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Mental Health Goals: Strategies for Success in the New Year

Mental health goals are not always top of mind when teens, young adults, and their families are considering New Year’s resolutions. But as your family prepares to flip the page to a fresh start on the calendar, it’s a great time to prioritize mental well-being.   “Taking a step back, evaluating your mental health, and being patient with yourself are key to being able to take on all that the new year can bring,” said Hailee Buras, an associate clinical mental health counselor at New Haven, an Embark Behavioral Health residential treatment center in Utah.   We sat down with Buras to learn about the importance of mental health in the new year, how to set mental health goals, and more.

Table of contents

- The Importance of Mental Health Goals - Common Mental Health Challenges in the New Year- Anxiety - Stress - Depression - How To Set Realistic and Specific Mental Health Goals- Create SMART mental health goals - Set daily, short-term, and long-term mental health goals - 10 Examples of Measurable Mental Health Goals- 1. Building strong support systems - 2. Eating healthy foods and exercising - 3. Practicing mindfulness and meditating - 4. Using coping strategies to manage stress - 5. Reducing screen time - 6. Prioritizing sleep - 7. Practicing self-care and self-compassion - 8. Using healthy communication strategies - 9. Removing substance use from daily life - 10. Seeking mental health treatment if needed - How Do You Maintain Progress and Track Mental Health Goals?- Use a journal to track daily progress - Celebrate wins - Don’t let cognitive distortions deter progress - Bringing Strong Mental Health Goals to the New Year

The Importance of Mental Health Goals

Think of a mental health goal as a roadmap. It provides a clear sense of direction and purpose to help your family understand what they want to achieve in their mental well-being in the new year. This roadmap is especially important for adolescents given the challenges they face.  According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, poor mental health during the teenage years can affect academic performance, decision making, and health, with many of the patterns established in adolescence carrying on into adulthood.  “Mental health is one of the most important parts of our lives, and we need to prioritize it,” Buras said. “If you or your teen or young adult struggles with mental health challenges, that impacts literally all other areas of your lives.”  She added, “Taking care of your mental health and focusing on specific mental health goals for the new year will help your family deal with any existing mental health concerns and lets you be proactive about your wellness.”  

Common Mental Health Challenges in the New Year

Anxiety, stress, and depression are three common challenges for mental health in the new year.    Anxiety Anxiety can affect anyone, and the new year itself can trigger anxiety for many people.  “Just thinking about the new year can make all of us feel overwhelmed,” Buras said. “We might be thinking about all the things we have to get done, or we might set very high expectations for ourselves about what we want to accomplish in the new year, or we might be nervous about the unknown. All of that is very triggering for anxiety.”  Stress Uncertainty and change — two prominent aspects of transitioning into the next year — can trigger stress in many people. For teens and young adults, returning to school or work after the holiday break can also be stressful. While stress itself is not necessarily bad because manageable stress can build resilience, when it becomes overwhelming, it’s an issue.  Depression “It’s dark and cold outside, and seasonal affective disorder is very real,” said Buras, referring to SAD, a type of depression related to the seasons changing. SAD is most common during wintertime, making winter mental health a real concern.   Buras noted that teens and adults can also feel depressed around the new year because they’re reflecting on the previous year, especially if that year brought its share of challenges. There’s also the emotional comedown after several months of festive holidays, as people can feel depleted and sad that celebrations are over. 

How To Set Realistic and Specific Mental Health Goals

No matter what you envision for your family’s mental health in the new year, properly structured goals are highly motivating and will create a sense of purpose as you and your teen or young adult work toward positive changes. Here’s how to get started.  Create SMART mental health goals The SMART acronym refers to goals that are:  - Specific.  - Measurable.  - Achievable.  - Relevant.  - Time-bound.  Knowing exactly what you want to achieve for your mental health in the new year helps you avoid the ambiguity or unrealistic expectations that come with generic goals and objectives.   “You’re more likely to achieve goals that are structured this way, and you have a better understanding of exactly what you need to do on a daily basis,” Buras said.   Set daily, short-term, and long-term mental health goals Setting daily, short-term, and long-term goals can lessen anxiety and help with any mental health struggle you or your teen or young adult are having, according to Buras.   “If you’re overly broad, you might say, ‘I want to better handle my anxiety in the new year,’” she said. “Sure, that’s a great objective. But that doesn’t help you track your progress or stay focused on what you need to do now or next month. Instead, you could say, ‘I want to notice a lessening of my anxiety in the new year, and I’m going to start with daily deep breathing exercises and then try mindfulness in a couple of months.’” 

10 Examples of Measurable Mental Health Goals

When your family is considering mental health goals, remember the different factors that contribute to emotional resilience and mental wellness, such as a good support system, a healthy lifestyle, and coping and communication strategies.   1. Building strong support systems “When we’re struggling, it’s important that we don’t feel alone,” Buras said. “Your support network can include close friends and family members if those family relationships are healthy. For your teen or young adult, it could include teachers whom they feel they can trust and reach out to when they’re concerned about something. A therapist can also be an important member of your support system — every single person can benefit from a little professional help with life’s problems.”  2. Eating healthy foods and exercising A healthy diet can benefit physical health and improve gut health, which has been linked to better mental health. Focus on fiber-rich foods, lean poultry, seafood, and fresh fruits and vegetables. Probiotics — think fermented foods, like yogurt and sauerkraut — are beneficial too. On the flip side, avoid heavily processed foods, and limit sugar intake. Exercise can also benefit mental health given its ability to relieve stress and boost mood. It can be especially helpful for those dealing with challenges like anxiety and depression. All exercise is beneficial, from walking to organized sports, but for added benefits, you may want to consider yoga, which incorporates mindfulness techniques.  3. Practicing mindfulness and meditating Mindfulness and meditation practices can help reduce stress by promoting a sense of calm and staying present in the moment. Gratitude journaling, guided meditations through various apps or YouTube videos, or starting each morning with a daily affirmation are easy ways for beginners to try mindfulness or meditation.   4. Using coping strategies to manage stress Coping strategies are techniques you and your teen or young adult can use to manage, reduce, or tolerate stress and emotional distress. Healthy strategies include physical activity, gratitude practices, talking to a friend or mental health professional, or spending time in nature.  5. Reducing screen time As shared in a study published in Preventive Medicine Reports, there’s a correlation between increased screen time and lower psychological well-being in children ages 2-17. And children aren’t the only ones who get caught up in the digital world — adults do too. Those who use technology too much, including social media, may spend less quality time with family and friends and compare themselves to others more often, which can make them feel anxious. To reduce screen time, try designating certain areas or times as screen-free zones. For example, you might avoid using screens during meals or in the bedroom.   6. Prioritizing sleep Not getting enough sleep can make it harder for your family to regulate emotions and deal with stress. Make getting proper rest a priority. According to the CDC, kids ages 6-12 need nine to 12 hours of sleep; teens need 13 to 18 hours; and adults 18 and up need at least seven hours.  7. Practicing self-care and self-compassion Self-care refers to taking time for yourself so you can address your own needs, reduce stress, and pursue a balanced and healthy lifestyle. It might include engaging in activities that bring you joy and relaxation, finding ways to express yourself through creative hobbies, and setting healthy boundaries.  8. Using healthy communication strategies Strong communication skills are foundational for building strong relationships, fostering understanding, resolving conflicts, and speaking up for your mental health needs. Cultivate better communication by practicing active listening, showing empathy, and asking clarifying questions if something is unclear.  9. Removing substance use from daily life While some turn to drinking or smoking as a coping mechanism when facing life’s challenges, substances can have long-term negative effects on physical health, can lead to addiction, and may affect mental health. Buras recommended avoiding them completely.   “All the parties around the holidays and New Year’s Eve often make it hard to say no,” she said. “Share your boundaries with those you trust, and surround yourself with people who support your goals and don’t force you or shame you if you don’t engage in substance use.”  10. Seeking mental health treatment if needed It’s never too early — or too late — to reach out for treatment.   “Don’t wait until you feel like you or your teen or young adult is in a mental health crisis,” Buras said. “Talk to a mental health professional whenever you want to be in a little more control of your life and your happiness, or especially if you feel like your mental health is keeping you from doing your normal daily activities. Therapy never hurts. It’s a toolkit for being proactive and addressing life’s problems instead of waiting for a breaking point.” 

How Do You Maintain Progress and Track Mental Health Goals?

Monitoring your progress creates a sense of accountability for you, your teen, or your young adult. You're more likely to stay on course and take responsibility for your journey toward improved well-being in the new year. Use a journal, celebrate your wins, and don’t let cognitive distortions set you back.  Use a journal to track daily progress Journaling encourages self-reflection, helping you become more aware of your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. This heightened self-awareness lets you see the factors influencing your mental health — such as identifying patterns between stressful situations and how you react to them — and track changes over time.   Journaling also promotes accountability. When you write down your mental health goals and the steps you plan to take, you're more likely to follow through. Think of it as making a personal contract with yourself.  https://youtu.be/J9j0jb4LZ8I?si=P4dbJ3ULhC6jZWyX Celebrate wins Small successes build momentum over time, according to Buras. Acknowledging and celebrating these little victories can be motivating, reinforce positive habits, and help you maintain a positive mindset. If you’ve been using a journal, look back and see how far you've come, even during challenging times.   Don’t let cognitive distortions deter progress “Cognitive distortions are irrational thoughts and biases about yourself or about events you’ve experienced,” Buras said.   Common examples include assuming what others are thinking, catastrophizing, which is anticipating a situation’s worst possible outcomes, and overgeneralization. These cognitive distortions can set you back and sabotage your progress toward your mental health goals.  “If you catch yourself thinking negatively about yourself or a situation, check the facts and challenge those thought patterns,” Buras said. “In most cases, the things we are thinking aren’t true.” 

Bringing Strong Mental Health Goals to the New Year

By taking care of your mental well-being, you and your teen or young adult can embrace a new year full of possibility. Set and pursue SMART mental health goals, and track your progress.   “Keep it simple,” Buras said. “Start with something easy for you to be able to do in the long term to help your mental health in the new year. You can do it!”   Embark is the most trusted name in teen and young adult mental health treatment. We’re driven to find the help your family needs. If you’re looking for support, contact us today! Read the full article

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Red Flags in Teenage Behavior: How To Spot Warning Signs

