Compassionate Anxiety and Depression Treatment for Teens at Alpha Behavioral Health

Alpha Behavioral Health, located in Austin, Texas, is the premier place to find compassionate and comprehensive mental health treatment for teens. Spreading awareness about common disorders that affect teens helps families across Texas seek help for their loved ones. It also fosters a better understanding of the difficulties teens face, especially with the increasing rates of mental health disorders such as anxiety and depression.

Understanding Anxiety and Depression in Teens

Anxiety and depression are perhaps some of the most common mental health disorders that affect teenagers. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the rate at which teenagers feel sad and helpless has been increasing over the past ten years. This was already the case before the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. The pandemic has left many teens without social interaction during critical times in their development. Now, in this new world, it feels more difficult than ever for teenagers to feel safe and happy. 

The Alpha Behavioral Health staff is all too aware of the increasing rates of poor mental health among teenagers. Teenagers have it rough already, but it seems like life has only gotten harder for them nowadays. By offering comprehensive treatment for teens and education about mental health, Alpha Behavioral Health works to help as many people as possible. 

To further understand why anxiety and depression treatment for teens is so important, we must examine what these disorders are and how they uniquely affect young teens. 

Signs and Symptoms of Anxiety and Depression

Both anxiety and depression have noticeable symptoms and signs. However, it’s common for teens to hide or “mask” these symptoms. To accurately determine if you or a loved one is struggling with either of these disorders, you must pay close attention. Sometimes, just speaking with your loved one can be enough to notice if anything is wrong. If you feel something is wrong, contact a mental health care professional immediately. A summary of anxiety and depression, along with their common symptoms, are as follows. 

Anxiety is a symptom felt from an anxiety disorder. These disorders target the nervous system, where our “fight or flight” response lies. People with anxiety have difficulty “turning off” this system, which puts their bodies in a constant state of high alert. There are many specific anxiety disorders that a person may struggle with, such as panic disorder and social anxiety disorder. Although each anxiety disorder has a unique diagnosis and symptoms, all are marked by consistent and persistent feelings of worry and fear. Some common signs of an anxiety disorder are:

• Constant muscle, stomach, and headaches
• Irritability 
• Feeling out of control, restless, or on edge 
• Difficulty sleeping and concentrating 
• Constant feelings of worry, fear, or impending doom
• Chest pains and pounding/racing heart
• Excessive sweating or trembling
• Fearing judgment from others 

Depression, though a symptom, is also a mood disorder. It may also be known as major depressive disorder or clinical depression. Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is another type of depressive mood disorder and is common among much of the population. Although there are many types of depressive mood disorders, all of them are marked by common symptoms, such as:

• Persistent feelings of sadness, anxiety, or emptiness 
• Feeling hopeless, worthless, and helpless
• Loss of interest or enjoyment in hobbies and activities 
• Difficulty sleeping or waking up
• Changes in appetite and unplanned weight loss or gain 
• Difficulties concentrating or making decisions 
• Intense fatigue or lack of energy 
• Persistent pain or digestive problems that don’t go away
• Thoughts of suicide or death

How Anxiety and Depression Affect Daily Life for Teens

Being a teenager is hard, but anxiety and depression make it that much more difficult. Anxiety is a common barrier that prevents healthy social interactions. Humans are social and require meaningful connections with others. Social anxiety disorder isolates teens from a vital part of their development, which can further impact them as adults. A panic disorder can cause a panic attack, which disrupts school or work. When you are constantly anxious, you are also stressed, which can lead to further medical conditions such as chest or stomach pain. It’s common for teens with an anxiety disorder to withdraw completely to protect themselves.

Depression is equally destructive, preventing teens from living life to the fullest. Teens with depression often have trouble getting out of bed, which puts their school and social life in jeopardy. In some severe cases, teenagers have dropped out of school completely due to depression. Seasonal affective disorder, in particular, can increase feelings of hopelessness during the dark parts of the year, increasing negative thoughts. Some thoughts may turn to death or even suicide. According to collected mental health data, suicide is the second leading cause of death among teenagers.

Untreated anxiety and depression don’t just increase stress and lower a teen’s quality of life. These conditions can also have serious repercussions during one of the most critical developmental phases of a person’s life. Ramifications of such can persist for years. Having access to treatment for teens doesn’t just help them feel better; it can also save their lives. 

