mаkіng, lеаdіng to a rеbеllіоuѕ behavior.
• Hоrmоnаl changes: A mixture of hоrmоnеѕ pumping through a teenager can cause a drаѕtіс change іn thе thought рrосеѕѕ. Fоr instance, the рrоduсtіоn of tеѕtоѕtеrоnе іn bоуѕ during tееn уеаrѕ іѕ tеn tіmеѕ mоrе than what they оnсе hаd. Sеx hоrmоnеѕ hаvе a significant іmрасt оn thе brаіn functions аnd mау have effects on еѕѕеntіаl nеurоtrаnѕmіttеrѕ. This lеаds tо problems wіth mооd аnd demeanor.

How tо Dеаl With a Rebellious Tееnаgеr

Whіlе dеаlіng wіth a rebellious teenager саn be еxhаuѕtіng, emotional, and downright dіffісult, thеrе are ways thаt уоu саn make іt bеttеr fоr еvеrуоnе іnvоlvеd. Yоu wоn’t bе аblе tо snap уоur fingers аnd сhаngе уоur teen overnight, but there аrе bоundаrіеѕ уоu can сrеаtе аnd ѕtерѕ thаt уоu саn tаkе tо hеlр уоur tееn (and yourself) thrоugh this trаnѕіtіоn.

Stау Cаlm and in Control

The most important thing you can do is stay calm. Onе оf the wоrѕt thіngѕ thаt уоu саn do whіlе dеаlіng with аn оut-оf-соntrоl teen is tо lоѕе соntrоl оf yourself. If уоur rеbеllіоuѕ tееnаgеr ѕееѕ you losing уоur patience аnd yelling at him or her, they саn begin tо ԛuеѕtіоn thе bоundаrіеѕ аnd соnѕеԛuеnсеѕ that you have set. Alѕо, if your tееn’ѕ gоаl аt thе mоmеnt is tо get a rise оut of you, hе оr ѕhе will see іt аѕ a vісtоrу rаthеr than аѕ рооr behavior. Inѕtеаd, tаkе a dеер brеаth аnd еvеn walk аwау if nесеѕѕаrу. Count to 10 аnd then revisit the situation with a clearer mіnd. Rеасtіng іn thе heat of thе mоmеnt could leave bоth оf you with rеgrеtѕ.

Decide оn Fаіr, Agе-Aррrорrіаtе Rules

One thіng you hаvе tо rеmеmbеr іn аll оf thіѕ іѕ that уоu are thе раrеnt. Yоu are the аdult іn charge оf thе hоuѕеhоld. Yоur tееn mау try tо еxhіbіt аdult-lіkе tendencies, but at the еnd of thе day, you аrе thе оnе wіth thе life еxреrіеnсе nесеѕѕаrу to mаkе іmроrtаnt decisions.

Thіѕ mеаnѕ ѕеttіng bоundаrіеѕ. Evеn іf уоur teen rеbеlѕ, deep dоwn іnѕіdе he оr she wants thе соmfоrt оf bоundаrіеѕ. Thеу nееd hеlр tеllіng rіght frоm wrоng; аlthоugh уоur teen wаntѕ to mаkе dесіѕіоnѕ on hіѕ оr hеr оwn, remember thаt аn аdоlеѕсеnt’ѕ brаіn is not уеt fullу fоrmеd аnd thеу ѕtіll nееd guіdаnсе. If you need tо, write thе rules down, thаt way there іѕ nо ԛuеѕtіоn about whаt is ассерtаblе аnd unacceptable іn уоur home. Don’t wоrrу аbоut hurtіng уоur teen’s fееlіngѕ or gіvіng hіm оr hеr more rеаѕоn tо rebel. Sеnѕіblе rulеѕ mіght upset уоur tееn аt thе moment, but thеу wіll hаvе a роѕіtіvе еffесt over thе lоng tеrm.

Dесіdе оn Appropriate Consequences fоr Brеаkіng Rules

Just аѕ you hаvе rules аnd bоundаrіеѕ put іn place, you nееd consequences fоr brеаkіng thеm. Again, putting this іn wrіtіng can bе beneficial. This wау іt’ѕ іn black аnd whіtе. Yоur tееn knоwѕ thаt if hе оr ѕhе dоеѕ X thаt Y wіll happen. Your tееn can’t accuse you of making up rulеѕ аѕ уоu gо along оr bеіng unfair іf you all аrе clear оn thе rules аhеаd оf time.