As the parent of a teen, you’re likely watching for red flags in teenage behavior that indicate they’re having a tough time with their mental and behavioral health and need help. To identify warning signs you should look for and what to do if you spot any, we spoke to Madison Braid, licensed professional counselor candidate and enrollment director at Embark Behavioral Health in Greenwood Village.   “It’s important for parents to recognize these warning signs because red-flag behaviors are warning signs that lead parents, family members, caregivers, and professionals to know something is off,” Braid said. “They provide indicators that something needs to change in a teen’s life. Although we may not know exactly what the change should be, we’re alerted that something is wrong and needs to be investigated more deeply.”  Table of contents- Understanding Teen Red Flags: What’s Normal, and What’s Not? - Identifying Common Red Flags in Teenage Behavior- 1. Anxiety - 2. Depression - 3. Suicidal thoughts or suicidal remarks   - 4. Appetite changes and problems eating   - 5. Substance use - 6. School issues - 7. Sleep problems   - 8. Avoidance and isolation   - 9. Low self-esteem - 10. Increased anger and moodiness - 11. Self-harm - 12. Paranoia - 13. Ruminating or intrusive thoughts - 14. Shifts in personality - 15: Excessive technology use - How Can Parents Help Their Teens With Red Flag Behavior?- Communicate openly about mental health - Encourage a healthy diet - Participate in self-esteem activities with your teen - Set boundaries on screen time - Teen Red Flags: Wrapup   Understanding Teen Red Flags: What’s Normal, and What’s Not? When it comes to red flags in teenage behavior, Braid recommended looking for behavioral changes outside the norm that disrupt routine functioning. For example, she said, depression is one of the mental health red flags, and the loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities is a warning sign. If your teen suddenly shows a disinterest in an activity or sport they’ve loved for a long time, you should look into it.  “Things that feel drastic are the changes that are worth exploring,” Braid said. “They’re worth acknowledging and bringing up in conversation because it’s a significant deviation from how they used to behave.”  Identifying Common Red Flags in Teenage Behavior Common red flags in teenage behavior can occur as your teen navigates the pressures of school, friends, relationships, and family. Keep an eye out for the 15 emotional and behavioral flags below so you can determine if your child is experiencing red flags.  1. Anxiety Anxiety can be normal for teens as they engage in activities like studying for a big test, competing in a sporting event, or performing in a school play. It becomes one of the mental health red flags when it disrupts their daily functioning. This can look like an inability to focus, eat, or keep food down because they’re so anxious.   2. Depression Depression is one of the most serious red flags in teenage behavior because of how significantly it can interfere with a teen’s daily life. Warning signs include difficulty concentrating or eating, trouble managing schoolwork, avoiding eye contact, shutting down, or becoming withdrawn from social activities. If left untreated, depression can lead to suicidal thoughts.*    3. Suicidal thoughts or suicidal remarks   Suicidal thoughts and remarks are mental health red flags that should be evaluated and addressed immediately. Teen suicide warning signs you should look for include making negative or hopeless statements, isolating from family and friends, or losing interest in activities they once enjoyed.  4. Appetite changes and problems eating   Although appetite changes are common for teens as they grow and develop, extreme changes can be a red flag that could lead to identifying eating disorders. Warning signs include suddenly skipping meals or experiencing sudden changes in weight.   5. Substance use Substance use is another one of the serious red flags in teenage behavior. Whether teens are using substances as a coping method or for other reasons, this behavior can have dangerous and potentially deadly consequences. Warning signs include breaking rules, suddenly dropping old friends for new friends, or exhibiting physical changes such as sudden weight loss or frequent nosebleeds.  6. School issues A teen experiencing school issues can be common, but it could also be a red flag. Warning signs include a sudden decline in academic performance, isolating or avoiding social interactions, or suddenly and consistently refusing to go to school, known as school refusal.    7. Sleep problems   Whether it’s getting too little or too much sleep, sleep problems are one of the red flags to watch for in teenagers. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommends teens ages 13-18 get eight to 10 hours of sleep each day, noting that getting less rest can increase the risk of depression, self-harm, suicidal thoughts, and suicide attempts. A teenager sleeping too much could indicate mental health concerns such as anxiety or depression.   8. Avoidance and isolation   Avoidance and isolation can be normal teen behavior as teens go through hormonal changes and experience mood swings. They may simply want to be alone sometimes. This behavior crosses into one of the mental health red flags in teenage behavior when teens are suddenly and consistently avoiding and isolating from close friendships or social relationships and aren’t hanging out with anyone or are more alone than usual.   9. Low self-esteem As teens begin forming their identities, they re-evaluate themselves and how they represent themselves in the world. Low self-esteem can result as they compare themselves to others, especially if they use social media. According to Braid, low self-esteem becomes a red flag when teens avoid going to school or being in photos because they don’t like how they look or if they self-harm to cope with their intense emotional pain.  10. Increased anger and moodiness Experiencing anger is common for anyone, but if the anger seems excessive for the situation at hand, this could be one of the red flags in teenage behavior. Warning signs for an angry teenager include displaying extreme and persistent episodes of anger, which could indicate underlying issues, such as being bullied. Moodiness is also common as teens experience hormonal changes but can cross over to a red flag when it’s intense and consistent across multiple situations and people, such as parents, teachers, and friends.  11. Self-harm Self-harm is another one of the mental health red flags.  There may be an underlying issue such as anxiety or depression that needs to be addressed, and self-injury can even become an addiction. Signs of self-harm include teens suddenly wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants, especially in hot weather, sudden mood changes, or excusing injuries as accidents.  12. Paranoia Some paranoia is normal during the teen years as teenagers become more self-aware and aware of how others view them. It becomes one of the mental health red flags when it becomes persistent or excessive, which can be a sign or symptom of a mental illness.  13. Ruminating or intrusive thoughts Teenagers have repetitive thoughts throughout the day, but they’re often relatively harmless. If they start thinking obsessively about these thoughts, they’re experiencing rumination. When these thoughts involve negative or intrusive thoughts, it can create stress or anxiety, which can affect a teen’s school, job, or personal life. This is when ruminating thoughts — and intrusive thoughts — become a red flag.  14. Shifts in personality Youths are developing their identities during the teen years, and this stage of life can involve many pivotal milestones, so their personalities can shift. When those shifts are sudden and out of character, include aggression, or involve excessive anger, they become a red flag behavior.   15: Excessive technology use Technology plays a significant role in the lives of today’s teenagers. When they use it excessively, and it negatively interferes with their daily life, it can become a red flag for technology addiction. Warning signs include irritability or panic when they’re without their phone or Wi-Fi, poor sleep habits, or sudden changes in academic performance.  How Can Parents Help Their Teens With Red Flag Behavior? To help your teen with red flag behavior, communicate openly about mental health, encourage a healthy diet, participate in self-esteem activities with them, and set boundaries on screen time.   A great first step is to initiate check-ins with your teen. Braid said this is the easiest way to identify and address red flags because it gives your teenager an outlet to share any struggles or challenges they’re experiencing.  Communicate openly about mental health When you openly communicate about mental health, you normalize the conversation and reduce the stigma and negative beliefs related to seeking help. This can allow your teen to feel more inclined to share what they’re going through because that door is open, and it’s easier for them to walk through it as opposed to opening the door themselves.  Practice empathy and validation in these conversations. Ensure your teen feels accepted, heard, and supported so they don’t have a negative experience that makes them not want to talk about the issue again, Braid said.  Encourage a healthy diet Encourage a healthy diet, as physical and psychological health are closely linked together. Create meals around whole foods, fiber, seafoods, lean poultry, and fresh fruits and vegetables. Avoid packaged and processed foods such as microwavable meals, which contain food additives and preservatives that can disrupt healthy bacteria in the gut, which can promote good mental health. Limit sugar intake.  To encourage your teen to embrace a healthy diet when they’re the ones preparing the meals or grabbing a snack, explain the benefits of this style of eating and stock your fridge and pantry with foods that match it. This gives them a sense of control over what they eat while also encouraging they make nutritious choices.  Participate in self-esteem activities with your teen While self-esteem activities can be beneficial, Braid recommended doing them as a family instead of directing your teen to do them alone. Participating in a self-esteem activity together benefits the family as a whole, increases connection, and prevents your teenager from feeling singled out or punished.    “If we want change to happen, it’s best that the whole family acts together to shift the family system toward a more effective and sustainable routine,” she said.  To identify the right self-esteem activities for your teen, pay attention to their interests, and find activities based on those interests. For example, if they’re interested in skin care or facials, then a spa day at home could be a fun activity to encourage self-care and conversation.   Set boundaries on screen time Setting boundaries on screen time can be difficult but is important because technology is so woven into daily life. Braid recommended establishing boundaries relevant to your teen for the whole family. For example, if your teen is refusing to come to the dinner table because they’d rather play their video game or scroll through social media, clearly define the boundaries regarding appropriate use of technology for the household, and implement them — for everyone.  If the house rule is no technology during meals, parents should follow these rules too.   Make the rules and expectations clear, writing them out so everyone is aware of them. This way, your teen doesn’t feel scrutinized or punished when rules are enforced.  “The most important thing to remember when it comes to establishing boundaries is consistency,” Braid said. “Being consistent with boundaries creates an expectation for every family member to uphold until it becomes an ingrained aspect of the family routine.”  Teen Red Flags: Wrapup   Red flags in teenage behavior let parents know their teen is struggling. If you’re worried about your child, initiate check-ins so you can watch for the 15 red flags listed above and address them. By showing empathy, communicating openly about mental health, encouraging a healthy diet, participating in self-esteem activities as a family, and setting boundaries on screen time, you can help your teen combat red flags in teenage behavior.   *This article is for informational purposes only and not to be considered medical advice. If your child is having a mental health emergency, contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline for immediate support by calling or texting 988 or chatting online. You can also text HOME to 741741 ─ the Crisis Text Line ─ from anywhere in the country to talk with a trained crisis counselor.     Embark is the most trusted name in teen and young adult mental health treatment. We’re driven to find the help your family needs. If you’re looking for support, contact us today! Read the full article

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ADHD Paralysis: Overcoming Freeze

When preteens, teens, and young adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) become so overstimulated with information that they can’t start or complete a task, they’re experiencing ADHD paralysis. This task paralysis can affect multiple areas of their lives and be seen as laziness by those who don’t know what they’re going through.  To understand what ADHD paralysis really is, its signs and symptoms, the impact it has on young people, and how to help them overcome it, we spoke with Lauren Disner, licensed marriage and family therapist and a clinical director at New Haven, an Embark Behavioral Health residential treatment center.  Table of contents- What Is ADHD Paralysis?- How executive dysfunction relates to paralysis - Signs and Symptoms of ADHD Paralysis in Young People- Procrastination - Avoidance - Poor time management - Trouble with details, organizing, or finishing tasks - Trouble with listening - Indecisiveness - Distractibility - Types of ADHD Paralysis- Mental paralysis - Task paralysis - Choice/decision paralysis - Scrolling paralysis - What Causes ADHD Paralysis? - How Does ADHD Paralysis Affect Young People? - How To Help Young People Overcome ADHD Paralysis- 1. Show them how to prioritize and break up tasks - 2. Teach them to write thoughts and/or tasks down - 3. Create time for healthy interests and rewards - 4. Help them schedule their day - 5. Teach them to be imperfectionists - 6. Encourage exercise - 7. Help them eat nutritious foods - 8. Explore therapists and treatment options - ADHD Paralysis: Moving Forward What Is ADHD Paralysis? As mentioned above, ADHD paralysis — also known as ADHD freeze or ADHD shutdown — occurs when people with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder become overwhelmed by their environment or the information they receive. This triggers feelings of anxiety and apprehension, making it difficult to start a task, maintain focus, or prioritize key steps. Instead, these individuals freeze or distract themselves with other activities that make them feel better.        “The internal process is, ‘I can’t figure out where to start because there’s a bunch of different pieces to this process, and which one am I supposed to pick first?’” Disner said. “They may think, ‘My gosh, this is so overwhelming. I’m going to screw this up no matter what. Maybe I won’t start.’”  How executive dysfunction relates to paralysis It’s important to note the tie between ADHD freeze and executive functioning. Executive functioning refers to our ability to focus, prioritize tasks, and make decisions. These skills begin developing in childhood with learning processes such as cleaning a bedroom or getting ready for the day. They develop over years, enabling us to handle complex tasks as we get older.  When a condition like ADHD slows or affects the development of executive functioning skills, we experience executive dysfunction and have trouble staying organized or remembering instructions. This is not a reflection on intelligence, but it does make it hard to know which steps to take when performing a task. When an individual feels they’ve taken the wrong steps, they can feel overwhelmed, leading to ADHD paralysis.      Signs and Symptoms of ADHD Paralysis in Young People If you think your preteen, teen, or young adult has ADHD freeze, you can watch for multiple signs and symptoms, ranging from procrastination to distractibility.   Procrastination Youths and young adults may procrastinate or put off tasks because the feelings of anxiety related to the task are uncomfortable. However, this can lead to increased feelings of guilt or failure, as well as missed deadlines.  Avoidance Young people may avoid tasks that trigger overwhelming negative feelings entirely. As part of this behavior, known as avoidance, they may skip social events, school assignments, or personal responsibilities at home.   Poor time management Some youths and young adults don’t manage their time properly. In fact, many with ADHD struggle to accurately perceive and plan for the passage of time, also known as time blindness. When those with poor time management focus too much on minor details, it can keep them from completing or making progress on a task.    Trouble with details, organizing, or finishing tasks Young people with ADHD who struggle with executive functioning can find it hard to stay organized or keep track of tasks and commitments. This can be reflected in a cluttered workspace or living area.  Trouble with listening Those with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder who are feeling the anxiety and apprehension associated with ADHD paralysis may find it difficult to focus and listen to others.  Indecisiveness Being overwhelmed by information may cause youths and young adults with ADHD to second-guess themselves. This fear of making the wrong choice can keep them from making decisions and lead to increased anxiety.  Distractibility Young people experiencing ADHD paralysis can be easily distracted. According to Disner, they may neglect responsibilities in favor of activities that make them feel good and help them self-soothe, like playing video games. They may have the best of intentions to complete the nonpreferred task but just never get around to it.  Types of ADHD Paralysis Mental paralysis Mental paralysis affects a person’s ability to concentrate and process information. Your child may struggle with complex problems that require flexible thinking and sustained attention. They also may have trouble sharing what they’re thinking. This type of ADHD paralysis may feel like “brain fog” or an overload of thoughts and emotions.  Task paralysis Task paralysis involves problems with starting or finishing tasks. Your preteen, teen, or young adult may feel overwhelmed by the demands of an activity, making it difficult for them to even start it. If they do begin, lack of focus may lead to them abandoning the task.  Choice/decision paralysis Decision paralysis creates a sense of overwhelm when an individual is required to make a choice. Faced with a variety of options, each with its own consequences, your child may fear making the wrong decision. This could lead to several ADHD shutdown symptoms, including procrastination, avoidance, and indecisiveness.      Scrolling paralysis Scrolling paralysis involves individuals getting caught up in scrolling through pages of online content, including social media. Even if your preteen, teen, or young adult is not interested in the material, they can feel trapped and unable to look away from their laptop or mobile device. This can lead to a sense of being stuck doing nothing.  What Causes ADHD Paralysis? According to Disner, ADHD paralysis is caused by prioritization issues coupled with a fear of failure. Youths and young adults can feel a sense of overwhelm when faced with a complex task, while the fear that they’ll “screw up” can keep them from getting started. This same fear may also cause them to abandon tasks before completion.     Additionally, spending time on preferred tasks, which are usually tasks they can do easily or well, creates changes in brain chemistry because dopamine increases when we feel good about what we’re doing. This can create a feedback loop in the central nervous system that keeps them stuck even though they know they should be doing something else.  How Does ADHD Paralysis Affect Young People? “When the world is set up for neurotypical people, and you don’t feel like you belong because you’re neurodivergent, it’s common for young people to feel like they don’t belong or they’re not understood,” Disner said regarding how people with ADHD who are seen as different than others experience the world around them.   She noted individuals with ADHD can feel very lonely and isolated, leading to:  - School issues or refusal: Experiencing task paralysis can be uncomfortable for students with ADHD. To avoid this negative feeling, they may put off studying, avoid school assignments entirely, or struggle with school refusal, not even wanting to go to class.     - Anxiety: Experiencing ADHD freeze often comes with the feeling that you’ve forgotten something but can’t remember what that something is. This can create a regular sense of anxiety.   - Depression: Preteens, teens, and young adults who feel they’re always doing something wrong because they experience ADHD paralysis may believe there’s something fundamentally wrong with them. This can create feelings of depression. To self-soothe, some may turn to unhealthy habits like drinking alcohol or other forms of substance use.  How To Help Young People Overcome ADHD Paralysis Knowing how to overcome ADHD freeze is essential to helping youths and young adults address the negative feelings and habits that come with task paralysis. Disner outlined multiple strategies and tools you can use to support your child. A great first step is to provide empathy by acknowledging how your preteen, teen, or young adult is feeling and letting them know you care. Next, you can follow the tips below.  1. Show them how to prioritize and break up tasks By modeling how to prioritize complex tasks and break them up into individual steps, you show your child how they can counteract the overwhelming feelings that come with ADHD paralysis. For example, you could share how you broke a work project down into multiple steps so that you had small, realistic goals that kept you calm and on track until you finished it.  Additionally, Disner noted that mobile apps designed to break tasks down into steps can help youths and young adults struggling to stay organized. Those apps include Brili, Me+ Daily Routine Planner, and Habit Tracker.      2. Teach them to write thoughts and/or tasks down Writing tasks down on paper and checking them off as they’re complete can make a project seem less overwhelming. Disner noted that as youths and young adults with ADHD check off each task, they experience a feel-good dopamine hit and sense of accomplishment. This helps their confidence grow as they realize they can accomplish their goals.  3. Create time for healthy interests and rewards To illustrate the benefit of healthy interests and rewards, Disner pointed out that one reason young adults with ADHD can seemingly focus better when playing video games is that games are designed to reward them with feelings of accomplishment. So, by “biohacking” the brain in a positive way, a person with the disorder can experience the same sense of accomplishment and reward in daily tasks.  For instance, by scheduling time between responsibilities like chores and homework for nutritious snacks or fun activities, your preteen, teen, or young adult receives an incentive to complete tasks. In time, completion itself creates a sense of accomplishment and reward, motivating them to finish the activity.    4. Help them schedule their day Disner said having an external tool like an app or schedule to guide someone through their day helps reduce the concern of failure. She recalled one woman on TikTok who realized she needed calendar invites to show up for events on time. She made sure to communicate that need to others.   5. Teach them to be imperfectionists For many with ADHD paralysis, according to Disner, the feeling that they can’t do a task right prevents them from starting it. Rather than react to this hesitation negatively, you can encourage your preteen, teen, or young adult to “keep playing” and go after their goals.  “Let them know it’s OK to start the task and screw up,” Disner said. “Trying things and failing to do them perfectly is how we learn and improve. Also, they’re likely to feel a sense of accomplishment from just trying, even if it doesn't turn out perfectly.”  6. Encourage exercise Physical exercise can reduce stress, and research in the Borderline Personality Disorder and Emotion Dysregulation journal indicates it can also help improve executive functioning. So, by encouraging participation in sports or other forms of physical activity, you can help your child better manage the stress from ADHD freeze and even prevent task paralysis, as improved executive functioning can help them prioritize activities.     7. Help them eat nutritious foods According to the Attention Deficit Disorder Association (ADDA), a well-balanced diet with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats, and proteins benefits body and mind. The association also recommends avoiding sugary foods, unhealthy fats, caffeine, and simple carbohydrates, as they can be associated with ADHD symptoms and other health conditions.  By preparing meals that align with ADDA guidelines, you can help your preteen, teen, or young adult better manage ADHD paralysis.   8. Explore therapists and treatment options If ADHD freeze is causing emotional difficulties for your child, finding a therapist who treats ADHD can be beneficial. The therapist can offer useful strategies for how to manage symptoms and overcome ADHD paralysis.  Disner said working with an executive functioning coach can also be helpful. This type of coach teaches clients how to organize, prioritize, and maintain focus on tasks. As executive functioning is a learned ability, receiving guidance in this area can help your child gain critical skills.  ADHD Paralysis: Moving Forward Knowing why preteens, teens, and young adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder struggle with managing tasks allows you to help your child overcome ADHD freeze. By understanding it’s not laziness but overstimulation that keeps them from completing activities, you can better provide practical assistance in addition to emotional support.   “I think when we’re able to understand that people with ADHD just have brains that work differently, we can talk openly about what works and what doesn’t,” said Disner, who encouraged parents to get to know other people who have the disorder and discover how they manage their ADHD paralysis. “There are so many different tools available to people trying to develop executive functioning skills or supplement executive functioning deficits.”  Embark is the most trusted name in teen and young adult mental health treatment. We’re driven to find the help your family needs. If you’re looking for support, contact us today! Read the full article

