Helping teens maintain their mental health is more important than ever. Focus on helping them improve handling stress and relating to others by encouraging social interactions and emotional awareness, says Austin Oaks Hospital.
Ideas for maintaining mental health this summer:
Try a new activity or learn a new sport with friends. Participation in structured activities has been linked to cognitive and emotional development.
· Nurture your teens creativity and self-esteem through arts and crafts. The arts can foster prosocial behavior, a shared sense of success, shared motivation and group identity.
· Reduce screen time and explore nature instead. “More green, less screen.” Spending time in nature can improve focus, lower stress and provide a sense of connection.
· Spend more time outside to boost vitamin D, which has been shown to be a crucial factor that influences depression, negative emotions and quality of life.
· Give your child a new responsibility. Learn to help your teen recognize and manage emotions, set and achieve goals and make responsible decisions.
· Grow plants in a garden. Use this activity to teach your teen how to set a goal and achieve it.
· Discover ways to practice gratitude. Teach your teen ways to think positively to help reduce stress.
· Help your teen get enough sleep. Insufficient sleep can lead to mental health and behavioral challenges such as impulsivity, stress, depression, anxiety, aggressive behavior, and thinking problems.
Source: National Institutes of Health
Summer is a great time to help your teen improve coping skills for a successful upcoming school year. If you know a teen who may need treatment for a behavioral health issue, we offer no-cost assessments 24/7. Reach out to us today by calling Austin Oaks Hospital at (512) 440-4800.
Programs for Adolescents
“Our treatment programs for teens aged 12-17 include outpatient and inpatient mental health services that target your loved one’s specific needs in a structured environment. Mental health issues in adolescents can negatively impact their future, and our treatment team understands the unique challenges that teens face and the importance of building skills that carry over into their life after treatment.”
Austin Oaks Hospital offers a continuum of psychiatric services for children and adolescents, ages 12-17, and for adults, age 18 and older and an exclusive women’s wellness program. Located in South Austin, Texas, we strive to provide a warm environment that promotes crisis resolution, positive self-awareness, social skills and personal growth. We are proud to be your community partner in mental health. Austin Oaks Hospital provides inpatient and outpatient psychiatric services to stabilize symptoms of depression, anxiety and other behavioral health disorders.
