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SELF HARM

As a parent, you’d give your very life to protect your child from anything and everything. For that very reason, it becomes an absolute nightmare when you feel you have to protect your child from themselves. The troubling statistics don’t lie. One out of five females and one out of seven males practice some form of self-harm or non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI).

NSSI has many names: self-mutilation, self-injury, self-inflicted violence and cutting, and can take many forms. Among these are cutting, picking scabs, pulling hair, biting, burning, scalding, hitting, inserting objects in the skin and even breaking bones.

What Self Harm IS

Self-harm (NSSI) is the act of harming one’s self as a coping mechanism. Like when the person isn’t able to verbalize deep sadness or other overwhelming feelings. Shelf harm can also occur when there is a deep sense of shame or to vent their self-loathing. Often a “numb” feeling prompts a person to act in a way that would help them to “wake up”.

When a child feels their life is in a state of chaos and upheaval, it can come with a sense of helplessness or meaninglessness in their minds. Self-harm then becomes a way of exercising control, even if it’s only of their own bodies.

Self-harm is connected to depression, anxiety, eating disorders and physical abuse.

Self-harm is an addictive behavior. In the act of expressing these overwhelming feelings through self-mutilation, the body produces a cathartic rush of endorphins. Endorphins are the same chemical present when we experience the release of pain and the presence of pleasure, activating an all-around positive feeling in the body. The brain will start associating this “feel better” rush of endorphins as a soothing feeling connected to the act of self-harm, rather than a destructive activity.

What Self Harm is NOT

Because the discovery of self-harm in your child can be a shocking discovery it is very important to not overthink things.

Self-harm is not an attempt at suicide, though it is possible that would lead to that outcome if left untreated. Rather self-harm is used as a coping strategy FOR life rather than a method used for ENDING life.

Self-harm is not used for attention seeking. The nature of self-harm is quite personal and private. More often than not, the self-harm is concealed and out of the view of prying eyes, practiced on parts of the body that are not seen by the public, and done at times when the person is not going to be suspected or interrupted.

Self-harm is not a mental illness. Categorized as psychological, self-harm is not in and of itself a mental illness but can accompany mental illnesses, which should only be diagnosed by a trained professional.

Discovering Self Harm in Your Child

Just like other self-destructive behaviors, self-injury will leave clues. These could include:

Withdrawal from social activities and average behavior. Sadness and notable isolation from friendships, activities, and family interactions.

Long periods of time spent in a bedroom or bathroom.

Razor blades, knives, lighters or other “tools” along with blood.

Unexplained marks or an increase of “accidents”.

Changes in clothing styles. Used to conceal marks, long-sleeved shirts or seasonally inappropriate choices may indicate a desire to conceal. For hair pulling hats, scarves or winter caps may be used to hide missing hair. Wristbands and bracelets are also worn.

But WHY?

As mentioned above, self-harm can be related to depression, eating disorders and physical abuse. What is definitive though, is that not all people who self-harm understand why they do it. A crisis point develops when lack of communication skills combine with a feeling of loss of control in their lives. At this point, a surge of frustration urges for and springs to action.

Is it MY Fault?

Being a parent faced with a situation like self-harm, the first instinct (after the shock) is usually to question if you were in any way responsible for the behavior. Questions flood the mind: “Am I too hard on them?” “Am I too distant?” “How can I fix this?”, and they are all normal. Insomuch that they are healthy. Unless there has been abuse or neglect on your part, the answer is no. It’s not your fault. Counselors at LifeLine For Youth are available for any questions you may have.

Addressing Self Harm

So the secret is out, and now the ball is in your court. What happens next is very important, so we’ll begin with the first very important steps:

1. Don’t freak out. Right now your child is needing stability in their lives. Their load of shame is more than they can handle and your reaction needs to be low key and calm. Getting overexcited or angry will only cause your child to pull back from the connection they need to make with you, as they will no doubt feel more condemnation from a harsh response. But don’t be so laid back that it looks like you’re dismissing the problem altogether. Action must be taken to get your child the help they need.

2.Because self-injury is born from a lack of communication skills (which take time to develop), don’t expect immediate change. Experiencing overbearing emotion is not something that can be controlled by willpower. During the teen years, the struggle to comprehend emotional balance is real.

3.To prevent your child from compounding the shame, fear, and condemnation, a direct approach is not recommended. If a child perceives judgment they stop reaching for help.