[embarkbehavioralhealth]

Dysfunctional Family Roles: Identifying and Addressing Them

The modern family takes many forms — from single-parent households to blended ones — but they have one thing in common: the potential to develop dysfunctional family roles. These roles can be an issue because when there’s dysfunction in a family, preteens, teens, and young adults can experience problems including sibling fighting, family anxiety, and substance use.    “Dysfunctional family dynamics are often the reason people come to me and say, ‘I’m struggling with this situation in my family, but no matter what I do, it doesn’t change,’” said Jenilyn Bartolo, a licensed professional counselor at Embark Behavioral Health in Greenwood Village, Colorado.   In a wide-ranging conversation, Bartolo discussed dysfunctional family roles, including how they affect young people, and how to heal from them. Table of contents- What Are the Roles in a Family? - Common Roles of Family Members in Dysfunctional Families- 1. The golden child, hero, or saint - 2. The scapegoat or black sheep - 3. The parentified child - 4. The mascot or clown - 5. The addict - 6. The lost child, problem child, or rebel - 7. The peacemaker or mediator - 8. The narcissist - How Dysfunctional Family Roles Affect Young People - How To Heal From Dysfunctional Family Roles- 1. Identify dysfunctional family roles - 2. Practice self-care - 3. Create healthy boundaries - 4. Seek professional help - Family Roles: A Better Path Forward What Are the Roles in a Family? In a family system that involves children, the roles of family members typically include one or more caregivers — these could be a biological parent, an adoptive parent, or a grandparent or other extended family member — and the children, whether they’re related biologically, step-siblings, or adopted.   While ideally family members are close and well connected, relating to each other in a physically and emotionally healthy way, that’s not always the case.   Common Roles of Family Members in Dysfunctional Families Bartolo outlined eight roles of family members that are common in dysfunctional families and explained what defines them.   “From a roles perspective, if you have a parentified child, which is when the parent-child roles are reversed, or if there are mental health concerns or addiction present, then there’s definitely dysfunction,” she said. “But assessing a family who is struggling with dysfunction is about more than just which dysfunctional family roles are present or how many of these roles are identified in your family. If there’s avoidance of conflict, avoidance of past shame, or avoidance of talking about problems, then you have a dysfunctional pattern that needs to be addressed.”  1. The golden child, hero, or saint The golden child, hero, or saint is the favored child who receives special treatment, praise, and high expectations or an only child who can do no wrong. The focus on the golden child often masks a family's underlying issues.   “If there are siblings, parents will say to the other kids, ‘Why can’t you behave more like this child?’,” Bartolo said, “but the golden child also has a lot of expectations put on them and can be a very lonely kid.”  She said it’s important to note that if a golden child is an only child raised in a more controlling and authoritarian style, they could develop anxiety, depression, people-pleasing behaviors, perfectionism, unhealthy coping skills, and low self-esteem.  2. The scapegoat or black sheep The scapegoat or black sheep is the family member who’s blamed for the home’s problems and difficulties. In some cases, this role serves as a distraction from the family's real problems.  3. The parentified child In a healthy family dynamic, parents provide emotional security and meet their children's needs. Sometimes, those roles get reversed. In these cases, parentified children take on the caregiving function, often at too young of an age, to compensate for the parents’ inadequacies and maintain family stability.   4. The mascot or clown The mascot or clown, who can be a parent or child, uses humor and playfulness to diffuse tension. Similar to what happens with the golden child, hero, or saint, these actions may help avoid or cover up the family's deeper issues.  5. The addict The addict is someone who’s struggling with substance use or addictive behavior. These issues can exacerbate family dysfunction.   6. The lost child, problem child, or rebel The lost child withdraws from family conflict, while the problem child or rebel acts out. These individuals use these behaviors to cope with dysfunctional family dynamics.  7. The peacemaker or mediator The peacemaker or mediator tries to resolve conflicts and maintain harmony within the family, often at their own expense. They may sacrifice their own emotional needs to provide what they perceive their siblings or parents need. Parents often create these roles in their children when one of them makes negative or harsh statements about the other parent.   8. The narcissist The narcissist, usually the parent, exhibits self-centered behavior. They prioritize their own needs and desires above all else.  How Dysfunctional Family Roles Affect Young People If left unaddressed, Bartolo said dysfunctional family roles affect youths and young adults to different degrees. The severity of the impact varies, but negative outcomes can include:   - Addiction: Unhealthy family dynamics increase the likelihood of substance use or addiction. For example, a Development and Psychopathology journal article shared that when families are less cohesive — with less emotional and physical closeness among family members — and more conflicted during adolescence, it can lead to a higher rate of alcohol use in adolescence and adulthood.   - Mental health: The family unit is one of the primary sources of emotional security for a child, and difficult family relationships increase stress and can raise the risk of developing anxiety, depression, and other teen mental health concerns. These issues can be problems for young adults as well.  - Relationships and interactions: Bartolo said the coping mechanisms and conflict resolution strategies learned within a family can influence how a youth interacts with others going forward, even into adulthood. Poorly modeled relationships in the family can therefore negatively impact future relationships.   - Sibling fighting: When there are insufficient boundaries and a lack of healthy conflict resolution, children are more likely to argue with each other. Based on adolescent reports from a study published in the journal Family Process, adolescents in families characterized by conflict or disagreement were more likely to have higher average levels of an angry mood.   How To Heal From Dysfunctional Family Roles In addition to the potential negative outcomes discussed earlier, dysfunctional family roles could pass down from generation to generation. For example, according to research in the Journal of Marriage and Family, parentification in childhood could negatively affect early parenting practices and child behavior in the next generation. Addressing dysfunction is therefore essential for current family members and those yet to come.  No matter what your relationship dynamics look like today, Bartolo said it’s never too late to bring balance and healing to the roles of family members in your home. Following are a few tips that can help.   1. Identify dysfunctional family roles Being self-aware of the different roles of family members, including the one you play, is the first step in healing your family’s relationships.   “Start by looking at the way you grew up and your own role in your family of origin,” Bartolo said. “Often, the role we played as children carries over into the family system we’re in today.”   2. Practice self-care “Take a look at what your co-regulation needs are,” Bartolo said, referring to the reciprocal exchange of emotional, neurological, and physical safety you experience with your child, which starts with you calming yourself through self-regulation. “In dysfunctional family roles, we’re often letting emotions lead. When we don’t regulate ourselves, our brain isn’t fully online. Perhaps you need to take 10 minutes to yourself, or go for a walk, before addressing a conflict in your family. It basically comes down to self-care and knowing what you need to do before you try to parent or navigate a familial situation.”   3. Create healthy boundaries In dysfunctional families, boundaries for children are often too strict, loose, or unpredictable.   “If parents create healthy boundaries with their preteens and teens and have healthy expectations, they’re giving their child the security they need,” Bartolo said. “But if a parent’s expectations are too high or unpredictable, there’s no security in that parent-child relationship, and that can create or reinforce unhealthy family roles.”   4. Seek professional help Contact a therapist if your family is stuck in a pattern you can’t seem to get out of, or if there are mental health or substance use concerns. While any licensed clinician can assist, it’s always appropriate to ask about their experience with family therapy.  “You’re ready for therapy if you’re ready to hold yourself, and your family, accountable for the part each of you play in the family,” Bartolo said. “Therapy can feel uncomfortable, but that’s when you know you’re creating lasting change, and you’re growing. Any licensed marriage and family therapist can help you, and I recommend looking for someone familiar with positive parenting.”  Family Roles: A Better Path Forward Healthy roles of family members influence everything from your preteen, teen, or young adult’s mental health to how they approach conflict resolution and relationships when they’re adults — and even parents themselves. Practices such as self-care and setting boundaries, as well as family involvement in therapy, can help you and your loved ones heal from dysfunctional family roles.   “It sounds complicated, but healing is really simple: We combat a lot of these dysfunctional family roles just by giving our children the experience of true acceptance and empathy,” Bartolo said. “Facing the roles we each play can be difficult, and it can feel like it gets worse before it gets better. But in the end, you’ll give your preteen, teen, or young adult the tools to experience joy and find meaning in life, and that’s the gift we all want to leave our kids when we’re gone.”  Embark is the most trusted name in teen and young adult mental health treatment. We’re driven to find the help your family needs. If you’re looking for support, contact us today. Read the full article

[embarkbehavioralhealth]

Embark Behavioral Health Outcomes Show Its Virtual Care’s Effectiveness Is Comparable to In-Person Mental Health Treatment

Most Embark Virtual IOP Clients Reported 50% Decrease in Anxiety CHANDLER, Ariz. (Nov. 7, 2023) — Embark Behavioral Health, a leading network of mental health treatment programs for youths, young adults, and their families, is reporting that recent analysis of client outcomes from its virtual intensive outpatient program, Embark Virtual IOP, reinforce the importance of its online offering. With the health care landscape evolving rapidly, the data substantiates the insurance-reimbursed virtual Embark program as a vital, accessible, and effective model of care delivery.   Embark Virtual IOP takes place entirely online through a secure patient portal, allowing youths and young adults ages 12-28 to access mental health treatment from the comfort of home. Available in nine states and Washington D.C., with more locations coming soon, the program offers a structured treatment plan that includes individual, group, and family therapy as well as experiential activities, psychiatry, and medication management services. Embark Virtual IOP also has an obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) track that emphasizes exposure and response prevention (ERP) therapy, considered the treatment of choice for individuals with this disorder.  "It's exciting to see the data validating that our evidence-based treatment approach is not only highly effective in a virtual IOP setting but also comparable to our in-person programs,” said Tiffany King, vice president of the Embark Behavioral Health virtual division. “The results, as shown by self-reported client outcomes, provide great news for families around the country who need intensive outpatient treatment while at home. We look forward to increasing the accessibility of quality mental health care as Embark Virtual IOP expands its effective treatment approach to more states."  Virtual IOP Outcomes: A Closer Look Embark’s data focuses on client outcomes achieved through Embark Virtual IOP using several well-established measurement tools and surveys, which evaluate various areas of functioning and well-being:  - Youth Outcome Questionnaire (Y-OQ)/Outcome Questionnaire (OQ): the client’s perception of their behavioral functioning and distress.  - Youth Outcome Questionnaire 2.01 (Y-OQ 2.01): the parent’s perception of their child’s behavioral functioning and distress.    - Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7): the severity of the client’s anxiety.    - Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9): the severity of the client’s depression and suicidality.   - World Health Organization Wellbeing Index (WHO-5): the client’s well-being.   The Embark Virtual IOP outcomes data offers valuable information about how the program is helping individuals and families heal:  - Highly effective treatment: All measures showed that clients had reached a healthy level of functioning when discharged from the program.   - Significant reduction in distress: Ninety percent (90%) of clients surveyed at admit and discharge reported a statistically significant reduction in distress via the reliable change index (RCI). Most clients reported a 46% decrease in distress. The RCI is the improvement required for the change to be “real” and likely not due to chance.   - No deterioration: For clients who completed the Y-OQ at admit and discharge, all clients reported no deterioration in behavioral functioning at discharge, demonstrating the power of Embark Virtual IOP.  - Reduced anxiety: Most clients reported a 50% decrease in anxiety symptoms at discharge, showcasing the virtual program's capability in addressing anxiety as part of treatment.  - Decreased depression: Most clients reported a 45% decrease in depression symptoms at discharge, highlighting Embark Virtual IOP’s ability to effectively treat depression symptoms.  - Enhanced well-being: Most clients reported a 36% increase in well-being scores at discharge, reflecting the holistic impact of treatment.   Embark Behavioral Health is committed to the continued availability and expansion of virtual treatment for mental health disorders. The company looks forward to continuing research into the urgency of ensuring clients can access this vital level of care that offers an alternative to higher-acuity options, such as inpatient psychiatric hospital care.    Embark Annual Outcomes Report Embark recently released its first-ever outcomes report, which shows evidence that its robust continuum of care results in effective and lasting change for preteens, teens, young adults, and their families. This report highlights residential and outpatient treatment data, suicide risk statistics, and future research directions.   For more information on treatment options and the continuum of care offered for preteens, teens, and young adults, visit embarkbh.com. Read the full article

