Depression in Adolescence

Though emotional ups and downs are hallmarks of the teen years, depression in adolescence is more than a phase your child will eventually outgrow. Teen depression is a severe mental health condition requiring professional treatment. Without intervention, depression’s severity can worsen and persist through adulthood, causing pervasive problems in every aspect of a person’s life.

As we continue to observe Mental Health Awareness Month this May, what can you do to improve your understanding of depression and help a depressed teen in your life?

What Causes Depression in Adolescence?

You may have heard that depression results from imbalanced brain chemicals, but today, most experts believe that oversimplified explanation does not fully represent the disease’s complexity. While a lack of harmony among brain chemicals may play a partial role in whether someone develops depression, other factors also contribute. Genetics, chronic stress and medical problems can all combine to lead a teen to struggle with depression.

Since millions of chemicals are involved in regulating mood, emotions and overall outlook, two people diagnosed with depression might have very different symptoms. Even people with nearly identical depression symptoms could respond dissimilarly to therapeutic methods. For these reasons, this mood disorder is challenging to correctly diagnose and treat.

Warning Signs of Teen Depression

While some behavioral changes are a natural part of growing up, depression can cause a significant shift in a teenager’s attitude and worldview. Many depressed adolescents experience significant distress and problems at school or home, on top of struggling to enjoy hobbies and relationships.

If you notice your teen seems to be frequently irritable, sad or angry, it may be more than merely a bad mood. Depressed people cannot shake off the dark cloud that follows them everywhere they go. Because depression causes overwhelming feelings of hopelessness and a sense that the future looks bleak, a teen living with depression may develop an eating disorder or misuse drugs and alcohol to relieve the pain. When someone simultaneously has a mood disorder and untreated substance abuse, health professionals call it a dual diagnosis.

Treating Co-Occurring Disorders

It’s typical for children to disengage from their families a little bit as they assert their independence and start becoming adults. While you want to respect your teen’s privacy, you should also be mindful of any marked behavioral changes, such as a sudden loss of interest in previously enjoyable activities, a lack of personal hygiene or a sharp decline in academic performance.

If you notice the red flags of depression and co-occurring substance abuse in your teenager, reach out to a doctor, therapist or your child’s school counselor. It may be alarming to realize that your formerly cheerful, active child is withdrawing from the world, but with qualified treatment, recovery is possible.

At Hope Academy, we are California’s premier young adult treatment center equipped to address the challenges of dual diagnoses. We create customized plans for each client’s needs, helping them manage the symptoms of their illness and learn to live a fulfilling life. Contact us when you’re ready to learn more.

Tips for Staying Positive During the Coronavirus Outbreak

Our world is facing a period of unprecedented challenges during a global pandemic that has fundamentally changed the fabric of our daily lives. Amid this uniquely stressful environment, it can be hard for even the most optimistic people to stay upbeat. At a time when we need each other most, shelter-in-place guidelines are keeping most of us homebound, leaving many people susceptible to depression and anxiety. How can you protect your mental health during COVID-19? Here are our favorite tips.

Stay Connected With Loved Ones

Self-quarantine keeps you safe, but it might also have made you start to feel isolated. Think about faraway friends and family members you haven’t talked to in some time, and reach out to say hello. You can call them or organize a virtual hangout using software such as Skype or Houseparty. Or, get creative and send a surprise note or care package through the mail. You’ll be letting them know you’re thinking about them while supporting the U.S. Postal Service, which is struggling to avoid becoming a victim of the coronavirus crisis.

Practice Self-Care Strategies

Your mental health should be a priority because when you’re mentally resilient, you allow your immune system to do its job better. Make sure you are getting enough sleep and eating a balanced diet. Set aside time in each day for exercise – even something as simple as a 15-minute walk around the block is enough to increase your heart rate and give you a feel-good boost of endorphins. Put on upbeat music and have a dance party in your living room. Get lost in a work of escapist fiction.