Why Treatment for Teens and Mental Health Awareness for Young People Is So Important

Anxiety and depression are marked by noticeable but often dismissed signs and symptoms. For example, a teenager unable to get out of bed because they lack energy may be thought of as “lazy” or “unmotivated.” A teenager who panics in social situations may be written off as “dramatic” or “attention seeking.” As a result, this often discourages teenagers from seeking help. This may even cause further distress, as the teen wonders why they can’t be normal. Self-medicating is sometimes the response to untreated anxiety and depression, which can lead to addiction. Having more than one mental health disorder is known as a dual diagnosis, and it requires specialized treatment to recover. 

That’s why mental health awareness and treatment for teens is so vital. Teenagers and young adults must be taught about mental health so they can give themselves proper care. They must be made aware of the signs of common mental health disorders so they can be treated. Early intervention prevents what is usually a straightforward condition that is routinely treated from snowballing into a much bigger problem, such as addiction. Teenagers are also at a different developmental stage when compared to a fully grown adult or a child. As a result, treatment for teens requires a more inclusive and uplifting approach. 

Effective Treatment for Teens at Alpha Behavioral Health

Alpha Behavioral Health offers comprehensive and compassionate treatment for teens struggling with a wide range of mental health disorders and addiction. We believe that healing is driven by discovering your purpose and helping you reach your goals. Treatment for teens at Alpha Behavioral Health isn’t just helping teens achieve recovery; it’s also helping them become strong and confident people, especially with the teen-focused Alpha Launch program. 

Usually, treatment for teens struggling with anxiety and depression is a mix of psychotherapy and medication. Although medication is a useful tool, it’s not always required. Some teens have found success in utilizing medication to reduce the physical symptoms they experience and help them focus on treatment.

Here is an effective outline of what a teen can expect when undergoing treatment at Alpha Behavioral Health.

Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP): A Pathway to Recovery

An intensive outpatient program (IOP) is the usual choice for a teenager because of its flexibility. Teenagers in an intensive outpatient program can still engage in normal activities. They can still go to school, have a job, socialize with friends, and stay at home. An intensive outpatient program is also flexible with its days and hours, allowing teens to receive vital treatment when it is most convenient for them. This is particularly useful for those with a dual diagnosis, which allows for optimal healing and recovery. 

Intensive outpatient programs tend to feature psychotherapies conducted by a licensed therapist, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and family therapy. Counseling is also utilized to help teens manage their obligations to school, work, or home. 

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): An Effective Treatment for Teens

This type of psychotherapy is used to help teens identify harmful thoughts and behavior patterns. Then, they learn the coping skills needed to change these thoughts and behaviors. This is particularly useful for teens with panic disorder or social anxiety, as it gives them the tools to identify what is triggering their anxiety. Teens with depression utilize cognitive behavioral therapy to change their mindset to a more positive outlook and utilize coping skills to inspire motivation to change. 

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): Managing Emotions Effectively

This type of psychotherapy is often used for teens because of how emotionally volatile adolescence is. Paired with something like major depressive disorder or panic disorder, it can make emotions feel more intense and out of control. Dialectical behavior therapy works by helping teens to identify and understand their emotions and accept them. Emotions like anger, for example, are not bad when utilized productively. This psychotherapy is essential for treatment for teens as it helps them feel more emotionally stable and reduces stress. 

The Role of Family in Anxiety and Depression Treatment for Teens

No matter how old a person is, they will always need their family. Teens at this stage in their lives need role models who will demonstrate essential skills that they will absorb and utilize later as adults. Showing an active interest in mental health and treatment shows your teen that self-care is normal and good. Alpha Behavioral Health takes several steps to ensure that families don’t just work together but also understand each other. 

Family Therapy: Strengthening Bonds and Support Systems During Treatment for Teens

During treatment for teens, family therapy plays an essential role by building a foundation of trust and support between family members. A teen cannot recover without support, especially if they are struggling with a dual diagnosis. It takes a family working together with their teen to achieve lasting recovery. Family therapy helps parents understand that their teen needs their help and support and teaches them how to do so. It’s a place of learning for both sides. As long as they are open to family therapy, families will see a marked improvement in family cohesion and communication.

