Sunday, September 13, 2020

Considering Adolescents in Treatment Planning - Mental Health & Wellness

Note: This is a reprint from 05/18/2020
Find your community resources and encourage each other. 
Give yourselves PERMISSION to access mental health services in your area.

   
Here is a recent post I found on social media:

 6 Top Reasons People With A 
Mental Illness
Don't Reach Out 
@RealDepressionProject



1. Fear of judgment

2. Guilt - Don't want to be a burden

3. Shame - They see others thriving and don't want to feel weak

4. Felt misunderstood on previous attempts,
 so, choose to suffer in silence

5. Fear rejection - already feel unlovable, can't cope with another reason to add to that list

6. Fear criticism



Considering Adolescents in 
Treatment Planning
By: M.B.Varville-Rodriguez

  There are additional factors to consider when working with teens
 



I work with children and adolescents in a behavioral health environment. Some of the reasons they continue to have challenges managing their mental health concerns include:

1. Parents/Guardians feel that they will be blamed for their teen's problems if they pursue therapy.

2. Parents/Guardians blame a "symptom carrier" of the overall family dynamics when in fact ALL members of a family need to be included in a treatment plan. (This need is not usually included in a discharge plan from a mental health facility.)

3. Parents/Guardians have not dealt with their own dysfunctional coping skills and are unable to provide a foundation for their teen's healing process.

4. Family members expect a short-term treatment facility to "cure" all the problems without additional resources, supports, or long-term therapy.

5. Teens who are struggling with gender identity face criticisms, threats, and abandonment by family.

6. Teens who have been traumatized by sexual/emotional/physical abuse are afraid to report the incidents to their families or to other members in the community due to a variety of concerns. (Including judgment, blame, and disbelief)


REALITY OF TREATING
MENTAL HEALTH & WELLNESS CONCERNS:

1. There is no "magic formula" or short term "fix". On going treatment is often the best course of action. 

2. Be willing to accept your own part in managing the behaviors and consequences. Stop making excuses and start making a plan of action with professionals who specialize in treating adolescents.

3. Accept that you may need to put your ego on the side in order to develop healthier coping skills for every family member.

4. Progress is not linear. Think of it as going off-roading. You're going to have a lot of bumps in this road that will knock you side-ways. Hold on for the long ride. 

5. You cannot "yell" or "shame" the behaviors out of your teen. 

6. Give yourself plenty of grace to make mistakes and seek additional help from community resources. Pressing the "reset" button is an important concept in re-evaluating goals, strategies, and expectations. ~ WorldofWriterMom.org 





Wishing all of you a week of adventures, 
solutions to your challenges, 
and answers to your prayers.


Kindest Wishes,
Mary




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