Shift Your Mindset

In these frightening times, it’s vital to limit negativity in your life as much as possible. We have all lost something due to coronavirus, from a sense of security and control to the ability to participate in public events. Instead of dwelling on the things you can’t do, embrace this as an opportunity for personal growth. Enroll in online classes that will teach you a new skill. If you’re quarantined with family members, use this time to get closer to them with bonding activities such as board games or cooking together.

Take Breaks From the News

Obviously, it’s essential to stay abreast of information about coronavirus, especially pertaining to the number of cases in your community. However, it’s not healthy to consume a steady diet of headlines from the moment you wake up to the time you fall asleep. If you start feeling overwhelmed, it’s OK to step away for a day or two. Instead, watch something that makes you laugh and takes your mind off your worries.

Don’t Struggle in Silence

If you’re starting to recognize the symptoms of depression or anxiety creeping into your life, seek help. Remember, you’re never alone, even if you’re homebound. Look for an online therapist or support group. Call a supportive friend and talk through your feelings.

Remaining Mentally Strong Amid Coronavirus Concerns

It’s natural that everyone is feeling more worried than usual about the global spread of coronavirus. However, don’t fall into unhealthy coping habits or let anxiety or depression take over your life. If you are feeling vulnerable to developing a dual diagnosis of addiction and a co-occurring mental health disorder during this unprecedented time, we are here to help. Hope Academy provides outstanding substance abuse treatment to young adults who are struggling with these problems. Contact us today to learn more about our services.

Drug Overdoses and Suicide Cause Drop in Life Expectancy Rates

Three new government reports show a slight decline in life expectancy – and drug overdoses and suicide are partly to blame.

In 20017, the average life expectancy was 78.6 years, which is a 0.1 year decrease from 2016. Women are still outliving men and the top causes of death, which account for nearly three-quarters of all deaths across the nation, remained the same: heart disease, cancer, unintentional injuries, chronic lower respiratory diseases, stroke, Alzheimer's disease, diabetes, influenza and pneumonia, kidney disease and suicide.

"Life expectancy gives us a snapshot of the Nation's overall health and these sobering statistics are a wakeup call that we are losing too many Americans, too early and too often, to conditions that are preventable," Dr. Robert Redfield, CDC director, wrote in a statement.

According to the CDD’s National Center for Health Statistics, overdose deaths topped 70,000 in 2017 and rates of suicide increased by 3.7 percent. A second report found that the rate increased from roughly 6 overdose deaths per 100,000 people in 1999 to nearly 22 per 100,000 in 2017.

Gender and age both played a role. For instance, drug overdose death rates were highest among males and adults ages 25 to 54. And adults 55 to 64 experienced the most significant increase (from 4 per 100,000 in 1999 to 28 per 100,000 in 2017.)

Here’s a look at a few more of the findings:

• Ages 15 to 24: 13 per 100,000
• Ages 25 to 34: 38 per 100,000
• Ages 35 to 44: 39 per 100,000
• Ages 45 to 54: 38 per 100,000
• Ages 55 to 64: 28 per 1000,00

Location was also a factor, with the highest rates in West Virginia, where there were nearly 58 overdose deaths per 100,000 people. South Dakota and Nebraska had the lowest rates – 9 per 100,000 and 8 per 100,000, respectively.

Other states with high rates included:

• Ohio: 46 per 100,000
• Pennsylvania: 44 per 100,000
• District of Columbia: 44 per 100,000

A third new government report revealed that rates of suicide, the tenth leading cause of death in the US, also increased: Between 199 and 2017, the rate increased 26 percent for men and 53 percent for women. "We must all work together to reverse this trend and help ensure that all Americans live longer and healthier," Redfield said in his statement.

Dual Diagnosis Treatment for Young Adults

One in 10 college students have considered suicide and it's the second-leading cause of death in college-age students. While suicide is very serious it's also very preventable. At Hope Academy, we conduct a series of tests upon admission to determine if mental illness is causing or complicating substance abuse. To learn more about our dual diagnosis treatment, call 866-930-4673. 

Moving Past Feelings of Hopelessness

Are you feeling hopeless? Is your head spinning with thoughts like “I’ll never be happy,” or “There’s no use in trying,” or “The world is against me?” Feelings of hopelessness should never be ignored. 