4. Work on Building a relationship. Learning to engage a child can be a daunting task. Creating opportunities for open, two-way talk is key. A trip out for ice cream alone or a walk through a park may give a better result than “How was your day” after school. When you get to a place where you can address the issue ask, don’t accuse. When relaying their difficulties, you might add “Is that why you’re hurting yourself?”

DO's

Here is a brief list of things you can do to be proactive about your child’s self-harm.

Keep them safe. Attend to any wounds to keep them from infection with basic first aid.

Be supportive and calm. This isn’t about you, it’s about helping your child.

Talk about triggers and keep the dialogue open. Don’t focus on the harm aspect, but what causes the overwhelm that they’re feeling.

Suggest less invasive behaviors, such as exercise, which also releases the feel-good dopamine.

Contact LifeLine For Youth to find out how we can help. Expressing a desire to learn about what is troubling your child can show them your support and care.

DON'Ts

Conversely, there is also a list of things that you shouldn’t do and could be detrimental to your child’s well being.

Refrain from criticism. Right now there needs to be a good foundation laid for non-judgmental support and compassion. Shame will only compound the problem.

Don’t ask or demand them to stop. This may push them to become more secretive and sneaky about the behavior.

Don’t overreact. Don’t automatically assume they are suicidal. Let them know that you are a safe place to come to and confide in.

Don’t pretend to understand. At this point, the child doesn’t understand it and there isn’t a way you can have this figured out. Offer to help them manage their feelings instead.

Don’t ask why. Decisions based on emotion don’t necessarily have an answer. Even people without self-harming problems cannot always explain how their emotions influence their actions. Instead, ask how you can help.

By seeking professional assistance, you can change the course of your child’s self-harming tendencies and help create a better relationship and interpersonal communication abilities. For more information don’t hesitate to call LifeLine For Youth today.