[embarkbehavioralhealth]

How Embark in Berwyn Uses Creativity To Regulate Emotions 

At Embark Behavioral Health, co-regulation is an essential part of treatment. It’s the process by which children connect with caregivers, including parents, and experience healthy management of emotions and behaviors. By providing a reliable, nurturing, and safe presence, caregivers facilitate youths’ ability to develop the self-regulation skills required for healthy emotional development.   Because reliable and predictable co-regulation leads to self-regulation, teens — and young adults — can navigate emotional highs and lows on their own. This skill is important, as indicated in a 2022 Frontiers in Psychiatry editorial, which shared that emotional dysregulation is associated with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, oppositional defiant- and conduct disorders, personality disorders, self-harm, and suicidality.*  To help teens and young adults develop self-regulation skills, Embark outpatient and residential treatment programs provide them with a safe space to co-regulate with caregivers. At Embark Behavioral Health in Berwyn, Pennsylvania, for example, one way therapists provide this safe space is by offering multiple forms of creative art therapies. This experiential therapy practice lets preteens and teens at the outpatient clinic express and manage their emotions through different types of art, including visual art, movement, and music.  “Co-regulation, in general, relies less on verbal communication and instead focuses on sensory-specific characteristics inherent in each expressive art form,” said Yun Jung Lee, licensed professional counselor, art psychotherapist, and clinical director of the Berwyn clinic. “For instance, art-based experiences emphasize interaction primarily through tactile, visual, and kinesthetic senses.”  To gain a clearer understanding of how using creativity through creative art therapies helps teens and young adults co-regulate with others, we spoke with Lee and Stella, a teenager who completed outpatient therapy for depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder at the Berwyn clinic.     How the Clinic Uses Creativity for Co-Regulation “Teenagers who come to our clinics generally don’t know how to regulate themselves,” Lee said. “Developmentally speaking, they’re very emotionally fragile. For them to practice self-regulation, they need to start from co-regulation.”  Lee said some teenagers are so frustrated and dysregulated during group therapy sessions they have trouble processing their emotions and talking about their distress. In response, she’s sat with these clients privately and engaged in art activities with them, such as doodling. She’s created a safe space by speaking in a calm tone and making eye contact.  “Engaging in the creative process together is a co-regulatory moment,” Lee said. “When I see the client is grounded and calmer, they can rejoin the group. And later, when they engage in the same kind of activity and they’re not with the therapist, they can remember when they were able to breathe and regulate better. They carry that moment after the session is over so they can regulate without having someone sitting with them.”  Art therapy helped Stella, 18, process her emotions.  “I struggle with putting my emotions into words,” she said. “So, coming out of a tough individual or family session, it was nice to go to art therapy and put my emotions into a drawing or painting. It helped things seem less scary by being able to visualize my emotions versus just thinking about them. And then it helped me put my emotions into words so I could process them further.”  Lee has found that engaging in the creative process gives clients a greater sense of control, making it effective for all types of mental health treatment, including substance use. She noted teens turn to unhealthy coping mechanisms like cutting, drinking, or taking drugs to gain relief from emotional pain. By using art to process and regulate their emotions, they have a healthier way of coping.  “When you think about adolescents in a mental health setting, they don’t feel like they have a lot of choices in their lives,” Lee said. “They don’t feel like they have a lot of control. But art is a very validating activity. Clients are not going to be judged, they have a sense of control in what they’re creating, and they’re practicing regulation with someone they trust.”  Benefits of Art Therapy at Embark While art activities like drawing, dancing, or songwriting can all provide coping mechanisms for youths, Lee emphasized that art therapy is different from participating in art activities.  “Art therapy needs to be facilitated by therapists who know the psychology and defense mechanisms of the clients, who know how to lead clients to do more analytic work,” she said, explaining that art therapists are trained to see the latent content, or the meaning behind the art. “There’s going to be some interpretations of the pictorial information, and based on that interpretation, the therapist will ask questions that are therapeutically relevant.”  This leads clients to gain better insights about their art and themselves.  “My first paintings and drawings were pretty dark and depressing because I was in such a low place mentally versus going through the program and working on regulating my emotions — you can see things brighten up,” Stella said. “My last piece was a painting with a line down the middle, with sunshine and happiness on one side and clouds and rain on the other. And I think I did that to represent that you can have ups and downs, but it doesn’t mean your progress isn’t going well if you have a bad day.”  After completing outpatient therapy, Stella continued using art as a coping mechanism and form of self-expression, this time by taking a ceramics class at her school.  “Ceramics is something I use all the time now as a coping mechanism because it’s something I can put all my energy into, something that I love to do,” she said. “I think that the sensation, the texture is something that helps a lot of kids with anxiety — the stimulating part of it. So, I do that in my everyday life.”  She advised incoming clients to embrace art therapy and view the act of creation as a healthy way to cope with and process difficult emotions.    “When you’re super depressed, nobody wants to go draw a picture,” she said. “But if you give it your all and make a piece you really love, you can take it home to serve as a reminder of the beautiful art you can create. And when you make art at Embark, you can carry the meaning of that art out of Embark with you, into the next chapters of your life.”   *This article is for informational purposes only and not to be considered medical advice. If your child is having a mental health emergency, contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline for immediate support by calling or texting 988 or chatting online. You can also text HOME to 741741 ─ the Crisis Text Line ─ from anywhere in the country to talk with a trained crisis counselor. Read the full article

[embarkbehavioralhealth]

Family Fighting: Navigating Conflict

Family fighting is common, and it’s not necessarily a bad thing. It’s part of being human and in relationships. Whether family conflict happens between siblings, parents, or parents and children, Jacob Gibson, a licensed marriage and family therapist at New Haven Residential Treatment Center, said it’s important to deal with it in a way that allows everyone to feel heard, seen, honored, and respected. They can then move toward a resolution, even if they don’t completely agree with each other’s point of view or actions.  “A great majority of our differences will continue to be differences,” Gibson said. “It’s our job to find a way to work around them.”  Table of contents- Why Do Families Fight?- Young adult siblings fighting - Parents fighting   - Teenagers fighting with parents - Destructive Conflict vs. Constructive Conflict - Mental Health Effects of Family Fighting- Mental health issues - Relationship issues - Behavior problems - Substance use - Negative outlook on life - How To Resolve Family Conflicts- 1. Practice empathy - 2. Communicate effectively- Practice active listening - Help negotiate a solution - 3. Stay calm, and don’t take sides - 4. Create safe spaces for communication - 5. Get at the root of the conflict - 6. Emphasize the positive - 7. Seek out professional help - Family Fighting Wrapup Why Do Families Fight? Family fighting can happen for multiple reasons, such as differences in opinions or beliefs, misunderstandings, or not having the full story before speaking or making a decision. Triggers or topics that can lead to family conflict include:  - Stress.   - Mental health challenges.   - Differences in political or religious views.   - Family issues.   - Finances.   - Substance use.   - Caregiving.   - Adopted or new family member.   - Hormonal changes.   - Moving.   - Travel.   - Divorce or relationship issues. Following is a closer look at why some family members argue with each other.  Young adult siblings fighting For brothers and sisters who are young adults, family fighting can be the result of sibling rivalry or childhood events that were not addressed, leading to resentment. Expectations, labels, and favoritism placed on them by parents when they were younger are a few more reasons why young adult siblings continue family arguing into adulthood.   Parents fighting   There can be multiple reasons for parents fighting. They may disagree about finances, how to raise their children, or politics, among other issues. Some parents may try to hide their arguments, while others will have them in full view of all family members.   Teenagers fighting with parents It can be normal for teenagers to fight with their parents as they find their own identities and push back on parental authority. They may want a later curfew, for example. Arguments could be about larger issues as well, such as who a teen wants to live with when parents divorce.   Destructive Conflict vs. Constructive Conflict Understanding the difference between destructive and constructive conflict can change how family members approach arguments. Gibson explained it’s about how the conflict gets resolved.   How do the people involved feel after everything is said and done and a solution is identified? If they feel seen, heard, understood, and respected, the argument was a constructive conflict. If they leave with a solution but feel put down, belittled, or misunderstood, it was a destructive conflict that could lead to prolonged arguing and resentment, creating a gap in relationships and significant family problems.  Mental Health Effects of Family Fighting Teens can experience multiple mental health effects from family fighting. The effects will be different for everyone, but they can lead to long-term issues and could affect overall family mental health, especially if conflict is not addressed properly.   Mental health issues Mental health issues caused by family fighting can include:  - Anxiety.   - Depression.  - Self-harm.   - Suicidal ideation.   - Eating disorders.   Relationship issues Teens could experience family relationship issues if they don’t feel heard or understood by siblings or their parents. These issues could include growing distant from one another. As they get older, they may have difficulty trusting others, making it difficult to have healthy romantic relationships.   Behavior problems Family conflict can lead to behavior issues, as teens could express physical or verbal aggression or even the opposite, becoming withdrawn. Either situation could lead to social problems with their peers at school or in other settings.   Substance use Family arguing can lead to a stressful home environment. Some teens may turn to substance use as a coping mechanism for their difficult family situation. This could result in serious issues, such as binge drinking.  Negative outlook on life Continuous family conflict can cause teens and young adults to have a negative outlook on life because what should be their safe place doesn’t feel safe. If they can’t openly express themselves or bring conflict to their parents without expecting backlash or judgment, they may expect interactions with other people to function the same way.   How To Resolve Family Conflicts Whether the issue is parents fighting or teens or young adults arguing with parents or each other, resolving family conflict will take time and effort from everyone involved. The tips below can help by encouraging vulnerability while making it possible for your family members to be seen, heard, validated, and honored.  1. Practice empathy “Practicing empathy can look like pausing before saying anything and considering the other person’s experiences, mindset, and perspective, which helps you avoid jumping to conclusions based on your own perceptions,” Gibson said. “Really seek to understand what they’re communicating, and give them space to process and find a solution.”  2. Communicate effectively Effective communication allows a conversation to move back and forth smoothly, without tension, as people understand and restate the issue, influence each other, and work toward a solution, according to Gibson. Active listening is essential to this process, as is helping to negotiate a solution.  Practice active listening Talking about conflict can be challenging, especially if family members don’t quite know how to or don’t want to communicate what they’re feeling or experiencing. Active listening is a great way for your family to show they understand the conflict and want to move toward a resolution. Tips include using curiosity to encourage conversation, empathetically addressing the emotional experience everyone is having, and resisting the urge to pry information out of each other.  Help negotiate a solution Part of helping to negotiate a solution is making sure all pieces of the conflict are out there for everyone to know and understand, according to Gibson. Once that happens, family members can move forward with finding a solution, even if they don’t completely agree with each other’s point of view.   3. Stay calm, and don’t take sides When addressing family fighting, it’s important that everyone stay calm so the conversation doesn’t get tense or sidetracked. It’s also helpful to avoid taking sides, as picking a side can cause more conflict, creating more disconnect.  4. Create safe spaces for communication To create a safe space for communication, Gibson recommended being approachable. See, hear, validate, and honor the other side’s position so family members know they’re safe coming to you about the conflict.   5. Get at the root of the conflict By adopting a nonjudgmental, nonreactive stance, Gibson noted, you invite effective communication. This allows you to identify the root of the conflict and address the issue. Curiosity is also key here, as it invites more discussion, which can help family members understand situations they may not have the answer to just yet.  “Curiosity, openness, and nonjudgmental approaches to conflict invite the space for self-discovery,” Gibson said.  6. Emphasize the positive By encouraging communication in a positive way, you can place more attention on how to solve the conflict instead of the conflict itself. This can help reduce arguments and misunderstandings and avoid creating a bigger disconnect among family members.   7. Seek out professional help Gibson said families need therapy when they’ve tried multiple ways to resolve conflict and it’s caused more disconnect. He suggested interviewing potential therapists and ensuring they’re a good fit for everyone, as family involvement in the therapeutic process is critical. By doing this, you can maximize your family’s conflict resolution — and growth.  Family Fighting Wrapup Although family conflict is common, it should be thoughtfully addressed to avoid long-term effects on how parents, teens, and young adults relate to each other — and others — and how young people view themselves. By making sure your family members feel heard, honored, and understood, you can find healthy resolutions to family fighting.  “If both sides will do their own work to be calm, empathetic, and understanding, and then come together from that perspective, there’s an opportunity for healing in the relationship and a chance to move forward in creating a close, enjoyable connection among family members,” Gibson said.   Embark is the most trusted name in teen and young adult mental health treatment. We’re driven to find the help your family needs. If you’re looking for support, contact us today! Read the full article