For one, these thoughts can cause you to isolate yourself and stop practicing basic self-care – which will just further add to your hopelessness and depression. And this can be a slippery slope into relapse. 

While there’s no magic switch to turn off these feelings, there are a few steps you can take to help restore your faith and boost your mood. If you try the below strategies and can’t seem to dig yourself out of a hopeless rut, or if you’re also experiencing suicidal thoughts or behaviors, get professional help immediately. 

• Don’t isolate yourself. Surrounding yourself with even one good friend can help remind you that all is not lost. Talking about your feeling openly can also help you understand and even move past a few negative feelings.
• Challenge those negative thoughts. The next time you find yourself thinking: “I can’t” or “there’s no use” stop and replace them with “I’ll try” and “I’m worth it.” This simple exercise can do wonders for your state of mind.  
• Allow yourself to cry. Sometimes you just need a good cry – and that’s okay. Letting out these emotions can help release toxins and elevate your mood. 
• Turn to your go-to comfort activity.  Whether reading a book or watching a movie or playing music – indulge in an activity that can keep you relaxed and distracted in a healthy way.
• Get up and move. Exercise will help you release those feel-good endorphins that can help give you the added strength to move past any feelings of hopelessness.

Dual Diagnosis Treatment for Young Adults
At Hope Academy, we conduct a series of tests upon admission to determine if mental illness is complicating substance abuse. Once we gain a comprehensive understanding of each patient’s individual health challenges, our addiction treatment team develops a customized program. To learn more, call 866-930-4673. 

Can Colleges Keep Up With Students' Mental Health Needs?

Record numbers of college students are seeking help for such mental health conditions as anxiety and depression and schools are struggling to offer adequate help, according to a recent article on Time.com. 

In fact, an American College Health Association (ACHA) survey of 63,0000 students at 92 schools found that 40 percent of students felt so depressed the prior year that it was “difficult for them to function” and 61 percent said they felt “overwhelming anxiety.” 

What’s more, visits to on-campus counseling centers have increased by roughly 30 percent, between 2009 and 2015, according to a report by the Center for Collegiate Mental Health (CCMH). 

The average university has one professional counselor for every 1,737 students — that’s less than one therapist for every 1,000 to 1,500 students, according to Time.com. And while colleges across the country are stepping up to meet these growing demands, many college counselors remain overwhelmed and students continue to endure long waits for mental health treatment, notes Time.com.

So what’s the solution? Here’s a look at what a few universities are doing: 

• UCLA began offering free mental health screenings to all incoming freshman.
• Virginia Tech University opened several satellite counseling clinics.
• Ohio State University launched a counseling mobile app, which allows students to make an appointment, access breathing exercises and contact the clinic in case of an emergency. 
• Pennsylvania State University allocated roughly $700,000 in additional funding for counseling and psychological services in 2017.

Still, on average, universities haven’t been able to provide long-term treatment services like recurring appointments and specialized counseling, noted the ACHA survey. “That means that students will be able to get that first appointment when they’re in high distress, but they may not be able to get ongoing treatment after the fact,” Ben Locke, Penn State’s counseling director and head of the CCMH, told Time.com. “And that is a problem.”

Dual Diagnosis Treatment

When young adults are dealing with a coexisting mental health issue, the rehabilitation process requires specialized dual-diagnosis expertise. Our peer-based program provides the safety and support you need to succeed in school and at sobriety. To learn more about our sobriety college, call today: 866-930-4673.

Mental Health Overlooked in College Transition

News headlines and social media feeds seem to be brimming with studies about how today’s teens are more stressed out and anxious than year’s past – and, yet, mental health is often left off of the college prep checklist, according to a new survey from WebMD, Medscape and JED.

According to the survey, “Preparing for College: The Mental Health Gap,” in the past five years, the majority of healthcare professionals noted a rise in mental health issues among teens: 

• 86% said they have had more anxiety and stress.
• 81% saw more anxiety disorders.
• 70% reported seeing more mood disorders such as depression and bipolar disorder.