It’s a gооd іdеа tо wоrk оn thе соnѕеԛuеnсеѕ together. Thіѕ wау, уоu know thаt уоur tееn hаѕ a full understanding оf whаt wіll оссur іf hе оr ѕhе brеаkѕ a rule. Whеn your tееn has some say rеgаrdіng thе consequences, it іѕn’t juѕt уоu laying down thе lаw аnd bеіng unrеаѕоnаblе іn thе eyes оf уоur tееnаgеr. Inѕtеаd, іt’ѕ a wау tо ѕеt thе bоundаrіеѕ оr limits of whаt уоu will аnd wіll nоt accept. Hаvіng іt іn writing аlѕо makes іt еаѕіеr for уоu to ѕtісk to thоѕе соnѕеԛuеnсеѕ, аѕ you know уоur teen іѕ fully аwаrе of thе оutсоmе оf hіѕ оr hеr сhоісеѕ.

Fосuѕ оn Yоur Teen’s Gооd Bеhаvіоr

Positive rеіnfоrсеmеnt іѕ a ѕtrаtеgу that wоrkѕ nоt оnlу when уоur child іѕ a toddler but also durіng his оr hеr tееn years. Nо matter hоw rеbеllіоuѕ уоur teen mау gеt, hе оr ѕhе ѕtіll wants tо bе loved. One wау thаt уоu саn ѕhоw lоvе is through positive rеіnfоrсеmеnt.

Tаkе thе tіmе to recognize your сhіld’ѕ accomplishments аnd gооd bеhаvіоr. Evеn іf іt’ѕ something ѕmаll, ѕhоwіng your tееn thаt уоu are рrоud оf hіm оr her could mоtіvаtе gооd behavior mоvіng fоrwаrd. Sоmеtіmеѕ a rebellious tееnаgеr can look for negative аttеntіоn because іt’ѕ the easiest tуре оf аttеntіоn tо gеt. If уоu оnlу рау аttеntіоn to уоur tееn whеn he оr ѕhе dоеѕ something wrоng, thе chances of your tееn dоіng ѕоmеthіng right аrе slim. Inѕtеаd, роіnt out thе роѕіtіvеѕ and thе negatives mау ѕtаrt tо diminish.

Sееk Counseling fоr Your Rebellious Tееnаgеr

Evеn thе mоѕt dеdісаtеd аnd savvy раrеntѕ саn’t manage аll of thеіr tееn’ѕ еmоtіоnѕ. Pаrtісulаrlу whеn depression, anxiety, a ѕubѕtаnсе abuse іѕѕuе, or an anger mаnаgеmеnt dіѕоrdеr іѕ соntrіbutіng to thе bеhаvіоr. If уоur сhіld hаѕ a mental health issue thаt іѕ соntrіbutіng tо thе rеbеllіоn, уоu nееd a рrоfеѕѕіоnаl tо hеlр уоu fіx it. The ѕаmе wоuld bе truе if уоur child hаd dіаbеtеѕ оr a brоkеn lеg. Yоu couldn’t fix it fоr hіm; уоu wоuld еnlіѕt thе help оf thе mеdісаl рrоfеѕѕіоnаlѕ.

Cоunѕеlіng саn bе the safe place thаt уоur tееn needs tо let thіngѕ оut аnd ѕtаrt tо gеt back іn соntrоl оf his or her own асtіоnѕ. Yоu can ѕtаrt with the ѕсhооl guіdаnсе соunѕеlоr оr ѕосіаl wоrkеr. Or уоu саn tаkе your teen tо hіѕ or her pediatrician fоr a rеfеrrаl tо a thеrаріѕt whо ѕресіаlіzеѕ іn аdоlеѕсеnt mеntаl hеаlth.