[embarkbehavioralhealth]

Winter Mental Health: Helping Teens and Young Adults Cope

For some teens and young adults, mental health in the winter can be a significant concern. While the season includes a break from school and more time with family and friends, it can be stressful, as can dealing with the psychological effects of cold weather.    This article touches on challenges facing youths and young adults during wintertime and features self-care advice for your child. Table of contents- Psychological Effects of Winter and Cold Weather- Depression  - Anxiety - Overstimulation - Family stress - Holiday stress - Winter Self-Care for Young People - Transitioning Back to School After Winter Break - Winter Mental Health: Wrapup Psychological Effects of Winter and Cold Weather When it comes to mental health in the winter, the psychological effects of cold weather and the season itself can be significant. They include depression, anxiety, overstimulation, family stress, and holiday stress.  Depression  One of the most serious psychological effects of cold weather and winter is seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a type of depression related to changes in seasons. In the winter, the days get shorter, resulting in less light during the daytime. This can lower vitamin D levels, which may negatively affect mood, and alter a person’s circadian rhythm, the body’s natural sleep and wake cycle that usually lasts for about 24 hours. When that rhythm changes, it interrupts the cycle, which can cause moderate to severe depression that can last for up to six months.  When a teen or young adult is depressed, symptoms include not enjoying favorite activities and feeling overwhelmed. Depression can also affect their relationships and quality of life. Just the idea of getting up in the morning can make them anxious.  It’s important to note that depression can be a precursor to suicidal thoughts* or self-harm. If your child is depressed, seek help from a family doctor, psychiatrist, or therapist. Anxiety Anxiety can affect mental health in the winter not only because it’s a symptom of SAD but also because teens and young adults may feel anxious about a variety of issues. For example, they might worry about final exams at school, especially if they’ve been struggling with a specific class. Or, they might feel uneasy about spending more time at home if family members are fighting a lot.  Another reason anxiety is one of the psychological effects of cold weather is because chilly temperatures, snow, or even blizzards could interfere with favorite outdoor activities, such as walking, running, or bicycling. Exercise can help young people deal with anxiety, so if they have to skip those activities, it could be more difficult for them to counteract anxious feelings.  Overstimulation For those with sensory issues, cold weather conditions such as low temperatures, wind, and snow — and wearing heavy clothing to protect against all of that — could cause overstimulation. When a sense such as touch is overstimulated, it could lead to sensory overload, resulting in anxiety and even panic attacks. This can make maintaining mental health in the winter challenging for teens and young adults living in places with harsh conditions.  Family stress During wintertime, families tend to be together more often because school’s out for a few weeks and potentially due to weather conditions. With increased interaction — and more opportunities to push each other’s buttons — can come more family fighting. Whether teens and young adults are part of the drama or just observers, this type of conflict can take a toll on them, especially if the weather prevents them from getting out of the house to get a break from the tension.  Holiday stress Holiday stress can also affect a teen or young adult’s mental health in the winter. The extra social engagements, such as visiting relatives or attending parties, as well as shopping for gifts and perhaps preparing for special school performances, can be overwhelming. Finances can also be a source of stress if family members are having difficulty paying for holiday expenses like presents, trips, or meals at fancy restaurants. The result can be a less than joyful holiday season for some.  Winter Self-Care for Young People It’s important that your teen or young adult practice self-care so they can address the psychological effects of cold weather and promote good mental health in the winter. You can support them by using the tips below.  1. Help your teen or young adult rest, exercise, and eat healthy  During this time of year, teens and young adults may cut back on — or even skip — habits and routines that can help mental health in the winter, including getting enough sleep, exercising, and eating healthy.  - Getting enough sleep: Encourage your child to get adequate rest each night. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends eight to 10 hours of sleep for teens ages 13-18 and at least seven hours for people 18 and up.  - Exercising: The World Health Organization has physical activity recommendations for multiple age groups. For example, adolescents up to age 17 should average at least 60 minutes per day of moderate- to vigorous-intensity exercise. If winter weather makes your child’s favorite outdoor activities difficult to do, suggest indoor alternatives. This could include yoga or Pilates at home or working out at a fitness center.  - Eating healthy: Encourage your child to eat whole foods, fiber, seafood, lean poultry, and fresh fruits and vegetables. Avoid packaged and processed foods such as microwavable meals. They contain food additives and preservatives that can disrupt healthy bacteria in the gut, which can promote good mental health. It’s also helpful to limit sugar intake.   2. Help them avoid substance use  If your teen or young adult has struggled with substance use, remember: There’ll likely be more opportunities to access and use drugs and alcohol during the holidays. Help them resist that temptation. Remind them they can have plenty of holiday fun while sober — the kind they’ll want to remember. Activities could include a photo scavenger hunt, an ugly sweater exchange, a baking or cooking party, or ice skating.   If your teen or young adult needs extra support, you can connect them with a therapist or contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration hotline, a treatment referral and information service.  3. Create healthy routines  Creating healthy routines is important to supporting mental health in the winter. These routines include getting enough rest, exercising, and eating healthy, but they go beyond that. Encourage your child to start or continue doing activities that help them stay mentally healthy, such as spending time with friends, reading, creating art, or listening to or playing music.   4. Make time for friends  It’s helpful for teens and young adults to talk to and hang out with friends who care about them, especially when they need a break from wintertime stressors. While busy schedules can make it challenging to connect with their favorite people, remind your child to keep in touch as best as they can. Let them know their friends may be stressed out too, so they’ll appreciate your child’s friendship and support.    5. Make New Year’s mental health resolutions  December is often the month when people reflect on the year that’s passed and look toward the future. It’s a good time to ask your teen or young adult if they feel mentally healthy and prepared for the year ahead.  Talk to your child about what’s worked for them in the past year, and discuss what they’d like to work on next year. Make mental health resolutions to help them reach their goals. Ideas include starting a gratitude journal, meditating, and taking a break from social media. Now is the perfect time to embrace healthy change, promoting mental health in the winter — and beyond.  Transitioning Back to School After Winter Break As their time off from school draws to a close, teens and young adults might worry about transitioning back to campus. It can be tough to resume the habit of getting up early, going to class, and doing homework. Talk to your child about their concerns, expressing empathy for what they’re experiencing. You could say something as simple as, “I know this is tough for you, and I’m here for you. I want to help.”  You can also brainstorm how to address their concerns. For example, if they’re worried about waking up in the morning because they’ve been staying up later than usual, suggest they move bedtime back by 15 to 30 minutes each night until they’re back to their normal time.  Make sure to also talk about the positives of going back to class, such as seeing classmates again, resuming favorite extracurricular activities, or getting closer to graduation. They may find it helpful to make a list and keep it on their phone so they can reference it whenever they’re feeling nervous.  If your child is in college, remind them to use campus resources when needed, such as an academic adviser or counseling office. For those living away from home, make sure they have crisis text line phone numbers in case of a mental health emergency. The NAMI Teen & Young Adult Mental HelpLine, a peer-support service providing information, resource referrals, and support to teens and young adults, could also be helpful. Your child can text “Friend” to 62640 or call 800-950-6264.  Winter Mental Health: Wrapup While winter can bring plenty of joy to teens and young adults, it can also lead to several challenges, including depression, anxiety, overstimulation, and family and holiday stress. By understanding the psychological effects of cold weather and the holiday season and encouraging self-care, you can help your child improve their mental health in the winter and get ready to return to school.  *This article is for informational purposes only and not to be considered medical advice. If your child is having a mental health emergency, contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline for immediate support by calling or texting 988 or chatting online. You can also text HOME to 741741 ─ the Crisis Text Line ─ from anywhere in the country to talk with a trained crisis counselor.    Embark is the most trusted name in teen and young adult mental health treatment. We’re driven to find the help your family needs. If you’re looking for support, contact us today! Read the full article

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Vicarious Trauma: Recognize and Treat It So Children Can Heal

It’s easier than ever for children to access news about what’s happening around the world, making vicarious trauma an important issue for families. To learn about this type of trauma, including its signs and symptoms and how to treat it, we spoke to Dr. Rob Gent, Embark Behavioral Health vice president of clinical development and training. Gent, who has a doctorate in psychology, also shared advice for how to talk to your child about conflict and social issues in other countries.  Table of contents- Defining Vicarious Trauma- What is vicarious trauma, and who is susceptible to it? - What are the signs and symptoms of vicarious trauma? - Treating and Reducing the Risk of Vicarious Trauma- What are the methods of treating vicarious trauma? - What are some self-care practices that can reduce the risk of vicarious trauma? - Talking About Conflict and Social Issues in Other Countries- How can parents talk to their children about what they’re seeing on social media related to conflict and social issues in other countries? - What can parents do if their children are exposed to graphic details on social media? - Vicarious Trauma: Wrapup Defining Vicarious Trauma What is vicarious trauma, and who is susceptible to it? Vicarious trauma is a mental health condition that typically occurs when an individual who did not personally experience a trauma absorbs the stressful feelings of a directly traumatized person. After discussing the traumatic experience with the trauma survivor in depth, the individual experiences intensely empathetic feelings that can be so powerful that they integrate the survivor's trauma into their own life.   Those who are susceptible to it include therapists, counselors, doctors, lawyers, journalists, friends, family members, and other secondary witnesses to trauma. However, what many people may not realize is that children are also vulnerable to vicarious trauma when traumatizing events are covered in the media or shared on social media. Continually being exposed to threatening images, sounds, and messages can dramatically overstress a child and create vicarious trauma.  What are the signs and symptoms of vicarious trauma? The symptoms of vicarious trauma are similar to those of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These symptoms include increased fear, increased hypervigilance, flashbacks, and invasive thoughts. Additionally, individuals may experience:  - Increased worry and anxiety about life.   - Increased isolation.   - Decreased motivation.   - Feelings of distress and depression that can be minimized by others, since the trauma did not happen to them directly.  Treating and Reducing the Risk of Vicarious Trauma What are the methods of treating vicarious trauma? Treatment for vicarious trauma is similar to what’s used for PTSD, with professional help from a licensed mental health provider. The therapist and individual should establish a therapeutic alliance in which there’s agreement on treatment goals and tasks, and a bonding, trusting relationship develops between them.   Treatment should include individual therapy with a focus on movement, exercise, mindfulness, and awareness practices, as well as emotional exploration and integration of the traumatizing circumstances.   What are some self-care practices that can reduce the risk of vicarious trauma? Self-care practices that can reduce the risk include:   - Scheduling time to be outdoors and get exposure to sunlight, which can release mood-boosting endorphins.  - Maintaining regular movement and exercise.   - Eating a nutritionally rich diet and avoiding sugars and processed foods.   - Spending time with empathetic individuals who can actively listen and express genuine care.  - Engaging in acts of service to stimulate empowerment, gratitude, and humility. Talking About Conflict and Social Issues in Other Countries How can parents talk to their children about what they’re seeing on social media related to conflict and social issues in other countries? Parents must first establish a foundation of emotional, physical, and relational security so their child feels safe and emotionally regulated with the parent. Through establishing close physical proximity, including safe touch like a reassuring hug, as well as through eye contact, empathy, and focused attention, the parent can be curious about what the child knows about world events. They can ask “What have you heard, seen, or viewed?”  Parents should provide empathy for what those messages must feel like for the child. For example, they could say, “If I’m you, those things are incredibly scary, and it would make me anxious because … ”. They should avoid verbalizing “fixes” and giving platitudes like “You’ll be fine.”  They should also assess how engaged and emotionally regulated their child is before providing more accurate information about the issue or trying to assure the child they’re safe in the environment where they live. If the child is becoming overwhelmed, crying, shutting down, or isolating, parents should refrain from more verbal engagement and provide their child with nurturance, safe touch, and empathy.   What can parents do if their children are exposed to graphic details on social media? Parents should follow the guidelines above, set limits on screen time and social media, and ensure phones are left to charge outside of rooms during bedtime to provide an environment most conducive to productive sleep.  Vicarious Trauma: Wrapup Vicarious trauma can have a significant impact on your child’s life, so it’s essential to recognize the signs and symptoms and seek professional help to treat the condition appropriately. It’s also important that you provide a safe and secure environment where your child can discuss their feelings, ask questions, and share their concerns.   By seeking care when needed and providing a nurturing environment, you can help your child heal. Embark is the most trusted name in teen and young adult mental health treatment. We’re driven to find the help your family needs. If you’re looking for support, contact us today. Read the full article

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How Embark Treats Depression, Helping Young People Heal