Self Harm Info Graph – North Salt Lake, Utah – Lifeline for Youth
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19 Jan, 2021
Trauma is a common factor in the clients we see at LifeLine For Youth. Listen to our clinical director, Dan Scholz, talk about the researched base therapy EMDR and how our therapists are incorporating it into the clients treatment.
01 Dec, 2020
Whether you call it the birds and the bees or some other term, teen sexual activity is a big deal. With all the studies that have been done about teen sex , its reasons, its outcomes, and its prevention, we’ve learned quite a bit over the last ten to fifteen years. One of the most neglected aspects of teen sexual experimentation is the subsequent mental and emotional impacts on sexually active minors . Let's take a closer look. In most of the studies conducted over the past decade, we see a profound correlation between sexual activity in teens and mental health issues . The one factor that remains unanswered is which comes first, the poor state of mental health or the sexual behavior in adolescents ? Although Utah doesn’t legally allow researchers to ask youth about their sexual behavior, other statistics surrounding intimate relations in teens is quite telling, as well as general US statistics. Beyond Utah’s borders, the CDC noted in one study that between the ages of 15-19, 44% and 42% of males and females respectively reported having sex at least once. The requests for contraception , STD and STI tests , and pregnancy tests are still present in Utah just the same. What often goes unchecked though is the mental health ramifications of risky teen sexual behavior . What do we mean by risky sexual behavio r? If we were to assume that meant basic vaginal intercourse , you might be surprised to find that those teens who shy away from “all the way” sex may alternately engaging in oral and anal sex . Why is this important? Because even these forms and methods of - are producing long-lasting effects like depression and social anxiety in those who participate. Strong links between risk behaviors and depressive symptoms happen in both females and males of varied ages. The earlier sexual involvement begins the more likely that other negative behaviors like STDs, pregnancy , and suicidal ideation , and other high-risk behaviors like smoking and excessive alcohol consumption will follow. Among females, the risk of Major Depressive Episodes ( MDE ) is much higher as are mental changes due to low self-esteem . The socio-cultural norms of looking down on sexually active girls and celebrating sexually active young males contribute largely to feelings of guilt . Those who have their first sexual experiences before the age of 17 have two times the odds of a Major Depressive Episode. But is there evidence of mental health concerns before the beginning of sexual engagement ? It's difficult to say, and ridiculous to suggest that all initiations into sexual behaviors are a result of mental health instability. We’re talking about teens here, and not only that but teens steeped in a culture permeated with sexuality. So whether the chicken came before the egg or not, there is some pretty firm evidence that those willing to engage in the teen hook-up culture may already have some issues that could be going unaddressed. In their quest for independence, teens wade into the world of dopamine highs when their brains are more sensitive to its influence than any other time in their lives. Many who want to present themselves as “grown-up” or mature may initially cave to peer pressure in areas of substance use and other “maturity markers” like casual sex . Because the risk assessment ability in the teen brain is still under construction (with quite a ways to go), teens may engage in something called “ risk clustering ” or multiple risk behaviors . One study notes this saying “...the coexistence of drugs , risky sex , mental health problems remains a consistent observation in epidemiological studies.” Translation? Certain impaired mental health states are known to go hand in hand with risky behaviors. Those who have problems with ADD ( Attention Deficit Disorder ), ADHD ( Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder ), and ODD ( Oppositional Defiant Disorder ) are more susceptible to risky sexual behaviors . Another study on young adult sexuality found that hyper-sexuality grows within the sector that struggles with substance dependence , are on the schizophrenic spectrum , have depressive problems like dysthymic disorder ( chronic, mild depression ), and antisocial disorders . Substance dependence like cigarettes , marijuana , alcohol , crack, cocaine, and methamphetamine prove to be significant predictors of higher rates of intimate relationships in minors as well as loneliness , depression, and social anxiety. Teens with depression may find a higher rate of involvement with casual teen sex . Even though depression dulls hormonal drives there can be two contraindicated outcomes. The first is that the youth is self-medicating as a diversion from other areas causing depression, to relieve tension or stress , or to try to console themselves with affection seeking behaviors . Those with low self-esteem are more apt to use sex as an act of validation via intimate contact. The second reason a teen experiencing depression would seek out sexual encounters would be for a lack of care about consequences. Those experiencing suicidal ideation or other self-destructive behaviors often have no care about life or the chances of acquiring an STD or STI. So where does a caregiver begin? Puberty is difficult enough to navigate, let alone teen sexual and mental health. Underlying issues causing, or stemming from the lack of teen abstinence can be a parent's worst nightmare. As often recommended by Lifeline For Youth , building a rapport with your child and leaving lines of communication open and welcoming is a good first step. Engaging your teen over a family meal or activities, or even a one-on-one project can present an opportunity to open up about struggles your child may be facing from early sexual activit y. Refraining from condemnation and accusations is always the best policy to keep trust lines open. Guiding your child through difficult topics may make you sweat but can build a relationship that lasts, and now is always the best time to start. If you suspect that your child may already be struggling with issues and sexual activity is a result of them, or that regret or guilt and anxiety is a product of teen sexual experimenting , Utah’s Lifeline For Youth , can give guidance and direction on how to overcome as a family unit. Call today and let our professional staff assist in putting the pieces in place. 
05 Nov, 2020