Creating a Safe Space for Open Communication

During family therapy, the therapist works to create a safe space for open communication. It’s a place where teens and their loved ones can discuss their feelings openly without the fear of judgment or ridicule. For teens who may feel belittled or dismissed, this is an important source of catharsis to voice their concerns without interruption. Families also find a place to communicate their profound love and concern for their teens. In the end, families come out of family therapy with a better understanding of each other, which strengthens familial bonds. 

Developing Coping Strategies During Treatment for Teens for a Healthier Future

Part of anxiety and depression treatment for teens is the learning and practice of coping strategies. Some conditions, like major depressive disorder or social anxiety disorder, can persist for years. Learning how to cope with these conditions healthily is an essential part of treatment for teens. These skills are learned through psychotherapy, though a therapist may recommend other types of therapy, such as wilderness therapy or even art therapy. Sometimes, these particular therapies provide the teen with a healthy outlet for expression, which can be used as a coping skill. Skills learned now will be used as adults, so it’s important to lay down a foundation of practical techniques for managing anxiety and depression now. 

Some of these practical techniques learned and practiced at Alpha Behavioral Health are:

• Engaging in positive social connections
• Practicing mental health-boosting techniques, such as journaling or wellness activities 
• Building a support network 
• Creating an inclusive environment at home and school 
• Finding and maintaining a community
• Practicing healthy habits, such as exercise and eating well 
• Finding hobbies and activities that inspire self-expression and joy
• Learning the difference between healthy and toxic relationships 
• Practicing coping skills to mitigate symptoms, such as breathing techniques for a panic attack
• And much more

All of these coping skills are designed to help teens as they transition from adolescence to adulthood. 

Transitioning to Independence: The Alpha 180 Program

Sometimes, a young man may need more help in achieving independence after completing mental health treatment. It’s a time when many people feel unsure if they can stand on their own two feet. This state of unease is normal but can be stressful. To help young men transition from treatment for teens to independence, Alpha Behavioral Health has created the Alpha 180 program.

What Is the Alpha 180 Transitional Living Program?

The Alpha 180 Transitional Living Program is an aftercare experience designed to help young men successfully launch their lives and remain in recovery. Alpha Behavioral Health is aware of the unique mental health challenges faced by young men and works to provide the tools they need to succeed. It’s a program located in Texas that combines therapy with peer activities and wilderness expeditions to build confidence and trust. Clients within the program also discover activities and friends that give them joy, helping them to remain in recovery long after treatment is completed. 

Empowering Teens to Thrive Socially and Live to Their Potential

The Alpha 180 Transitional Living Program, though considered fun and exciting, serves a crucial role in social development. It’s well known that men, in particular, struggle with high rates of isolation. With the Alpha 180 Transitional Living Program, young men can forge long-lasting and healthy relationships with fellow peers. These social skills go on to help these young men thrive socially, which makes pursuing education, a job, or a family life easier. With the Alpha 180 Transitional Living Program, clients don’t just learn new skills; it also increases their quality of life. 

How Treatment for Teens Inspires Hope and Healing at Alpha Behavioral Health

Alpha Behavioral Health doesn’t just provide treatment for teens; it helps them to find hope and healing. With more pressure on teens than ever, it’s important to show them that their voices matter. Professional, compassionate help is key to helping teens see that people care about them and their well-being. By embracing mental wellness, they grow up to become healthy adults that can inspire the next generation. 

However, to undergo this healing, the teen and their family must first understand that they need professional help. Mental health care facilities are not as they are portrayed in popular media. It’s a place of healing and respect where safety and understanding are guaranteed. If you would like to know more about treatment for teens, it’s always okay to contact Alpha Behavioral Health to ask questions or even request a tour. 

By working together, you may be surprised to see the great things your teen can accomplish. 

Modern teenagers struggle enough in a society that often dismisses their voices. Struggling with anxiety and depression only compounds these issues, leaving teens feeling lost and alone. Some may be afraid to seek help, worried that they will be judged or mocked. Modern mental health care, however, is not how they are portrayed in movies and TV. They are places of healing where anyone can receive compassionate and comprehensive treatment. This is especially true at Alpha Behavioral Health, located in Austin, TX. Here, teens have access to the latest in anxiety and depression treatment, all given by understanding and supportive expert staff. If you or a loved one is struggling with anxiety and depression, don’t wait! Call (833) 257-4218 today.