As depression continues to be a serious issue among young people, Embark Behavioral Health is providing the space and resources for youths and young adults to alleviate their symptoms and find healing.  According to the company’s 2022 annual outcomes report, most Embark clients reduced their depression symptoms, with 72% of long-term residential, 80% of short-term residential, and 77% of outpatient clinic clients experiencing improvement. At these programs, therapists like Brandon Bustamante are dedicated to helping youths and young adults improve their mental health.  “For me, seeing all the different Embark programs available for young people is very impactful,” said Bustamante, a licensed clinical social worker and the assistant clinical director at Embark Behavioral Health in Alpharetta, Georgia. “These programs allow them to work on issues like depression sooner in life instead of allowing them to build up.”  Addressing depression is a key part of the Embark Behavioral Health mission, which is to lead the way in driving teen and young adult anxiety, depression, and suicide* from today’s all-time highs to all-time lows by 2028.   Who Depression Affects, and What’s Behind It Depression affects some more than others. For example, according to the National Library of Medicine’s Medline Plus, teens can be at a higher risk for this mood disorder if they:   - Have existing mental health conditions, such as anxiety, eating disorders, or substance use issues.  - Have family members with mental illness.  - Experienced trauma in childhood.  - Have low self-esteem, a pessimistic outlook, or poor coping skills.  - Are members of the LGBTQ+ community, especially if their families aren’t supportive. Depression among teens is an important concern for parents. According to a 2018 report for the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, in the past year, 14.4% of adolescents ages 12-17 had a major depressive episode.  Embark Chief Clinical Officer Dr. Rob Gent, who has a doctorate in psychology, said it’s important to help young people with depression because the condition taints their way of thinking and emotions. Over time, that tainted thought process affects how they feel and react, which can lead to making poor decisions.  Depression symptoms can include feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and anxiety as well as getting too much or too little sleep, according to Gent.  How Embark Treats Depression When youths and young adults arrive at an Embark program, they’re introduced to treatment teams that include therapists, nurse practitioners, and psychiatric nurse practitioners. They then learn about the Embark treatment approach, which provides an evidence-based therapeutic structure to create effective growth, learning, and healing.   Multiple types of therapy are part of this approach, including:  - Attachment-focused therapy, a relational approach that promotes establishing safe, secure, nurturing relationships that can help youths and young adults regulate their emotions. - Experiential therapy, which engages a client’s physical, emotional, and relational aspects to help them get out of self-preservation mode and stop ruminating — dwelling — on their depression and hopeless feelings. - Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which promotes identifying the causes of their depression, changing unhealthy behaviors, and setting realistic goals as ways of mitigating symptoms so they can find joy. - Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), a type of CBT that strives to change negative thinking patterns and pushes for positive behavioral changes. The Embark treatment approach is based on the company's CASA Developmental Framework, used to developmentally heal and strengthen functional, mental, and physical health. By practicing commitment, acceptance, security, and attunement (empathy in action), young people and their families can co-regulate, a process that involves a reciprocal exchange of emotional, neurological, and physical safety. Co-regulation sets the foundation for treating depression.  “The first step for us is to look at how we can create some sense of connection,” Gent said. “This is done through an interpersonal, safe, and secure attachment experience.”  Integrating the family into treatment Oftentimes, families come to Embark with some misconceptions about depression, such as the impact of the depression a youth or young adult is experiencing. They also may not know how to define depression. This is why Embark involves the entire family in treatment from the very beginning.   Clients and their families participate in family therapy sessions and receive education about what depression is, what leads to the disorder, and the accompanying symptoms, including isolation and low motivation. They also attend treatment team meetings to understand how the family system works and to develop effective strategies to address the experiences and factors that contributed to the client’s depression.  “I think it’s important to address that we’re treating the depression, not just putting a band-aid on it,” Gent said. “We are really focusing on changing what’s driving the depression.”  Assessing progress during treatment During their time at Embark, clients complete assessments that measure their depression symptoms. The goal is to see improvement in overall demeanor and stabilization. Embark also measures improvement through the progress made in the treatment plans. Gent said parents will always know when their child is ready to either move to another level of care or discharge from the program.  Discharging clients from treatment During treatment and prior to discharge, clients work with the treatment team to put measures in place so they always know how to get back to a place of co-regulation. These measures include:   - A discharge summary detailing the client’s time in the program, including treatment received and medications taken.  - A transition plan that includes post-discharge therapy recommendations, ways to assess signs of emotion regulation issues, and co-regulation and self-regulation strategies.  - A safety plan with information to help keep the client safe during a mental health crisis, such as coping skills to use and who to call in an emergency.  - A medication plan, if the client takes medication, detailing prescriptions to be filled and dosage instructions. Families also leave with various skills needed to help them cope with tough situations, express themselves in a healthy way, and communicate effectively. Because families practice these skills during their journey at Embark, they’re prepared to implement them once discharged from the program.  Treatment In Action at Embark in Alpharetta While sharing how the Alpharetta outpatient clinic has helped clients with depression, Bustamante recalled a biracial client who’d been adopted by white parents. The client, a teenager, didn’t feel supported or understood by them. In addition, the family moved to a town that he felt lacked representation of people like him, and he often felt singled out due to his race. His parents were unsure how to help him through that. He was also in friend groups that caused his behavior to become disruptive while dealing with all that had happened to him.    The client was at a residential treatment center for three months, then came to the Alpharetta clinic for a therapeutic day treatment program, also known as a partial hospitalization program (PHP), to continue treatment for depression. During a few therapy sessions with the teenager, Bustamante had an African American intern who could relate to the teen’s experience help him see it was OK to feel the way he was feeling and then process his feelings and experiences.   Over the course of time, Bustamante saw a difference in this client, and the parents noted he was more loving with them. They also said he was more communicative, an aspect of their relationship he’d struggled with before.    “This experience gave him the opportunity to feel heard and seen and to also understand that there are people out there who’ve experienced situations like him — and how to best move forward,” Bustamante said.  *This article is for informational purposes only and not to be considered medical advice. If your child is having a mental health emergency, contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline for immediate support by calling or texting 988 or chatting online. You can also text HOME to 741741 ─ the Crisis Text Line ─ from anywhere in the country to talk with a trained crisis counselor. Read the full article

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Embark Behavioral Health Achieves Full Accreditation and Gold Seal of Approval From The Joint Commission

Accreditation Highlights Company's Commitment to Youth and Young Adult Mental Health Excellence CHANDLER, Ariz. (Sept. 28, 2023) — Embark Behavioral Health, a leading network of mental health treatment programs for children, youths, young adults, and their families, is proud to announce the awarding of its continued behavioral health care and human services accreditation by The Joint Commission. This accreditation signifies the company’s unwavering commitment to quality, safety, and excellence in mental health treatment across its continuum of care. Embark Behavioral Health and The Joint Commission share a common mission and values focused on improving the mental well-being of young individuals nationwide. Since 1996, Embark has been providing results-driven behavioral health treatment and programs that solidify its position as a trusted and respected behavioral health organization in the United States. "We’re immensely proud of this achievement and grateful for our partnership with The Joint Commission," said Brian Rogers, director of quality at Embark. "Our ongoing efforts align with our vision of continuously improving and increasing the safety and quality of our current programs and newly opened locations." Embark Behavioral Health’s journey toward achieving accreditation and the Gold Seal of Approval began in 1997, when its first program, New Haven, a residential treatment center, received Joint Commission accreditation. By 2019, the company’s dedication to exceptional care led to the accreditation of five additional programs. In 2020, Embark Behavioral Health continued its journey seeking organizationwide accreditation. In 2021, Embark achieved its next milestone when The Joint Commission awarded accreditation that also included the company’s therapeutic boarding schools and outdoor programs, resulting in a total of 19 programs receiving the Gold Seal of Approval. In 2023, Embark Behavioral Health underwent its triennial survey, keeping in step with company growth.  A total of 38 programs are now Joint Commission accredited, underscoring the company's ability to maintain excellence while scaling operations to best serve families across the United States. “As a health care accreditor, The Joint Commission works with health care organizations across care settings to inspire safer and higher quality of care that is more equitable and compassionate,” said Ken Grubbs, executive vice president of accreditation and certification operations and chief nursing officer, The Joint Commission. “Through collaborating on innovative solutions and evidence-based resources and tools, The Joint Commission helps drive improvement while maintaining accountability through our leading survey methods and standards. We commend Embark for its commitment to advance safety, quality, equity and compassion for all patients.” For more information on treatment options and the continuum of care offered for children, teens, and young adults, visit embarkbh.com. Read the full article

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Embark Behavioral Health Opens 3 Outpatient Clinics in Southern California

Leading Mental Health Care Provider Expands Presence, Insurance Accessibility  LOS ANGELES (Sept. 15, 2023) — Embark Behavioral Health is providing accessible mental health services to a larger population of youths, young adults, and their families in Southern California by enrolling clients at three new outpatient clinics in the region. The leading network of mental health treatment programs for young people and their families now has locations in Woodland Hills, West Los Angeles, and Newport Beach.  The new clinics offer comprehensive, evidence-based treatment for a range of mental health disorders, including anxiety, depression, substance use disorder, and more.   Embark strategically chose the Woodland Hills, West Los Angeles, and Newport Beach, California, locations to provide convenient access for individuals living in these areas. The goal is to eliminate barriers to mental health care by making the clinics easily accessible and creating a warm and welcoming environment for clients. All locations provide an intensive outpatient program (IOP) and a therapeutic day treatment program, also known as a partial hospitalization program, or PHP.   “We’re reaffirming our commitment to providing accessible and evidence-based mental health services to those in need,” said Jeremy Behling, group president of outpatient clinics. “Through partnerships like Anthem Blue Cross California, we aim to ensure that quality care is affordable for our clients, underscoring our dedication to breaking down barriers to mental health care, fostering a nurturing environment for healing and growth.”   The partnership with in-network insurance partner Anthem Blue Cross California allows individuals with Anthem Blue Cross insurance to access services at Embark Behavioral Health outpatient clinics and residential treatment centers in California with ease. In addition, Embark works with most insurance carriers, whether in-network or out-of-network. This commitment ensures that individuals have options when it comes to seeking mental health support.  Embark Behavioral Health is known for its commitment to providing high-quality, compassionate care for youths, young adults, and their families. With a team of experienced and dedicated mental health professionals, the company’s programs offer a range of services including individual therapy, group therapy, family therapy, and medication management.   About Embark in Woodland Hills The Embark Woodland Hills clinic is located in the heart of San Fernando Valley. Led by Executive Director Carly Bachrach, who has a pupil personnel services credential, the location has an IOP and a PHP. In addition, the clinic offers an exposure and response prevention (ERP) track for those experiencing moderate to severe obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).  About Embark in West Los Angeles With the beautiful Santa Monica Pier and J. Paul Getty Museum as the backdrop, the Embark West LA location offers an IOP and a PHP supported by experiential therapy practices such as movement, dance, art, and music therapy. Executive Director Baaba Hawthorne, a licensed marriage and family therapist, leads the clinic.   About Embark in Newport Beach  Located in the heart of Orange County, the Embark Newport Beach location is led by Executive Director and Clinical Director Alyson Pena, a licensed professional clinical counselor. The location offers an IOP and a PHP supported by experiential therapy practices such as movement, dance, art, and music therapy.  The diverse Embark programs include individual, group, and family therapy, addiction treatment, and parent coaching. These programs address a wide range of issues, such as:  - Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).    - Anger/mood regulation.    - Anxiety.     - Bipolar disorder.     - Borderline personality disorder.  - Bullying.     - Depression.     - Family conflict.     - OCD.  - Self-harm/cutting.     - Social isolation.     - Substance use.     - Technology addiction.  For more information on treatment options and the continuum of care offered for preteens, teens, and young adults, visit embarkbh.com.  Read the full article

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How Embark Helps Youths, Young Adults Overcome Suicidal Ideation