And parents echoed these findings, with 45 percent of those surveyed claiming that their teen had been diagnosed or treated for a mental health issue, learning disorder or substance abuse.

Yet here’s the surprising part: Only 28% of parents of teens with anxiety, stress or a mood disorder considered mental health services while choosing a school.

"If your child is already in therapy, don't assume it's going to go away once they start school,” Cora Collette Breuner, MD, a professor of pediatrics and adolescent medicine at Seattle Children's Hospital and the University of Washington, told WebMD. “Assume the opposite."

College presents what experts call a sort of “perfect storm” for mental health issues. For one, nearly 75 percent of all mental health conditions begin by age 24, and there’s also a significant amount of stress during this time. In other words, the college years are a critical time to understand and talk about mental health with your kid. Even if it doesn’t touch your child, he or she might deal with a roommate who is in emotional distress.

The survey stressed the need for all parents – not just those of kids with issues – to discuss mental health concerns. "It's going to touch your family's life, and certainly your child's life in one way or another," Stephanie Pinder-Amaker, PhD, director of the College Mental Health Program at McLean Hospital, told WebMD. "It does so much to decrease stigma and fear and anxiety just to talk about these issues."

Do You Need Dual-Diagnosis Treatment?
Co-occurring mental health conditions like depression may exist prior to substance abuse, or develop as a side effect of drug and alcohol dependency. At Hope Academy, we conduct a series of tests upon admission to determine if mental illness is complicating substance abuse. Once we gain a comprehensive understanding of each patient’s individual health challenges, our addiction treatment team develops a customized program. To learn more, call 866-930-4673.

Study: Alcohol Use Puts Adolescents at Risk of Insomnia

It’s not news that excessive drinking as a teenager can cause a host of medical problems – both in the short- and long-term. Most recently, however, researchers have linked alcohol consumption during adolescents to daytime sleepiness and insomnia. The findings are consistent with associations found between insomnia and alcohol among older adolescents and adults, say researchers.

For the study, which was published in the journal Addictive Behaviors, researchers examined the associations between alcohol use and four sleep-related issues:

• Initial insomnia
• Sleep irregularity (defined as difference in weekday and weekend bedtimes)
• Daytime sleepiness
• Disturbed sleep

Study participants were asked to complete surveys that questioned the following:

• The amount of time it takes them to fall asleep
• Their bedtimes during the weekday and weekend
• The frequency of sleep disturbances
• Whether they sleep in class and potential difficulties staying awake after school 

Researchers also took into account whether symptoms of mental health problems or levels of parental monitoring accounted for these sleep problems. 

“Parents, educators, and therapists should consider insomnia to be a risk marker for alcohol use, and alcohol use a risk marker for insomnia, among early adolescents," said Rutgers-Camden researcher Naomi Marmorstein, in a statement.

Do You Know the Symptoms of Insomnia?

According to the National Sleep Foundation (NSF), people with insomnia have one or more of the following symptoms:

• Difficulty falling asleep
• Difficulty staying asleep (waking up during the night and having trouble returning to sleep)
• Waking up too early in the morning
• Unrefreshing sleep (or "non-restorative sleep")
• Fatigue or low energy
• Difficulty concentrating
• Mood disturbance, such as irritability
• Feeling impulsive or aggression
• Difficulty at work or school
• Difficulty in personal relationships, including family, friends and caregivers

The duration of insomnia is important, notes the NSF, and doctors consider insomnia chronic if it

occurs at least three nights per week for three months or longer.

Dual Diagnosis Treatment: Sleep Disorders and Alcohol Abuse

If you suffer from both symptoms of sleep disorders and alcohol abuse, you may need specialized treatment and a personalized plan for recovery. At Hope Academy, we offer evidence-based dual diagnosis treatment for young adults facing both substance abuse and co-occurring issues like sleep disorders. To learn more, call today: 866-930-4673.

Substance Abuse and Sleep Disorders

If you can’t seem to fall asleep and/or find yourself wide-awake in the middle of night, you’re not alone. Sleep troubles are a common complaint among those with substance use disorders. In fact, those in early recovery have a five times greater risk of insomnia than the general population. And many people with alcohol use disorder (AUD) have insomnia before entering treatment. 

