Living with a chronic illness isn’t just about managing physical symptoms. It can also affect how you feel emotionally, socially, and mentally. So, can chronic illness affect mental health? The answer is yes — and for many teens, it already does. If you’re dealing with a condition like asthma, diabetes, migraines, arthritis, or something else,…
At Ascend, we hope to enhance transparency for incoming clients and their families by sharing a day in the life of one of our staff members each month. For the March spotlight, we’ve chosen to highlight one of our farm techs. With spring nearly sprung, she seems like the perfect choice to introduce you to…
Prescription drugs come from doctors, so they must be safe, right? Not exactly. Just because a medication is prescribed doesn’t mean it can’t be dangerous. Maybe you’ve heard that ADHD meds help you focus or that painkillers make stress disappear. But misusing prescription drugs can lead to addiction, serious health risks, and choices you never…
If you’ve spent any time online, you’ve probably seen people arguing about gender-affirming care for teens. Maybe you’ve heard things like, “Kids are too young to make these decisions!” or “This kind of care is dangerous!” But here’s the thing — gender-affirming care isn’t new, and it’s not exclusive to transgender people. Every day, people…
If you’ve been waiting for another episode of A Day in the Life, it’s finally here! This month, we’re covering a staff member who takes on two roles at Ascend as both a Mentor and our Boxing Instructor for the Trails House. Wondering what he does? Follow along as we take a look at a…
Social media is part of your world — it’s how you connect with friends, share your life, and find communities that get you. So, when people start talking about banning teens from social media to “fix” mental health, it can feel frustrating or even unfair. Will staying offline really solve the bigger issues you’re facing?…
For teens exploring their gender identity, gender-affirming care is about more than just physical changes — it’s a journey toward feeling like yourself. But what exactly does it involve? From therapy and outward expression to medical options like hormones, this guide breaks down what to expect in gender-affirming care. At Ascend, we’re here to provide…
Hello, and welcome back to another episode of A Day in the Life — where we explore what different staff members do at Ascend. This month, we’re focusing on something we haven’t ever discussed before: what happens when clients leave Ascend. To help us explore this new world, we’re following Jenna, our Alumni Program Manager.…
Tourette Syndrome is more than its stereotypes — it’s a condition often misunderstood, leaving teens and families searching for clarity. Many people think they know what Tourette Syndrome is, thanks to exaggerated portrayals in media, but the reality is far more nuanced. Tourette Syndrome is a neurological condition that causes tics, which can range from…
Hello, and welcome back to another Day in the Life of an Ascend team member! Today, we’re going to be exploring someone on the education side of things at our residential treatment facilities. Every facility is a little different, as the treatment plans are customized to the specific needs of our clients. While you might…