Seek Cоunѕеlіng fоr Yourself

Don’t fоrgеt аbоut thе іmроrtаnсе оf self-care. This includes counseling fоr уоurѕеlf. It’s easy to blame уоurѕеlf fоr уоur tееn’ѕ rеbеllіоn. It’s аlѕо easy tо make excuses fоr hіm or hеr. Having аn оutѕіdе source whо саn help уоu ѕее the рrоblеmѕ for whаt thеу are саn hеlр уоu bе a better раrеnt. If nоthіng еlѕе, a counselor саn hеlр уоu lеаrn how tо communicate bеttеr and how tо саrе fоr уоurѕеlf аѕ уоu help уоur teen.

Dealing with a rebellious tееnаgеr саn fееl lіkе аn uрhіll battle, but thеrе іѕ a light аt thе еnd оf the tunnеl. Rеmеmbеr thаt these аdоlеѕсеnt years are just a ѕmаll раrt of уоur teen’s lіfе. Wоrkіng wіth уоur tееnаgеr now саn рау off bу hеlріng hіm or her tо mоvе іntо аdulthооd wіth gооd соріng mесhаnіѕmѕ аnd a stronger rеlаtіоnѕhір wіth you.

We Can Help!

MHThrive provides Individual Therapy, Couples and Marriage Counseling, and Family Therapy at our locations in Katy, The Woodlands, and the Clear Lake area of Houston, Texas. We also provide telehealth therapy for anyone who resides within the State of Texas. To schedule an appointment with one of the MHThrive therapists, contact us at 713-477-0333 or visit www.mhthrive.com to learn more.

If you or someone you know is experiencing any mental health or substance abuse issues, New Dimensions can help. Our team of experienced therapists and psychiatrists can help you overcome these challenges and help you develop the skills you need to thrive. To schedule a complementary assessment or to find out more about our programs, contact us at 1-800-685-9796.

Online Treatment Programs provides Teletherapy Partial Hospitalization and Intensive Outpatient Programs allowing participants to receive intensive therapy with our licensed therapists and psychiatrists without having to leave home.  If you or someone you know is struggling to overcome depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, trauma, panic attacks, PTSD, alcoholism, drug abuse, or other mental health or addiction issues, we can help.  To schedule a complementary assessment or to find out more about our teletherapy programs, contact us at 1-800-685-9796.

The post Why Do Teenagers Rebel appeared first on MH Thrive.

The Challenges of Divorce

When this new reality is fully acknowledged and the rays of hope start to dim, the grief over the loss of the relationship and the anxiety about the uncertain future takes hold. Divorces are difficult not only because of the emotional anguish they cause, but also because they force you to reckon with the myriad changes that your life will undergo throughout, and even after, the divorce. This sudden whirlwind of chaos and dysfunction is extremely disorienting, even if the divorce itself may have been amicable. The drawn-out process of divorce – splitting up assets and personal belongings, terminating joint contracts, relocating, and finding work – piles up exhaustion on a mind that is already drained from all the emotional turmoil. 

Even after the legal and practical matters are taken care of, there still remains a new life to adjust to. Without a spouse, all the couple-related activities are gone; friends are forced to pick sides, and some just decide to leave; family members of the spouse that were previously very close may choose to withdraw because of the awkwardness. The ambiguity about what remains of the social network after the divorce can be deeply unsettling, causing a profound sense of loneliness, rejection, and embitterment. 

The future may seem bleak, but it doesn’t necessarily have to be. The pain you may be feeling cannot be denied, but this juncture in life also affords you an opportunity for change. You can use the autonomy to enrich your social life with new friends, pick up new hobbies or work-related skills, develop greater awareness of yourself, and do things that lead to personal growth. Change feels daunting, but moving on requires you to embrace it, chisel away the negativity, and architect a happier, richer future for yourself. 

Allow yourself to mourn

The breakdown of a marriage is a devastating experience. In order to heal, you must allow yourself to feel despair, anger, wretchedness, and all the other harrowing emotions. Hasting to move on will, in fact, keep you trapped in the darkness. You might feel overwhelmed initially, but the pain will ease over time. Process your emotions bit by bit and take your time. 

Seek support from loved ones

There will be times when you feel the need to vent your anger or find a shoulder to cry on. Close friends and family can be indispensable resources – they can listen to you with empathy, offer you emotional and practical support, and even help with day-to-day tasks. Remember that you do not have to deal with your struggles alone. 

Prioritize yourself

Divorce can shake your sense of identity and make you question if you’re the same person post-divorce. You can leverage this to build a new identity that is more aligned with your needs, desires, and preferences than your ex’s. This is a good time to evaluate your needs and goals, carve out a new routine, and establish new plans that will boost your personal growth. 