From age 15 through his mid-20s, Emmett Wells struggled with suicidal ideation — thoughts of death and dying by suicide.* He needed psychiatric hospitalizations, intensive outpatient programs (IOPs), medications, and other support services to find peace and healing. That experience is part of the reason he now serves preteens, teens, young adults, and their families at Embark Behavioral Health in Greenwood Village, Colorado.   “I wanted to be part of a company that makes it easy to find effective treatment options for a variety of mental health issues, including suicidal ideation,” said Wells, the outpatient clinic’s clinical director and a licensed clinical social worker. “I don’t want people to struggle like I did to find the right therapist or program.”  Addressing suicidal ideation is an important part of the Embark Behavioral Health mission to lead the way in driving teen and young adult anxiety, depression, and suicide from today’s all-time highs to all-time lows by 2028. The network of mental health treatment programs for young people and their families is making progress toward that goal. According to the Embark 2022 annual outcomes report, upon admission to a residential treatment center or an outpatient clinic, 52% of clients reported some thoughts or feelings of suicide. At discharge, the average client reported no thoughts of suicide. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cjRlk-kZAsI Who Suicidal Ideation Affects, and What’s Behind It Suicidal ideation affects some more than others. For example:  - Suicidal ideation is more common in female high school students than it is in their male peers. According to a recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report, in 2021, 30% of female high school students seriously considered attempting suicide during the past year, compared to 14% of male students.  - Suicidal thoughts often occur among those in the LGBTQ+ community. According to a 2023 The Trevor Project survey of more than 28,000 LGBTQ+ young people ages 13-24, 41% seriously considered attempting suicide in the past year.  When treating suicidal ideation, Embark Chief Clinical Officer Dr. Rob Gent, who has a doctorate in psychology, noted it’s important to help young people understand what’s behind their suicidal thoughts — and that they won’t last forever.   “Suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem,” he said. “We want to clear the way and alleviate some of the distress and anxiety by treating what’s underlying suicidal thoughts.”   Underlying issues can include depression, anxiety, or overwhelming stress, with all those issues tying back to a feeling of hopelessness, according to Gent.  How Embark Treats Suicidal Ideation Young people who need help for suicidal ideation arrive at Embark programs after discharging from a psychiatric hospitalization or because the Embark admissions team helped place them there after assessing them and determining the level of care they need.   Once clients start an Embark program, they work with a treatment team that includes therapists, nurse practitioners, and psychiatric nurse practitioners. To help these young people and their families, the team uses the Embark treatment approach, which provides an evidence-based therapeutic structure to create effective growth, learning, and healing. Multiple types of therapy are used as part of this approach, including:  - Attachment-focused therapy, which promotes establishing safe, secure, nurturing relationships that help youths and young adults regulate their emotions.  - Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), which can help young people better cope with stress through skills related to distress tolerance, interpersonal effectiveness, emotion regulation, and mindfulness.  Treatment focuses on stabilization and safety first, with an emphasis on empathy. Once stabilization is achieved, clients learn about thought patterns and processes that affect them and coping skills they can use to help address their suicidal thoughts.    This process can be challenging, as Wells noted clients don’t always want to sit with difficult feelings. For example, they may try to avoid therapy sessions. When this happens at the Greenwood Village outpatient clinic, treatment team members ask questions to better understand the situation, which encourages clients to open up.  Integrating the family into treatment Because the environments clients live in play a significant role in how they feel and their coping abilities, families are integrated into the entire treatment process.   “Treating the entire family is essential because it allows us to address relationship issues that could keep the child from progressing in treatment,” Gent said.   Through family therapy sessions, therapists help families talk about the underlying factors behind clients’ suicidal ideation, such as mental health issues or traumatic experiences, and how to address them.  Assessing progress during treatment During treatment, clients complete assessments that measure their anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation. The goal is to see scores go down. Primary caregivers, usually parents, take assessments that measure how they perceive clients are doing.   To determine if preteens, teens, and young adults are ready for discharge, the Embark treatment team looks for three key milestones:  - Suicidal ideation symptoms have gone down. The suicidal thoughts may still come and go, but if they’re happening less often and are less intense, the coping skills learned during treatment can help alleviate them when they arise.  - There’s improvement in all areas of emotional well-being, including a decrease in anxiety and depression scores on assessments.    - Parents can help their child regulate their emotions through safe, secure, reliable relationships, a process known as co-regulation.   “Predictability is the secret sauce for us,” Gent said while explaining the importance of reliability in co-regulation. “Creating reliable and predictable experiences of co-regulation is essential for reinforcing inherent value, calming dysregulated emotions, and decreasing the despair associated with suicidal thoughts.”   Discharging clients from treatment Prior to discharge, clients work with therapists to create a suicide safety plan. Plans typically include:  - Warning signs that indicate a crisis is emerging so clients can take steps to stay safe.  - Coping and problem-solving skills.  - Names of supportive people who can help.  - Reasons to live.  - Who to call during emergencies, such as crisis hotlines or local hospitals.  Clients also attend at least one transition session that covers stepping down to a lower level of care, including how to find a therapist and schedule appointments. The treatment team makes sure appointments are set up before discharge.  Families also receive instructions through an aftercare plan, which includes:  - Skills clients practiced during their time at Embark.   - Psychologists and psychiatrists to contact for post-discharge care.  - Worksheets clients completed.  - Medication management information, such as prescriptions to be filled and dosage instructions. Treatment in Action at Greenwood Village While sharing how the Greenwood Village outpatient clinic has helped clients with suicidal ideation, Wells recalled a client who didn’t want to speak to the treatment team. He remembered an activity they’d done where they painted their safe places, a grounding technique used for imagining the sensory input of a place where clients feel safe. Wells recalled every detail of the client’s safe place. He sat next to her and told her she didn’t need to look at him. She just needed to close her eyes and listen.   As they sat together, Wells described her safe place in detail, and as he did, he noticed her starting to relax. He asked if she felt safe, and she nodded. He then asked if he could bring in her therapist, and she nodded again.   The treatment team monitored the client the rest of the day, asking her to rate her suicidal thoughts on a scale of 0-10, with 10 indicating severe suicidal ideation and zero indicating no suicidal ideation. The number dropped lower and lower, hitting zero before she went home.  “Working with this client to manage and lessen her suicidal ideation allowed me to reflect back on my past struggles,” Wells said. “These were the services I needed, and I love being able to be the person I needed when I was younger.”    *This article is for informational purposes only and not to be considered medical advice. If your child is having a mental health emergency, contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline for immediate support by calling or texting 988 or chatting online. You can also text HOME to 741741 ─ the Crisis Text Line ─ from anywhere in the country to talk with a trained crisis counselor. Read the full article

[embarkbehavioralhealth]

Intergenerational Trauma: How Trauma Can Be Inherited

Intergenerational trauma has become more well-known and well-understood over the years. The growing knowledge around this issue can help parents and children not only heal but also break the cycle of trauma, becoming “cycle breakers.”     To best understand intergenerational trauma, the symptoms to look out for, and how you, the parent, and your child can help yourselves and future generations, we spoke to Shyanne Anthony, clinical therapist at Calo Programs, an Embark Behavioral Health residential program in Lake Ozark, Missouri. Table of contents- What Is Intergenerational Trauma?- Types of intergenerational trauma- Historical trauma - Collective trauma - Examples of Intergenerational Trauma - What Are the Symptoms of Intergenerational Trauma?- PTSD - Anxiety - Depression - Physiological stress - Break the Cycle of Intergenerational Trauma and Heal- 1. Acknowledge the trauma and symptoms. - 2. Don’t indirectly pass it on to the next generation. - 3. Connect and communicate with supportive groups and individuals. - 4. Be aware of how it exists in our society and lives. - 5. Seek treatment for intergenerational trauma. - Intergenerational Trauma: Moving Forward What Is Intergenerational Trauma? So, what is intergenerational trauma? Intergenerational trauma is trauma that’s been passed down between generations. It can also be referred to as transgenerational trauma, multigenerational trauma, or inherited trauma because a traumatic event can affect multiple generations, even if the trauma survivor’s descendants no longer deal with the initial issue that caused the trauma.  Intergenerational trauma can be caused by a wide range of circumstances or events, such as racial trauma, systemic oppression, separation of family members, or experiencing or even witnessing abuse. This is because when someone experiences a traumatic event, it could affect their relationship skills, personal behavior, and attitudes and beliefs in ways that shape their interactions with future generations, possibly affecting those future generations' own relationship skills, personal behaviors, and attitudes and beliefs.  Types of intergenerational trauma Multigenerational trauma can result from multiple sources, such as oppression, abuse, adoption, or any type of trauma that has been passed down from generation to generation. It's important to note that adoption itself is not generally the source of trauma. The disruption in the caregiving relationships that occurs when a child is relinquished can create a traumatic event.   Common types of multigenerational trauma are historical trauma and collective trauma.  Historical trauma Historical trauma is a cumulative and multigenerational trauma tied to a major event, such as the Holocaust, which affects cultural, racial, or ethnic groups, according to Anthony. It’s felt across generations, and some may not understand the symptoms they experience because the historic events happened to those before them, but the effects still pass down.    Collective trauma Collective trauma is trauma that affects a large group of people, potentially an entire society. For example, the 9/11 terrorist attacks shattered the lives of people around the world, and later generations still feel the impact of this inherited trauma.    Examples of Intergenerational Trauma When it comes to inherited trauma, examples include:   - Racism.   - Substance use.   - Relational trauma.  - War, combat, or terrorism.   - Forced separation from family.   - School-related violence.  - Famine.  - Domestic violence.   - Disasters.   - Pandemics.   - Recessions.   - Forced relocations.   - Poverty.   - Police brutality.   - Loss of loved ones.   - Discrimination. What Are the Symptoms of Intergenerational Trauma? There are a few different intergenerational trauma symptoms you can look for in your child. Anthony noted that sometimes, youths might not even be aware they’re experiencing any symptoms. Instead, they may say, “My body is making me do this,” and you’ll need to dig deeper to see when and why they’re feeling the way they’re feeling.   Common intergenerational trauma symptoms are post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and physiological stress.  PTSD Intergenerational trauma and PTSD can be connected, as this disorder can follow a traumatic event. It’s important to note, however, that as a child develops, especially during puberty, they can become more emotional than usual. Anthony therefore recommended consulting with a mental health professional and using empathy and curiosity to try to understand whether your child is experiencing emotions that are part of a normal developmental stage or post-traumatic stress disorder related to inherited trauma.    PTSD symptoms include:  - Anxiety.   - Loss of interest in hobbies.  - Negative thoughts.  - Feeling isolated.  Anxiety When it comes to intergenerational trauma and anxiety, Anthony said this is another area where you may need to use empathy and curiosity to understand the why behind the anxiety, especially if your child is feeling pressure in school. If they’re not having difficulty in class, you can look for where the anxiety takes place, such as in other public places, like a grocery store. You may notice pacing, increased fidgeting, or excessive talking.   If your child has never been anxious in that setting before, it could be a signal that intergenerational trauma has surfaced. This is largely because when the brain’s formed pathways identify a trigger related to this type of trauma, it creates a physiological effect. Your child’s anxiety can also be related to other underlying issues, such as peers or change. This is a great time to sit down with your child and use that empathy and curiosity to get to the deeper issue.  Anxiety symptoms include:  - Pervasive worry.   - Headaches.  - Stomachaches.  - Trouble sleeping. Depression If you’re wondering “Is depression generational?”, it can be. Just as trauma can pass down from one generation to the next, so can depression. As was the case with PTSD and anxiety, Anthony recommended using curiosity to understand the root of depression and consulting a mental health professional when depression symptoms arise. One way you could use curiosity is to ask open-ended questions while doing an activity together to see if you can identify patterns that may be causing symptoms.   Depression symptoms include:  - Mood swings.  - Behavior changes.  - Negative changes in well-being.  Physiological stress Physiological stress can show up in multiple ways and can be a response to many different situations. Sometimes, your child may not even be sure why they’re experiencing physical symptoms, as their inherited DNA rather than a specific situation or conversation could be triggering those symptoms.   “This is where the intergenerational trauma has left what we call a ‘chemical marker’ on a person’s genes, which is then passed down,” Anthony said. “It creates this physiological symptom or response to things that we don’t consider to be common among people.”  Physiological stress symptoms include:  - Muscle tension.   - Shaking.  - Trembling.  - Rapid heart rate.  Break the Cycle of Intergenerational Trauma and Heal Teen suffering from intergenerational trauma connects with a therapist to heal. According to Anthony, when it comes to breaking the cycle of intergenerational trauma, cycle breakers usually feel like the black sheep or odd one out because there’s a disconnect within the family. Some family members may resist acknowledging a traumatic event has happened, while others are able to acknowledge it and ready to begin the healing journey.   Below are tips for you and your child as you work through the process of breaking the cycle of intergenerational trauma and healing from the trauma itself.   1. Acknowledge the trauma and symptoms. Acknowledging the trauma and symptoms of intergenerational trauma can be tricky, according to Anthony, but with the right approach, your family can begin the healing process. For you, the parent, you must first realize you aren’t broken. You’re a cycle breaker for your family and future generations.   “One of the most important things we can do in acknowledging that trauma and acknowledging the symptoms, especially as a parent, is providing yourself empathy,” Anthony said.   For your child, if you think they’re experiencing inherited trauma, keep in mind they may not understand the full scope of what’s happening. You may need to help them identify any symptoms they’re experiencing and acknowledge the trauma, and you may need a mental health professional’s help during this process. Showing empathy to your child is also important.  2. Don’t indirectly pass it on to the next generation. If you don’t believe your child is experiencing inherited trauma now, you’ll need to take steps to ensure they don’t experience it later. For example, if you have a strong negative reaction to something your child says or does because it reminds you of the trauma you once experienced, you should apologize as soon as possible. You could say something like, “I’m sorry for how I reacted. I’ll try not to react that way again. Do you have any feedback for how I could have handled it differently?”  3. Connect and communicate with supportive groups and individuals. Support groups with therapists who specialize in multigenerational trauma are much more common now than they were 10 years ago. Connecting and communicating with other parents can help you overcome different aspects of intergenerational trauma, which can be a huge relief, especially if you connect with people who are dealing with the same challenges you are, according to Anthony.   If your child is experiencing multigenerational trauma, Anthony recommended bringing them to family-oriented support groups. By doing so, everyone feels part of the healing process.  4. Be aware of how it exists in our society and lives. As society has shifted and changed, there’s been a bigger emphasis on sharing more openly about mental health struggles. You may see others talking freely in social situations or even with the media about their traumatic experiences. This can be reassuring for your family, helping you realize you’re not alone in feeling the effects of inherited trauma. It could also open up conversations at home, providing everyone the opportunity to feel seen and heard by the people closest to them.  5. Seek treatment for intergenerational trauma. Addressing intergenerational trauma in therapy is important, as it can help your family go beyond the surface level of your issues. Anthony described it as going after weeds that have deep roots and then pulling up the weeds once and for all. Seeking treatment for intergenerational trauma in therapy — which can include trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy — will help guide the route your family takes.  If you’re feeling guilty for passing trauma that happened to a generation before yours down to your child, Anthony said to remember that the initial trauma was not your fault.   Intergenerational Trauma: Moving Forward Understanding and addressing multigenerational trauma can be difficult, but acknowledging what happened and getting treatment when needed provides an opportunity to heal not only your family but also the generations that follow. Although you can’t rewrite history, you can move toward a healthier future and even break the cycle of inherited trauma.  “As you focus on breaking the cycle of intergenerational trauma and changing the narrative, don’t forget to pick up your intergenerational wisdom,” Anthony said. “And remember that although trauma can be passed down through generations, so can healing.”  Embark is the most trusted name in teen and young adult mental health treatment. We’re driven to find the help your family needs. If you’re looking for support, contact us today. Read the full article

[embarkbehavioralhealth]