On average, people who struggle with substance abuse also struggle with getting the recommended 7 to 8 hours of shut-eye per night. Instead, studies show total nightly sleep averages as 5.5 hours. Some people in recovery can continue to have sleep problems for weeks, months, or sometimes years after initiating abstinence, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration  (SAMHSA). 

Sleep loss can have a major impact on the physical, mental and emotional well-being of people in recovery — and it can even interfere with treatment. The most common sleep problems linked with alcohol and drug abuse, include: 

• Poor sleep quality
• Insomnia
• Sleep apnea
• Restless leg syndrome
• Narcolepsy

How to Get Sleep-Smart 

A little sleep hygiene can go a long way in helping your sleep habits. Here are a few smart slumber tips from SAMHSA: 

• Go to bed and get up at the same times each day.
• Exercise regularly.
• If you take naps, keep them short and before 5 pm.
• Don’t eat or drink too much when it's close to bedtime.
• Avoid caffeine (coffee, tea, chocolate, cola) and nicotine for several hours before bedtime.
• Wind down before going to bed. Some examples: take a warm bath, do light reading, practice relaxation exercises.
• Don’t lie in bed awake. If you can’t fall asleep within 20 minutes, get up and do something relaxing.

Dual-Diagnosis Treatment Program For Sleep Disorders And Substance AbuseIf you suffer from both symptoms of sleep disorders and substance abuse, you may need specialized treatment and a personalized plan for recovery. At Hope Academy, we offer evidence-based dual diagnosis treatment for young adults facing both substance abuse and co-occurring issues like sleep disorders. To learn more, call today: 866-930-4673.

Why You Should Be Aware of ADHD

Do you get to the end of a page in a book and forget what you just read? Do you tend to forget to set your alarm and miss class? Do you overspend or shop impulsively? These are just a few of the many behaviors related to attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) that you may recognize in yourself or in someone you love. 

Untreated ADHD is risky business. Not only does it negatively impact your productivity and personal relationships, but it also makes you more vulnerable to addiction. In fact, people with untreated ADHD are four times more likely to abuse substances. One reason is because many people with ADHD mistakenly self-medicate with alcohol or drugs instead of seeking proper treatment.

Recognizing the Symptoms of ADHD

Often, ADHD symptoms go undetected until college. Researchers chalk this up to the structure of high school as well as the structure provided at home by parents. In general, students with ADHD have more academic concerns, lower GPAs, more depression and emotional stability and higher rates of smoking cigarettes and substance abuse. Other signs, according to Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD), include:

• Does not work to potential
• High IQ but low grades
• Consistently late to appointments
• Impulsive spending
• Difficulties with organization
• Papers fall out of the backpack
• May have difficulty getting along with roommates or other peers

Dual Diagnosis Treatment for Young Adults

Did you know that 70 percent of people with a substance use disorder are also battling an additional mental illness? If you or someone you love is suffering from addiction and ADHD don’t wait to seek treatment. As addiction worsens, so does the co-occurring condition — and vice versa. At Hope Academy, we specialize in treating both diseases simultaneously. To learn more, call us toll-free today: 866-930-4673.

Strategies to Beat Back Depression

If you have been diagnosed with depression, know that you're far from alone. In fact, in 2015, the WHO estimated 322 million people were living with the mental health disorder, making it the leading cause of ill health and disability worldwide.

The good news is that depression is highly treatable with the help of experienced behavioral health experts. They can work with you or someone you love to develop a personalized care plan that addresses your specific mental health needs and personal goals. In addition, you can empower yourself to fight depression with some fairly simple strategies! Start with these three to feel your best. 

