The Blog of P.U.R.E. and Sue Scheff

  Teenage sadness and depression rates have been climbing since 2020. Parents are asking this question, “ Why is my teen depressed? ”    There can be many reasons for your teen to be feeling  sad or depressed.  While no one can explain exactly why,  many experts  say teens and young adults today probably face  more  pressures at home or school, worry about  financial issues  for their families, and use  more   alcohol and drugs.   This is in  addition  to keeping up with their  digital life.   3 Common Reasons for Teenage Depression:   Addressing depression is crucial for your  teenager’s mental health and wellness.  Understanding some of the common reasons for  depression  can help you help your child. It does not replace getting professional help.   1. Bullying.   Never underestimate the power of words and the long-lasting effect if has on your child. Gener...

 How will Screen Time Effect Your Teen's Mental Health? Teenagers today could probably be known as the “iPhone generation”. They never knew a world without technology at their fingertips, and they’ve grown up with screens and digital devices at every turn. So, smartphones, tablets, and computer screens are part of everyday life for most teenagers.   But, is that a good thing?   Parents and scientists alike have shown great interest in the effects of screen time on a teenager’s health. Some studies have argued that too much of it can cause physical health issues.  On the other hand, many teens use technology as a way to stay connected. Taking it away could impact their mental health.   So, what’s the answer? As a parent, that’s up to you. But, it’s important to know what screen time can really do to your teen – especially when it comes to their mental health. Common Mental Health Concerns It’s estimated that teenagers spend over seven hours looking at t...

This has been an extremely difficult time. Since March 2020 there has been a rise in teen depression, anxiety, stress and suicide ideation. Parents are concerned and struggling for answers. Teen Depression Teen depression  is a serious mental health problem that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest in activities. It affects how your teenager thinks, feels and behaves, and it can cause emotional, functional and physical problems. Although depression can occur at any time in life, symptoms may be different between teens and adults. Issues such as  peer pressure , academic expectations and changing bodies can bring a lot of ups and downs for teens. But for some teens, the lows are more than just temporary feelings — they’re a symptom of depression. Teen depression isn’t a weakness or something that can be overcome with willpower — it can have serious consequences and requires long-term treatment. For most teens, depression symptoms ease with treatment such ...

HELP! My teen needs help, but will they hate me if I send them away? Your teen will likely be scared of the new situation and may also promise to “ do better at home” if you've discussed the possibility of going to a therapeutic boarding school or residential treatment center . We never recommend parents threaten their child with this option, since choosing residential therapy is such an amazing opportunity for your teen to develop coping skills they may be lacking, improve self-esteem to make better choices, learn anger and stress management skills and most of all - improve their overall mental wellness .  Most of these programs' strengths are targeted at emotional growth and wellness - academics are typically secondary, but  are important. Keep in mind, without emotional wellness - nothing will work in life. In our experience, your child will likely grow from fear and anger they already have -- to love and understanding that this decision was made with their best inter...

If you were struggling with your teen prior March of 2020 with mental health issues, chances are your concerns have doubled if not tripled. More and more parents are worried about their teen's emotional wellbeing since COVID-19 shutdown our country. From remote learning to social distancing and even wearing masks -- the new normal of everyday life is taking a toll not only on young people but on adults too. New research shares that over half, 55% of teens are now experiencing anxiety, 45% are struggling with excessive stress and 43% are depressed. Key findings: 81% of teens say mental health is a significant issue for young people in the U.S., and 64% of teens believe that the experience of COVID-19 will have a lasting impact on their generation’s mental health. In this stressful climate, 7 in 10 teens have experienced struggles with mental health. 61% of teens said that COVID-19 pandemic has increased their feeling of loneliness . Teens today report spending 75% of their waking h...

Warning signs your teen might be using drugs or drinking This is a difficult question that many parents have to face on a daily basis.   Parents who spend a great deal of time with their teenagers are often tuned into what is normal behavior and what is not.   However, even parents who are actively involved in the daily activities of their teenagers may overlook – or subconsciously deny – the earliest signs of a substance abuse problem.   Some of the clues that your teenager may exhibit when using drugs or alcohol are fairly subtle, but others are rather obvious:  Many hours spent alone, especially in their room; persistent isolation from the rest of the family.   This is particular suspicious in a youngster who had not been a loner until now.  Resistance to taking with or confiding in parents, secretiveness, especially in a teenager who had previously been open.   Be sure that your teenager is not being secretive because every time he tries to c...

 Is Your Smart Teen Stuck in Anxiety? It’s no secret, 2020 has been tough to get through. The pressures that the ongoing pandemic have placed on all of us have been challenging, especially for students who have had to adapt to online learning overnight. If you’re a student in this strange time, it can be extremely difficult to find the motivation to get up and tune in to class while the world is in a moment of crisis. While the pandemic continues, it’s important to prioritize your mental health in tandem with your daily tasks. And even when school does return to an in-person setting, you want to maintain a robust practice of keeping your psychological and emotional wellbeing in check. So how can you stay on top of your anxiety when studies are too demanding or overwhelming? We’ve got some tips to help you get through this difficult time with a list of activities and practices to check in with yourself. Here’s some ways students can mitigate the effects of anxiety: 1. Normalize Chec...

Teen depression and anxiety is on the rise. Sadly, we are seeing suicide as the second leading cause of death for young people ages 10-24. With today's digital lives there could be so many reasons. Are they missing the routine of a real-life social life?  Are they being harassed online ?  Or are they watching their friends on social media have a blast while they believe their life is boring or they are simply missing out? What was true a generation ago is still true today, teens are unpredictable and still difficult to figure out. However depression is a very real emotion. Adolescence can be a very turbulent and difficult time, even for the most well-adjusted child. Depression strikes teenagers and adults alike, and can have far-reaching implications when kids suffer from emotional difficulties that they aren’t sure how to manage. After noticing the signs of depression in your teen and helping him to get the treatment he needs, understanding the root of his depre...