June marks the beginning of Self-Care Month, which ends with Self-Care Day on July 24. This awareness month highlights the importance of self-care and emphasizes that it’s something we can all practice 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Research has also shown that self belief plays a crucial role in emotional well-being. When teenagers have a positive self-image, they are better equipped to handle stress and maintain mental health. Therapy can be instrumental in helping teens develop coping skills, boost self-esteem, and improve their emotional resilience.
For teens with more severe mental health symptoms, an intensive outpatient program (IOP) can offer additional support, incorporating group therapy, family sessions, and specialized care.
Our passionate clinicians provide teen mental health treatment in the Los Angeles, California area. Reach out today to get started.
Common Mental Health Challenges Facing Teens Today
During the critical stage of development years, adverse experiences like trauma, poverty, or abuse can increase a teen’s vulnerability to mental health struggles. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that one in seven (14%) adolescents worldwide experience mental health challenges, which often go unrecognized and untreated [1].
Mental health issues like depression, anxiety, and behavioral disorders are considered among the leading disorders among teens. Tragically, suicide is the second leading cause of death among adolescents between the ages of 10-14 and the third leading cause of death among teens between the ages of 15-24 [2].
When mental health conditions are unaddressed during adolescence, they can extend into adulthood, affecting long-term physical and emotional well-being.
Modern stressors also make life particularly challenging for today’s teens. Social media, post-pandemic effects, and concerns about the environment add unprecedented pressures. Teens are also navigating academic stress, peer pressure, body image issues, and bullying—both online and offline. Health experts, including the U.S. Surgeon General, have spoken out about the negative impact of excessive technology use on young people [3].
Related: What Causes Mental Illness?
Why Self-Care Matters for Teens
Self-care is essential for teens to manage both the everyday and extreme stressors of life. By practicing self-care, teens can learn to better manage stress, increase self-esteem, and improve their overall mental health.
Studies have shown that teens who engage in regular self-care practices are better equipped to cope with stress and maintain their emotional health [4]. Self-care can also help reduce perfectionism, enabling teens to set more realistic expectations for themselves.
Fortunately, self-care doesn’t need to be complicated or costly. Simple activities like listening to your favorite playlist or taking a walk can be effective ways to unwind.
Self-Care Tips for Teens
Here are a few practical self-care tips to help your teen manage stress and improve their mental health:
Prioritize Sleep
Sleep is critical for emotional health, yet many teens struggle with getting enough rest. Most teenagers need between 7 and 9 hours of sleep per night. Helping your teen get a good night’s sleep by establishing a regular sleep schedule can improve their mood, mental clarity, and overall health.
Express Emotions
Encourage your teen to express their feelings in a safe, non-judgmental space. Using tools like journaling or expressing emotions through art can help create understanding and insight.
Personal Hygiene
Basic hygiene can often go overlooked by teens. Building daily hygiene routines creates a long-term foundation for prioritizing their own health, staying healthy, and building confidence.
Positive Social Activities
Supportive friendships are crucial for teens’ mental health. Encourage your teen to engage in healthy, positive relationships, and provide opportunities for them to bond with others in a relaxed setting.
Eat a Balanced Diet
While stress can make unhealthy foods more tempting, maintaining a nutritious diet helps improve mood and energy levels. Ensure your teen gets key nutrients like iron, calcium, and vitamin D. Cooking meals together can also make healthy eating more fun, and engaging and develop your emotional bond together.
Related: How to Protect Your Mental Health with a Balanced Diet
Exercise Regularly
Even if your teen isn’t into traditional sports, other forms of exercise and activities like dancing, yoga, or walking the dog can be enjoyable and effective in reducing stress.
Set Boundaries
Respecting personal space is key to fostering independence. Help your teen learn how to set boundaries that allow them to reflect on their feelings without pressure to share everything.