Take care of your health

When sadness comes knocking at your door, it is easy to give in and turn to alcohol or drugs to escape the heartache. Tempting as it may be, this is not a solution. To better process your emotions, you need to eat healthily, get enough sleep, and exercise. Good health will further boost your self-esteem and provide you the mental bandwidth to assess your situation objectively and approach life with optimism. 

Seek out new friends

After a divorce, it is not uncommon for mutual friends to pick one partner over the other. Some of your friendships might have broken, and the best way to fill that void is to find new friends. Socializing may seem tiring, but there are ways to get to know new people easily. You could choose to volunteer for a cause, take a class in an activity you enjoy, or simply invite a colleague to coffee. Socializing will help you beat loneliness and gain you some kind and interesting friends. 

Pick up new hobbies

When you’re married, your hobbies and interests can blend into your spouse’s. And you may have given up certain activities you enjoyed because your spouse disapproved of them or found them boring. Now that you have complete freedom to try out new things, you can cultivate hobbies and interests that make you happy. It can be something simple like cooking, something adventurous like rock climbing, or any creative avenue like painting, writing or even reading. Anything that promotes a sense of renewal and allows you to have fun and relax is a good choice. 

Travel to someplace new

The divorce process is extremely taxing, and getting used to the novelty of life after divorce can be tough. To take a break from the relentless stresses and upheavals the divorce causes, you could take a trip to someplace you always wanted to visit; even a short trip to a nearby city will do. You can go solo and unwind or invite your friends for a fun trip. Some distance from all the familiar places can also spark introspection along with the excitement of discovering a new place. 

Shed your old identity

When we’re in a relationship, we mold a certain identity that is integrated with our partners. Being single again can make us question who we are. After the divorce, you have the opportunity to cultivate your individual identity and nurture your unique attributes. The ideal way forward is to rediscover what makes you happy, what you excel at, and what you want your life to mean. This will propel you to do more of what you value and envision a future that makes you proud of yourself. 

Give romance another shot

Once you feel free of the clutches of your past relationship and reach a state of acceptance and emotional stability, it might be a good idea to explore the dating landscape again. You need not look for deep and intense relationships right off the bat, nor would it be wise. But a thoughtful and caring companion can lift up your spirits and revive your hope in romantic relationships. 

While our past experiences invariably shape us and govern our behavior in the future, we have it within us to let go of negative experiences, learn from our past mistakes, and approach the future with wisdom and hope. 

Seeking Professional Help

Divorce is an unbearably difficult experience to go through, and the transition to life after divorce can be extremely intimidating. If you are experiencing deep and pervasive grief, anger, or feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or hopelessness, a mental health professional could help you learn how to process and cope with difficult emotions. A therapist can provide compassionate guidance and a safe space for you to express your worries and anxieties without being judged. Therapy can help you process your emotions in a constructive way. The mental health professional can also gauge if you could benefit from medication and refer you to a psychiatrist if required.

We Can Help!

MHThrive provides Individual Therapy, Couples and Marriage Counseling, and Family Therapy at our locations in Katy, The Woodlands, and the Clear Lake area of Houston, Texas. We also provide telehealth therapy for anyone who resides within the State of Texas. To schedule an appointment with one of the MHThrive therapists, contact us at 713-477-0333 or visit www.mhthrive.com to learn more.

If you or someone you know is experiencing any mental health or substance abuse issues, New Dimensions can help. Our team of experienced therapists and psychiatrists can help you overcome these challenges and help you develop the skills you need to thrive. To schedule a complementary assessment or to find out more about our programs, contact us at 1-800-685-9796.

Online Treatment Programs provides Teletherapy Partial Hospitalization and Intensive Outpatient Programs allowing participants to receive intensive therapy with our licensed therapists and psychiatrists without having to leave home.  If you or someone you know is struggling to overcome depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, trauma, panic attacks, PTSD, alcoholism, drug abuse, or other mental health or addiction issues, we can help.  To schedule a complementary assessment or to find out more about our teletherapy programs, contact us at 1-800-685-9796.

The post How to Build a Life After Divorce appeared first on MH Thrive.