• Don’t skimp on sleep. Depression can make it harder to fall (and stay) asleep – and lack of sleep can make depression symptoms seem worse. Luckily, practicing proper sleep hygiene can help. Some tips: Adhere to a consistent sleep-wake schedule (even on weekends), shut off all electronics and turn down the thermostat to between 60 and 67 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal sleep. 
• Set a personal goal. Each morning, whether when you first get up or as you sit down to breakfast, jot down one attainable goal for the day. This simple act will help build your motivation and confidence – and minimize your feelings of depression.
• Try something new! Sticking to a predictable and manageable schedule is especially helpful during early recovery, but that doesn’t mean you need to get stuck in a rut. Shake things up now and again by doing something new or interesting. For example, take a yoga or drawing class or visit a local museum for some creative inspiration. 

Our Dual-Diagnosis Treatment 

At Hope Academy, we offer evidence-based therapies for clients facing both substance abuse and co-occurring behavioral health issues like depression. Existing mental health issues often surface during addiction recovery. That’s why we offer treatment protocols that are designed for clients with a dual-diagnosis. To learn more, call today: 866-930-4673.

Can an App Ease Your Anxiety?

Mobile technology may seem like the last resort when it comes to caring for your mental health, but new research shows that a smartphone app may in fact help relieve anxiety and depression.

Researchers tested a suite of 14 free mini-apps, collectively known as IntelliCare, designed by Northwestern clinicians and based on current psychology techniques used by therapists. After eight weeks, the 96 participants (who all had elevated symptoms of anxiety or depression) decreased their symptoms by 50 percent. This level of improvement is comparable to in-person therapy or taking antidepressant medication, say researchers.

The apps, currently available on GooglePlay, offers easy-to-follow exercises to help users sleep better, build self-confidence, unwind and de-stress, tame self-criticism and worry, discover greater meaning in life and more. They include: 

• Daily Feats, which allows users to add worthwhile and rewarding activities to their day
• Purple Chill, which includes audio recordings and guided exercises
• Slumber Time
• My Mantra

"We designed these apps so they fit easily into people's lives and could be used as simply as apps to find a restaurant or directions," lead author David Mohr, PhD, director of the Center for Behavioral Intervention Technologies at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, said in a press release. "Using digital tools for mental health is emerging as an important part of our future."

Currently, there are over 165,000 health apps on the market, many of them targeting mental health, according to Huffington Post. 

Dual Diagnosis Treatment for Young Adults
At Hope Academy, we conduct a series of tests upon admission to determine if mental illness is complicating substance abuse. Once we gain a comprehensive understanding of each patient’s individual health challenges, our addiction treatment team develops a customized program. To learn more, call 866-930-4673.

6 Ways to Boost Your Body Image

Eating disorders and poor body image aren’t just “women’s problems.” And, in fact, food and body image struggles often surface for men after the substance abuse has ceased, during early recovery. 

Take heart: Help is out there and there are even ways that you can help yourself to feel better about your body. Start with these tips adopted from the National Eating Disorder Association:

Focus on what makes you, well, you. Your identity is not determined by body size, shape, or weight. It’s how you treat others and yourself as well as your unique gifts and potential. For example, are you patient, caring, creative, or a good friend? 

Remind yourself that everyone is unique. There’s no such thing as the “right” body or size; we are all different shapes and sizes. Spend less time striving for so-called perfection and more time accepting your body just the way it is. 

Marvel at what your body can do. The human body is pretty amazing, no matter what it looks like. Take note of the way your thighs help you run or jump or how your arms enable you to reach out and hug someone you love.

Think positively. Negative self-talk, like “I look fat” or “I’ll never lose weight,” does more harm than good. Replace any negative thoughts with positive messages. For example, “the number on the scale doesn’t define me. I’m a worthwhile person no matter how much I weigh.” 

Choose your friends wisely. Surrounding yourself with people who respect and support you is an important part of recovery, especially if you’re struggling with addiction and body image issues. Limit interactions with friends who are overly concerned with weight or appearance.

Reframe your thinking about diet and exercise. Physical activity and proper nutrition aren’t just tools for weight loss. Rather, they are critical in self-care and in providing you with the energy to succeed at sobriety.

Body Image Help at Hope Academy
For clients who struggle with body image issues as well as addiction, we offer dual diagnosis treatment. We encourage clients to address challenges they may be facing as their newly sober body begins to change. To learn more, call today: 866-930-4673.