Practice Mindfulness
Mindfulness practices, like meditation, breathing exercises, or quiet time, can help teens stay present and calm. Mindfulness exercises promote emotional regulation and can be especially helpful when teens feel overwhelmed.
Limit Screen Time
Excessive social media use can worsen feelings of isolation, comparison, and anxiety. Help your teen establish healthy limits for screen time and encourage more daily face-to-face interactions.
Spend Time Outdoors
Nature has a calming effect on the mind, for some. Encourage your teen to spend time outside—whether it’s going for a walk, gardening, or simply enjoying the fresh air. Nature-based activities can help lower stress levels and boost mood.
The Benefits of Self-Care for Teens
Teens who prioritize mental health through self-care can experience numerous benefits, including:
- Better emotional regulation
- Improved stress management
- Enhanced academic performance
- Stronger relationships
- Increased self-awareness and resilience
- A boost in self-confidence
- Better physical health
- Improved sleep quality
How Therapy Supports Teen Mental Health and Self-Care
Professional counseling and mental health systems can provide personalized support for teens struggling with mental health challenges. A trained therapist offers a safe space for teens to express themselves and develop healthy coping strategies. Therapy helps teens work through emotional challenges and provides practical tools for managing life’s difficulties.
Therapists can also teach teens skills to identify their needs, recognize emotional triggers, and develop self-advocacy language. Therapy can be an important part of a teen’s self-care routine, helping them build healthy habits and understand their emotions better.
Teen IOP (Intensive Outpatient Program) for Additional Support
For teens with more moderate to severe mental health symptoms, an intensive outpatient program (IOP) can provide extra support. Clear Behavioral Health specializes in teen IOP treatment designed for middle and high school students dealing with anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges.
A teen IOP program typically runs three days a week, after school, for 10 to 12 weeks. It incorporates cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness exercises, support groups with their peers, and expressive therapies like creative arts. Family therapy and skills-building groups are also included to support the teen’s healing process.
A teen IOP can benefit your teen’s mental health with:
- Suicidal thoughts
- Self-harming behaviors
- Severe anxiety or depression
- Emotional outbursts or significant conflict
- Decreased functioning at school or home
In our teen IOP program, teens are provided with individual therapy and one-on-one counseling and collaborate on creating a personalized treatment plan with passionate mental health professionals. Teens also participate in group therapy to build healthy social connections and practice skills with peers.
The primary goal of teen IOP is to promote emotional wellness while allowing teens to maintain their daily routines. With a focus on skill-building, group interaction, and regular progress assessments, our teen IOP offers a holistic approach to mental health.
If you want to learn more about teen therapy and IOP programs in the Los Angeles, California area, contact our team of experts today.
Taking the First Step
We know that finding the right mental health treatment for you or your teen can feel overwhelming, but help is just a phone call away. If your teen is struggling, we’re here to guide you through the treatment process.
Our admissions specialists work with families every day to identify the best mental health care tailored to the unique needs of each teen and family. We offer support and confidential answers to your questions 24/7.
Call us today to speak with a member of our team who will walk you through our teen mental health programs in the Los Angeles, California area including outpatient programs conveniently located in Santa Clarita, CA, Van Nuys, CA, Pasadena, CA, and El Segundo, CA. We accept most major insurance plans and are happy to help you understand your coverage.
Book a free, brief assessment with our clinical team and receive an intake date within one to three days. From there, you’ll meet your clinical team and begin your journey toward a brighter future.
References:
- World Health Organization. (2024, October 10). Mental health of adolescents. World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/adolescent-mental-health
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (n.d.). Suicide is a Leading Cause of Death in the United States. National Institute of Mental Health. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/suicide
- The U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory. (2023). Social Media and Youth Mental Health: The U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory. https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/sg-youth-mental-health-social-media-advisory.pdf
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2023, May). Improving mental health by promoting self-care. OPA Office of Population Affairs. https://opa.hhs.gov/about/news/e-updates/improving-mental-health-promoting-self-care