Clinical Director of LifeLine for Youth, Dan Scholz, answers questions on KSL Studio 5 about parenting during the teen years. It's important to keep lines of communication open. He reminds us that we know our kids best and to pay attention to how they're acting. Pay particular attention to emotional isolation. Remember that the rational part of your teen's brain is still developing and they are driven by the emotional part of their brain. Be patient, don't overreact, and model the type of behavior you want to see. When issues continue for weeks, it may be time to call LifeLine for Youth..
05 Nov, 2020
There is an increase of mental illness due to the pandemic. LifeLine for Youth is here to help. Dan Scholz answers some questions about the precautions LifeLine is taking during Covid-19 and how they're continuing to help high risk youth. One of the greatest problems is denial and shame...what really matters is getting help. There is hope!
12 Oct, 2020
The development of the human brain is a curious thing. During adolescence , the areas designated to sense pleasure stimuli progress at a much faster rate than those responsible for decision-making and understanding the risks of their choices. Developing good healthy habits as a teen is important to their brains functioning as an adult. Drug abuse can interfere in the honing and purging of unnecessary synapses that allow an adult brain to become more efficient at tasks and goals. Substance abuse in teens can interfere with normal brain function by reducing the brain's ability to process pleasurable experiences. Over exposing receptors to high amounts of dopamine can push the thresholds higher and higher creating a desire for more stimulants to feel good. Memory issues and being able to perceive can also be significantly impaired. During younger teen years the brain is going through some of the last growth spurts it will experience, adding tens of thousands of neurons per day and even by the hour. Exposing them to damaging substances repeatedly will have a markedly negative effect that will be present for the rest of the individual's life. These missed opportunities during this time of elevated learning possibilities can leave the teen sometimes a great distance behind his peers. Alcohol abuse just by itself can cause a teen to develop long term alcohol dependence in their adult years because of how differently the adolescent brain processes the intoxicant. Physically, alcohol can toxify the liver, raising liver enzymes which signify liver damage. Alcohol also can lead to lower bone mineral density resulting in brittle bones and osteoporosis in later life. Reproductive health is also at risk and even the possibility of delayed puberty. Abuse of alcohol can result in reduced growth potential, causing shorter limbs and changes in genetic blueprints. Alcohol and substance abuse in teens can ultimately result in poor decision making and can incur a wide range of social impacts. These may include car accidents, STD's, criminal assault charges, criminal records that can follow into adulthood, unwanted pregnancies, crippled personal relationships, as well as ruined academic potential and delayed career opportunities. With all the negative consequences, we are left to wonder- Why do teens choose to use drugs and alcohol? As frustrating as it may be teen defiance and pushing boundaries is a natural and, yes, healthy activity. Effective boundaries help reduce conflicts with your teens and when they operate within them it helps them to feel safe (even though they won't admit it). When teens start experimenting with drugs they could be trying to accomplish a number of things such as showing their independence and feeling more grown-up. Perhaps they are trying to satisfy their curiosity or feel good. Drugs are often used as a way to have fun and relieve boredom or to feel included in the “in crowd” by living on the edge. Those children at risk for substance abuse are often those who struggle in school with grades or are bullied by peers, those who have low self-esteem. Just as likely are those who have a poor support system at school and at home. If someone in the home like an older sibling or parent uses substances or the parenting style is quite permissive and lack firm beliefs against substance use, the teen can often come to believe that there isn't much risk from using the intoxicants. How do I know if my child is using drugs? If you find pills or baggies of the drug, it's pretty obvious, but what are the lesser observable signs of teen substance abuse? A lot of the signs may come off as “typical” teen behavior. The parent or caregiver with a discerning eye may start connecting the dots if you observe any of the following indications. Though your teen may be trying to drown b.o. in the latest fad perfume or cologne, strong or pungent smells can be prime indicators that your teen is using substances. Though we'd like to think “soft” drugs like marijuana are the only drugs teens use that has a smell, we can't get around the expansive array that emits odors. Be alert and look into further information with smells that smell like skunk, burnt plastic, ammonia, permanent marker, burnt sugar, or cleaning chemicals like bleach and vinegar. Paraphernalia like pipes made of makeshift components like perforated drink cans, cigarette papers, burnt spoons, and lighters. Grades and social involvement that take a drastic turn is another strong signal that drug use may be happening. Because changes in grades or extracurricular involvement may be indications of other serious mental health issues , be careful not to jump to conclusions. If you need further help discerning possible drug or substance abuse in your teen calling a certified professional can help. What can I do if my child is using substances? An instant knee jerk reaction can be to get in your teen's face and call them out. This is going to be an impulse you do your best to resist. Putting your child on defense will be sure to push them into more covert methods of using. Having a mutual activity that is conducive to the conversation can make a great segue into open dialogue. Examples of a personal nature can stimulate your child into opening up with questions. If you have serious concerns, using a neutral task, project, or diversion to ask some calm open-ended questions to your child can go quite a bit farther than you might expect. Building a relationship is core to gaining your child's trust that they can share things with you without the threat of condemnation. Learning to be a safe place to be open can be difficult, but will result in building connections with a much larger scope and more long-term influence. It's definitely worth your effort and investment. If you suspect or know of substance abuse in your teen or child and would like further guidance from a professional counselor, Utah's Lifeline For Youth can help chart a path for full family restoration. Call today at 1-855-968-8443 .
