For teens, navigating the world around them while also prioritizing their mental health can be a challenge. From media filled with stories of tragedy to the ever-changing landscape at school, it can be hard to stay informed without becoming overwhelmed. While knowing what’s going on in the world is important, it’s equally important to take steps to protect your mental health while doing so.
Learning more about what mental health is and how to protect it is a great place to start. Mental health treatment for teens can also be a powerful tool, providing support and guidance to process the many changes that come with adolescence.
Why It’s Important to Stay Informed About Current Events
Teens are the future, so many of them make it part of their daily routine to stay involved in current events as a way of preparing themselves for adulthood. It also allows teens to stay connected with their community and have a voice in the decisions that impact them.
While many teens choose to stay informed, it’s important for them to be mindful of how much news they’re consuming and how it might be affecting their mental health. The news can be stressful and sometimes traumatic, especially in the wake of violent events that target young people, like school shootings. For parents, knowing how to navigate these conversations with their children can make a difference. And for teens, understanding when to take a break can be key.
Protect Your Mental Health with These Five Tips
As teens and adults keep up with what’s going on in the world, remember that too much media or news intake – sometimes called “doom-scrolling” – can be damaging to your mental health.
Here are five tips to help protect your mental health while staying informed:
- Limit your news intake – Avoid being overwhelmed by negativity. You might set a time limit for certain apps or even mute troublesome accounts on social media.
- Practice mindfulness – Incorporate mindfulness practices, such as meditation or yoga, into your daily routine to help reduce stress.
- Take breaks – Engage in fun and relaxing activities to take your mind off current events and give yourself a break from the stressors of life. Listening to music, going for a walk, or reading a book can help you recharge.
- Connect with others – Share your feelings and emotions with trusted friends or family members. Sometimes, talking things out can decrease feelings of isolation and helplessness.
- Seek healthy distractions – Engage in activities that bring you joy, such as sports, passion projects, or hobbies.
In some cases, mental health concerns like anxiety or depression can be exacerbated by staying on top of news and current events. If you find that you’re having a hard time trying to protect your mental health, even with the tools above, consider reaching out for help.
How Mental Health Treatment Can Help
Sometimes, despite your best efforts, mental health issues can become overwhelming. Fortunately, various levels of mental health treatment can provide a range of therapeutic options. Whether it’s talking to a counselor regularly or entering into a residential program to reset, teens can find a way to manage their mental health in a way that works for them.
Some of the most common treatment options include:
- Residential stays
- Outpatient care
- Regular therapy sessions
- Group therapy sessions
Contact Ascend to Learn More
At Ascend, we work to help teenagers protect their mental health with guided support in a welcoming environment. We’re also constantly exploring the latest mental health research and trends to enhance our personalized treatment plans.
Learn more about our team here, contact us online, or give us a call at 310.388.3713 for information about our treatment plans.
