Grief can affect teenagers in complex and deeply personal ways. When a teen experiences the loss of a loved one, friend, or important relationship, the emotional impact may be difficult to understand or express. In some cases, the grieving process…
When parents learn that their child may be engaging in self harm, the emotions can be overwhelming. Fear, confusion, guilt, and a strong desire to fix the situation often arise all at once. Self harming teens are not seeking attention…
Depression and eating disorders often occur together, creating a complex and deeply challenging experience for individuals and families. Many people ask whether depression can lead to eating disorders or if disordered eating causes depression. The truth is that the relationship…
Takeaways: Teen mental health should be addressed wherever young people spend a significant portion of their time, including schools. The CDC has many recommendations and strategies for supporting teen mental health while they’re at school. Some top evidence-based programs and…
We all know it can be hard to open up about how we’re really doing. Sometimes we hide our struggles because we don’t want to worry others, we feel embarrassed, or we’re not even sure how to explain what’s going…
At Ascend, we want you to connect with our team on every level before entering into our care. Whether you’re the teen in treatment or you’re part of the family, our blog is here to provide guidance and insight into…
When life feels heavy, moving your body might not be the first thing you think about. But getting active — even just a little — can seriously help your mind feel stronger, calmer, and more energized. So, why does physical…
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…
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…
Whether you’re a teen navigating your own identity or a parent hoping to better understand a transgender child, having a clear grasp of gender-related terms can make this journey a little bit easier. At Ascend, we’re experts at exploring these…