Intergenerational Trauma: How Trauma Can Be Inherited

Intergenerational trauma has become more well-known and well-understood over the years. The growing knowledge around this issue can help parents and children not only heal but also break the cycle of trauma, becoming “cycle breakers.”     To best understand intergenerational trauma, the symptoms to look out for, and how you, the parent, and your child can help yourselves and future generations, we spoke to Shyanne Anthony, clinical therapist at Calo Programs, an Embark Behavioral Health residential program in Lake Ozark, Missouri. Table of contents- What Is Intergenerational Trauma?- Types of intergenerational trauma - Examples of Intergenerational Trauma - What Are the Symptoms of Intergenerational Trauma?- PTSD - Anxiety - Depression - Physiological stress - Break the Cycle of Intergenerational Trauma and Heal- 1. Acknowledge the trauma and symptoms. - 2. Don’t indirectly pass it on to the next generation. - 3. Connect and communicate with supportive groups and individuals. - 4. Be aware of how it exists in our society and lives. - 5. Seek treatment for intergenerational trauma. - Intergenerational Trauma: Moving Forward What Is Intergenerational Trauma? So, what is intergenerational trauma? Intergenerational trauma is trauma that’s been passed down between generations. It can also be referred to as transgenerational trauma, multigenerational trauma, or inherited trauma because a traumatic event can affect multiple generations, even if the trauma survivor’s descendants no longer deal with the initial issue that caused the trauma.  Intergenerational trauma can be caused by a wide range of circumstances or events, such as racial trauma, systemic oppression, separation of family members, or experiencing or even witnessing abuse. This is because when someone experiences a traumatic event, it could affect their relationship skills, personal behavior, and attitudes and beliefs in ways that shape their interactions with future generations, possibly affecting those future generations' own relationship skills, personal behaviors, and attitudes and beliefs.  Types of intergenerational trauma Multigenerational trauma can result from multiple sources, such as oppression, abuse, adoption, or any type of trauma that has been passed down from generation to generation. It's important to note that adoption itself is not generally the source of trauma. The disruption in the caregiving relationships that occurs when a child is relinquished can create a traumatic event.   Common types of multigenerational trauma are historical trauma and collective trauma.  Historical trauma Historical trauma is a cumulative and multigenerational trauma tied to a major event, such as the Holocaust, which affects cultural, racial, or ethnic groups, according to Anthony. It’s felt across generations, and some may not understand the symptoms they experience because the historic events happened to those before them, but the effects still pass down.    Collective trauma Collective trauma is trauma that affects a large group of people, potentially an entire society. For example, the 9/11 terrorist attacks shattered the lives of people around the world, and later generations still feel the impact of this inherited trauma.    Examples of Intergenerational Trauma When it comes to inherited trauma, examples include:   - Racism.   - Substance use.   - Relational trauma.  - War, combat, or terrorism.   - Forced separation from family.   - School-related violence.  - Famine.  - Domestic violence.   - Disasters.   - Pandemics.   - Recessions.   - Forced relocations.   - Poverty.   - Police brutality.   - Loss of loved ones.   - Discrimination. What Are the Symptoms of Intergenerational Trauma? There are a few different intergenerational trauma symptoms you can look for in your child. Anthony noted that sometimes, youths might not even be aware they’re experiencing any symptoms. Instead, they may say, “My body is making me do this,” and you’ll need to dig deeper to see when and why they’re feeling the way they’re feeling.   Common intergenerational trauma symptoms are post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and physiological stress.  PTSD Intergenerational trauma and PTSD can be connected, as this disorder can follow a traumatic event. It’s important to note, however, that as a child develops, especially during puberty, they can become more emotional than usual. Anthony therefore recommended consulting with a mental health professional and using empathy and curiosity to try to understand whether your child is experiencing emotions that are part of a normal developmental stage or post-traumatic stress disorder related to inherited trauma.    PTSD symptoms include:  - Anxiety.   - Loss of interest in hobbies.  - Negative thoughts.  - Feeling isolated.  Anxiety When it comes to intergenerational trauma and anxiety, Anthony said this is another area where you may need to use empathy and curiosity to understand the why behind the anxiety, especially if your child is feeling pressure in school. If they’re not having difficulty in class, you can look for where the anxiety takes place, such as in other public places, like a grocery store. You may notice pacing, increased fidgeting, or excessive talking.   If your child has never been anxious in that setting before, it could be a signal that intergenerational trauma has surfaced. This is largely because when the brain’s formed pathways identify a trigger related to this type of trauma, it creates a physiological effect. Your child’s anxiety can also be related to other underlying issues, such as peers or change. This is a great time to sit down with your child and use that empathy and curiosity to get to the deeper issue.  Anxiety symptoms include:  - Pervasive worry.   - Headaches.  - Stomachaches.  - Trouble sleeping. Depression If you’re wondering “Is depression generational?”, it can be. Just as trauma can pass down from one generation to the next, so can depression. As was the case with PTSD and anxiety, Anthony recommended using curiosity to understand the root of depression and consulting a mental health professional when depression symptoms arise. One way you could use curiosity is to ask open-ended questions while doing an activity together to see if you can identify patterns that may be causing symptoms.   Depression symptoms include:  - Mood swings.  - Behavior changes.  - Negative changes in well-being.  Physiological stress Physiological stress can show up in multiple ways and can be a response to many different situations. Sometimes, your child may not even be sure why they’re experiencing physical symptoms, as their inherited DNA rather than a specific situation or conversation could be triggering those symptoms.   “This is where the intergenerational trauma has left what we call a ‘chemical marker’ on a person’s genes, which is then passed down,” Anthony said. “It creates this physiological symptom or response to things that we don’t consider to be common among people.”  Physiological stress symptoms include:  - Muscle tension.   - Shaking.  - Trembling.  - Rapid heart rate.  Break the Cycle of Intergenerational Trauma and Heal Teen suffering from intergenerational trauma connects with a therapist to heal. According to Anthony, when it comes to breaking the cycle of intergenerational trauma, cycle breakers usually feel like the black sheep or odd one out because there’s a disconnect within the family. Some family members may resist acknowledging a traumatic event has happened, while others are able to acknowledge it and ready to begin the healing journey.   Below are tips for you and your child as you work through the process of breaking the cycle of intergenerational trauma and healing from the trauma itself.   1. Acknowledge the trauma and symptoms. Acknowledging the trauma and symptoms of intergenerational trauma can be tricky, according to Anthony, but with the right approach, your family can begin the healing process. For you, the parent, you must first realize you aren’t broken. You’re a cycle breaker for your family and future generations.   “One of the most important things we can do in acknowledging that trauma and acknowledging the symptoms, especially as a parent, is providing yourself empathy,” Anthony said.   For your child, if you think they’re experiencing inherited trauma, keep in mind they may not understand the full scope of what’s happening. You may need to help them identify any symptoms they’re experiencing and acknowledge the trauma, and you may need a mental health professional’s help during this process. Showing empathy to your child is also important.  2. Don’t indirectly pass it on to the next generation. If you don’t believe your child is experiencing inherited trauma now, you’ll need to take steps to ensure they don’t experience it later. For example, if you have a strong negative reaction to something your child says or does because it reminds you of the trauma you once experienced, you should apologize as soon as possible. You could say something like, “I’m sorry for how I reacted. I’ll try not to react that way again. Do you have any feedback for how I could have handled it differently?”  3. Connect and communicate with supportive groups and individuals. Support groups with therapists who specialize in multigenerational trauma are much more common now than they were 10 years ago. Connecting and communicating with other parents can help you overcome different aspects of intergenerational trauma, which can be a huge relief, especially if you connect with people who are dealing with the same challenges you are, according to Anthony.   If your child is experiencing multigenerational trauma, Anthony recommended bringing them to family-oriented support groups. By doing so, everyone feels part of the healing process.  4. Be aware of how it exists in our society and lives. As society has shifted and changed, there’s been a bigger emphasis on sharing more openly about mental health struggles. You may see others talking freely in social situations or even with the media about their traumatic experiences. This can be reassuring for your family, helping you realize you’re not alone in feeling the effects of inherited trauma. It could also open up conversations at home, providing everyone the opportunity to feel seen and heard by the people closest to them.  5. Seek treatment for intergenerational trauma. Addressing intergenerational trauma in therapy is important, as it can help your family go beyond the surface level of your issues. Anthony described it as going after weeds that have deep roots and then pulling up the weeds once and for all. Seeking treatment for intergenerational trauma in therapy — which can include trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy — will help guide the route your family takes.  If you’re feeling guilty for passing trauma that happened to a generation before yours down to your child, Anthony said to remember that the initial trauma was not your fault.   Intergenerational Trauma: Moving Forward Understanding and addressing multigenerational trauma can be difficult, but acknowledging what happened and getting treatment when needed provides an opportunity to heal not only your family but also the generations that follow. Although you can’t rewrite history, you can move toward a healthier future and even break the cycle of inherited trauma.  “As you focus on breaking the cycle of intergenerational trauma and changing the narrative, don’t forget to pick up your intergenerational wisdom,” Anthony said. “And remember that although trauma can be passed down through generations, so can healing.”  Embark is the most trusted name in teen and young adult mental health treatment. We’re driven to find the help your family needs. If you’re looking for support, contact us today. Read the full article

[embarkbehavioralhealth]

Embark Behavioral Health Inaugural Outcomes Report Shows Clients Experience Reduced Anxiety and Depression, Improved Well-Being

Leading Network of Outpatient Centers and Residential Programs Focused on Teens and Young Adults Highlights Key Clinical Data CHANDLER, Ariz. — Aug. 24, 2023 — Embark Behavioral Health, a leading network of mental health treatment programs for young people and their families, has released its first-ever clinical outcomes report, which highlights the effective and lasting change it’s creating for preteens, teens, young adults, and their families through outpatient and residential treatment programs.  “This report demonstrates that the evidence-based Embark Behavioral Health treatment approach is effective for decreasing anxiety, depression, and distress associated with the high rates of suicide while increasing healthy development and well-being,” said Embark Behavioral Health Chief Clinical Officer Dr. Rob Gent, who has a doctorate in psychology. “This report additionally highlights the use of validated measurement tools and surveys to not only measure progress over time but also to accurately inform treatment in real time to optimize clients’ results, which is a key differentiator of Embark.”  The outcomes report offers a plethora of valuable data about how Embark is helping its clients and their families heal.  Suicide Risk Upon admission in 2022, 52% of clients reported some thoughts of suicide. At discharge, the average client reported no thoughts of suicide.   Long-Term Residential Treatment Long-term residential clients and parents reported a high level of improvement in daily functioning and lower distress. They indicated similar progress for anxiety and depression symptoms. Specific findings include:  - At discharge, 89% of clients experienced improved family functioning.   - At discharge, 72% of clients reported improved depression symptoms, with the average client experiencing a 44% decrease from admit to discharge.  - At 180 days post-discharge, 71% of clients reported less distress.  Short-Term Residential Treatment Short-term residential clients saw an immediate improvement in anxiety, depression, overall functioning, and relationships. Specific findings include:   - At discharge, 75% of clients experienced improved family distress.   - At discharge, 80% of clients experienced improved depression symptoms, with the average client reporting a 49% decrease.   - Upon discharge, 83% of clients reported less distress.  Outpatient Therapy  Data from outpatient clinics indicate strong improvements in behavioral functioning, distress, anxiety, depression, and well-being. Specific findings include:  - After discharging, 73% of clients reported less distress.   - Regarding depression, 77% of clients reduced their depression symptoms.   - At discharge, 81% of outpatient clients experienced a reduction in anxiety.   Future Research Directions Moving forward, Embark will continue researching post-discharge treatment effectiveness for up to two years after treatment. To improve holistic health, the company is examining the relationship between several biological functions (sleep, nutrition, exercise, and heart rate variability) and relational and emotional health. The goal is to contribute to the scientific understanding of how these functions can improve overall well-being.  For more information on treatment options and the Embark Behavioral Health continuum of care offered for preteens, teens, and young adults, visit embarkbh.com. Read the full article

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Embark Behavioral Health Expands Virtual Intensive Outpatient Program to Serve Young Adults, Adds National OCD Track

Leading Network of Outpatient Centers and Residential Programs Now Offers Online Mental Health Services in 9 States, Bringing Quality Care to a Wider Population CHANDLER, Ariz. — August 1, 2023 — Embark Behavioral Health has expanded its insurance-reimbursed virtual intensive outpatient program, Embark Virtual IOP, to serve young adults, with it now available to young people ages 12-28. In addition, the company has added an obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) track to the online mental health service and made the IOP available in Missouri.  "We’re looking forward to the impact of Embark’s growing presence in the online mental health realm with our expansions in ages, programming, and geographies served,” said Tiffany King, vice president of Embark Behavioral Health virtual services. “This allows us to reach a wider population in need and emphasize the power of mental health treatment in our youths and young adults today."   Through Embark Virtual IOP services now available in Washington, D.C., and nine states (California, Arizona, Colorado, Texas, Missouri, Georgia, Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania), Embark replicates the essence of face-to-face interaction by providing a comprehensive and immersive virtual environment. This allows clients to conveniently receive treatment without having to leave home, which especially benefits college students and other young adults who need flexibility and convenient access due to their busy schedules and transportation issues.    Using telehealth technologies, the Embark virtual care platform allows for real-time, secure video sessions with highly skilled and compassionate therapists. This approach fosters a strong therapeutic alliance between clinicians and clients, resulting in effective communication and personalized treatment plans.   More About the Embark OCD Track To enhance its virtual services for youths and young adults, Embark Virtual IOP is offering an OCD track in all states where the online mental health program is available. Young people who participate in the IOP’s mood and anxiety group attend a one-hour breakout group that’s focused on exposure and response prevention (ERP) therapy as well as individual and family sessions. The group, individual, and family (or couples) sessions are led by an ERP-trained therapist.  The virtual IOP OCD track emphasizes ERP, an evidence-based approach, as it’s widely considered the treatment of choice for individuals with obsessive-compulsive disorder. As part of the track, every week, caregivers and clients will complete the Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS) and Children’s Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale (CY-BOCS) for adolescents’ surveys to assess progress toward goals.   Embark Virtual IOP Overview  Embark Virtual IOP is an insurance-reimbursed program available to residents in various states across the country. Virtual IOP is ideal for adolescents, teens, and young adults as part of an after- and continuing-care plan ─ for example, when they’re stepping down from a higher level of care, such as residential treatment or outdoor therapy, or up from a lower level of care, such as weekly individual therapy.   Embark Virtual IOP offers individual, family (or loved ones), and group therapy as well as psychiatry and medication management services, along with delivering evidenced-based therapy via experiential activities including sculpting, music therapy, mindfulness, and painting.   Typically, adolescents, teens, and young adults in the 12-week virtual IOP spend three hours per day for four days per week in a variety of interactive group therapy sessions and will participate in individual sessions weekly and family therapy sessions at least once every other week.   Read the full article