During Black History Month, we pay homage to African Americans who have made significant contributions to our country. Famous names such as Harriett Tubman, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Rosa Parks, Malcolm X, and Frederick Douglass probably come to mind. During Black History Month in 2021, Destinations for Teens would like to take the opportunity…
If you have a teenager, you know that some challenges and joys come with this time of their life. Teenagers are in the process of transitioning from childhood to adulthood. Therefore, parents get to experience the best of both worlds. On the other hand, this also means that parents experience the challenges that come with…
COVID-19 has turned our worlds upside down in a split second — for people of all ages. Perhaps no change has been more disorienting than online learning. Without warning, our teenagers were ushered out of school and forced to resume with teachers and classmates through computers and cellphones. The expectation was that they would keep…
Teenagers are a very resilient bunch, but every generalization has exceptions. Everyone has their limits, and young people can be among the most vulnerable to the stresses surrounding them. For some teens, the holidays create circumstances where social anxiety can surge. The holidays bring the academic semester to a conclusion. Exams, grades, and friends are…
Hearing about other peoples’ traumatic experiences can cause emotional distress and behavioral changes. Children in the US endure various traumatic experiences, including natural disasters, bullying, domestic violence, and sexual abuse. Such trauma stories can cause behavioral and emotional issues in teens, impacting their quality of life. Seeking early professional trauma treatment can help your child…
The coronavirus pandemic is impacting teens just like everybody else. COVID-19 has been responsible for the closure of schools in most states. Schools have had to cancel proms and graduation ceremonies. High school seniors are having to start their college careers virtually. Ultimately, the repercussions of COVID-19 have had a significant impact on teenagers and…
Many people are surprised when they first begin to meditate by how powerful it can be. After a bit of practice, meditation results in feelings of calm, relaxation, and even euphoria. This “natural high” allows you to better regulate your emotions and overcome distressing situations.
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a condition triggered by a powerful traumatic event. While commonly associated with combat veterans, PTSD can happen to anyone who has witnessed or experienced a life-changing event, including teens.
Although drug abuse has declined in the past 20 years (1), teens are using certain substances, like marijuana, more than ever. Mental illness and substance abuse in teens requires treatment, as co-occurring disorders can make it difficult to live a healthy and normal life. While all teens and adolescents experience anxiety, stress, and sadness, some…
Teen depression and substance abuse are closely linked. Mental health problems can lead to self-medicating, where you use drugs and/or alcohol to alleviate symptoms like sadness. About 8% of adolescents suffer from depression, and 11.5% of high school seniors use illicit drugs other than marijuana at least annually. (1) The teenage years are stressful, awkward,…