04 Sep, 2020
September is Suicide Awareness Month and each year we focus on typical guidelines helping us recognize signs of suicidal thoughts and suicidal behavior in teens and young adults. This year the rules are changing. Over the past 2 decades adult statistics and teen suicide statistics have risen dramatically. Conjectures abound about why teen suicides have placed it as the second cause of death in tweens and teens ages 10-19 years old. What kind of impact will we see from this volatile and tumultuous year? Why Covid-19 effects teens drastically? Adolescent growth and milestones are strongly dependent on opportunities for social engagement. At this time in their lives youth are forming ideas and values of their own and tend to test the waters, further seeking to define their individuality. Venues of school, religious congregations, and other peer interactions like sports, hobbies, and common community events are places that help shape personalities. Removing even basic educational stability by closing schools, and “doing” online alternatives create a lot of anxiety. “Normal” can seem a long way off and combining multiple assaults to the fabric of “normal” through every venue that shapes the child can be quite overwhelming Day to day functioning in a home environment for “shelter-in-place", or quarantine environment, change in basic scheduling for tasks, facing parents or guardians stress about job loss, returning to work, or even potential loss of a home can create immeasurable stress and tension. How to identify suicidal behavior in teens Is my child ok? Are they adjusting or depressed? What guidelines are right amid all the chaos? And most prominently- what can I do to help? It would be easy to spot if there were only a few strong indicators of suicidal ideation. The problem with diagnosing someone prone to suicide is that there is never one or two single factors that clue us in. Anxiety and depression play a large role and yet themselves are only symptoms of other possible mental health issues that need to be heeded. Clues and tip-offs that we were able to observe before have become largely unusable in a Covid-19 world. With the world in seeming upheaval among the Covid-19 landscape, the ability to notice if a child has poor school or social involvement is now gone. We are left to wonder if spending too much time online or in their room is an escape or attempts at keeping a healthy mindset? It can be frustrating and concerning for those who keep a watchful eye on their child's behavior. Pre-existing mental health conditions- those most vulnerable are those that have already dealt with or contend with mental health issues. If your child has been treated for depression, anxiety, addictions or problems with self-harm, they are more likely to dwell on suicidal ideation. History of prior suicide attempts- children who have talked about, planned, and shown signs of, or have attempted suicide before being particularly at risk, especially if their coping skills are not yet strong. More day to day indicators of suicide can include the following: Indulging in or completely avoiding screen time- While online schooling, support groups, and social media can provide a connection with others at this time, completely avoiding any social interactions online can be signs of stress. Likewise indulging in gaming-type activities to the point of obsession may be an indicator of poor coping mechanisms. Extra moodiness- Big mood swings and obvious depressive funks are to be noted. Severe frustration and anger can be indicative of poor coping skills. Fatalism, hopelessness, and despair may be present. Changes in weight- Though quarantine can cause weight gains, cues to depression and suicidal thoughts may be extreme weight gain or weight loss. Extreme swings in sleep times- Days and nights will often get switched around and or excessive sleep times. These unnatural sleep cycles can result in lack of eating and severe depression. Changes in hygiene- Though teens can greatly vacillate between dressing to the nines and smelling like a gym locker room, a steep and consistent decline in appearance should be noted. Social withdrawal- If social distancing and shelter-in-place weren’t bad enough, watching your children for signs of extreme withdrawal like eating meals alone or avoiding family time in combination with other signs. How to turn the tide: In a Covid-19 world where social distancing is unavoidable, you can redeem the time by establishing good connections with your children. Even though you might be fed up with board games, there are many things you can do with your family. Having a consistent schedule helps keep a form of normalcy. Establishing proper eating and sleeping times and having a well-balanced diet as possible. These efforts will go a long way to model good habits to your children and let them know that through these unstable times, there can be dependability and formation of good habits- establishing fruitful ways of coping with outside stress and irregularities. Venting frustration is another way of good modeling. Though the thought of loosing a job permanently is scary or not knowing how bills are going to be met and regular life can continue, watching the adults in their lives acknowledge these things without excess fear can help. This doesn’t mean that there won’t be fear but showing anxiety all the time will cause them to absorb more anxiety themselves. Validating their frustration and anger over missing sports events, group activities, milestones, and vacations to let them know someone understands and can empathize. Listen first and direct them to positive problem solving. Be present. Often in the heat of adulting we tend to get absorbed in our own problems and issues. Making yourself available is incredibly important, but not to the point of pushing. Activities like online classes, developing interests you can learn together, or even projects you’ve been putting off around the house that can be done together can afford the time to make connections. Learning to open up about struggles you might have had when you were younger or even currently can often spark dialog. Having the option of professional counseling at the ready can also help when stress levels are high. Consider those at Lifeline For Youth when you need solid advice and working solutions. In any case, if you have an emergency please contact your local emergency services or the National Suicide Prevention Hot Line at 1-800-273-8255 available 24 hours a day.
21 Aug, 2020
Because humans are basically social creatures, it is a fundamental need to be connected to others. What happens when extended isolation and loneliness starts to impact mental health? Whether it's considered by some as a blessing, or others a curse, social distancing is rapidly changing the landscape of everyday life. From the beginning of life a child is welcomed into arms that care for, tend to, and teach them interactive behaviors and guidelines for relating to others around them. These learned behaviors are foundationally crucial to well being and survival. Loneliness is a natural part of various stages of life and can be treated as such. When loneliness becomes chronic is where and when it begins to connect to mental health issues. As of the most recent United States census, ¼ of adults lived alone. This is the highest statistic recorded yet. Adult and elderly people, however, aren't the only age group dealing with self-isolation. In light of the current COVID-19 pandemic, Utah teens are at risk of symptoms of mental health issues due to teen social isolation as well. Known correlations exist between more drastic disruptions and greater negative mental health impacts. With approximately 30 million students across the US being pushed into unsettled and irregular conditions, a large number are now at a higher risk. Those in after school programs and sports that are suddenly truncated and those who are no longer able to look forward to prom, graduation, and the like, are now more susceptible to the symptoms and effects of seclusion. Let's take a closer look at these symptoms and effects of social distancing in detail. Depression By far, the biggest factor in any age demographic dealing with lonesomeness is depression. Depression is characterized by a hopeless outlook on life while a major depressive episode is characteristically longer than 3 weeks. It is often accompanied by a loss of interest in regularly engaging activities and peer involvement. The next two symptoms of depression are also noted as symptoms of isolation and loneliness. Anxiety Nervousness, restlessness, and tense feelings that characterize anxiety often accompany depression and isolation. Poor Sleep Quality When in social distancing or isolationist environments, sleep patterns can get shifted, causing a person to sleep in later and thus stay up later than normal. Quality of sleep suffers as well when circadian rhythms are maladjusted. Increase In Already Existing Mental Health Symptoms Those who already deal with symptoms of other mental health issues like addictions, PTSD, schizophrenia, and self-harm can find those symptoms intensified. Those who struggle with suicidal tendencies are especially at risk. Suicidal Ideation and Self-Harm In adults, suicide is the 10th most prevalent cause of death in the United States. Among teens ages 12-17 it rockets to the 2nd cause of death nationally. In certain conditions self-harm and suicide attempts increase dramatically with those who keep to themselves. Being Proactive During Mandatory Social Distancing In times where changes can happen very quickly the ability to adapt is a critical coping skill. We can model this skill to our children by practicing the following things with them. Focus On The Positive Sometimes focusing on the positive can mean backing away from the negative. Limiting excessive exposure to media input or particularly negative information. Learning to culture thankfulness and addressing the inner negative thoughts underlying loneliness has been documented to work better than interventions that are designed to improve social skill sets or even increasing social activities and opportunities for social engagements. Engage in Humor Laughter really is some of the best medicine. Learning to find humor in situations can take the edge off anxiety and depression. Making jokes with appropriate boundaries can go a long way to blowing off some steam and keeping things in a proper perspective. Carry On With Established Routines Though many things have changed about how a teen participates in group activities around COVID safety guidelines, there are many benefits to maintaining a daily schedule close to how traditional schools structure the day. Try to start education tasks at the same time to keep momentum, not forgetting to include regular break times, meal times, and quitting times. This helps prevent distorted perceptions of time that can happen quite quickly in isolation. Socialize From A Safe Distance Though it is wise to back away from overwhelming social media that can create anxiety, don't forget to use the tools we have to engage friends and family in a safe way. Because kids today are fluent and fluid on social media platforms like Facebook, Snapchat, and others they can use it to their advantage to reach out to their social networks and stay connected. Don't Forget Important Occasions Though certain events can't be reproduced altogether digitally, that doesn't mean they have to fall by the wayside completely. Realize that the situation, though inconvenient, is temporary and find ways to celebrate with family and friends for birthdays, graduations, among others while planning for safe interactions later down the road. Milestones in your teens' life need to be observed and marked. Get Out Of The House Where applicable getting out of the house for a walk or bike ride can do wonders for positive thought patterns. Enjoy some fresh air and new sites, while being mindful to keep proper distancing guidelines in your area. Go as a family keeping those thankful to positive vibes running in your family or home unit. Engage Your Kids If you find that you have problems capturing your teens' involvement in family matters, personal discussion, or even small talk, have them come up with ideas that they deem interesting. Learn to keep conversations light and non-confrontational when possible. Create a safe space for them, free of judgment. Share some of your experiences to build bonds. Learn to have an open ear and make the best of your time together. These measures can go miles to prevent good kids from slipping into depression on any level and strengthen the family unit as a whole. Think you need some more help? The counselors at Lifeline For Youth can give a professional assessment and recommendations to help you through these awkward and intense times. Call today to see how we can help you make the best out of your present situation.
06 Jun, 2020
Kalli Beckstrom, GRAND PRIZE WINNER of LifeLine's 2019-2020 Scholarship.
Beautiful Woman — Salt Lake, UT — Lifeline for Youth
29 May, 2020
Are you a teenager in recovery from an addiction? Consider these practical tips that will help you navigate your recovery process.
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