Trails Carolina Is Fighting Mental Illness In Teenagers

Being a teenager comes with exciting milestones. There are significant steps like obtaining your driver’s license, dating, or figuring out what career path you want to take, which can all prove to be challenging. There are also challenges associated with growing up in a fast-changing world influenced by the COVID-19 epidemic, social media, and distance learning, even though plenty of highs may go along with it.

Teens’ brains are changing and developing, and the ways they process their experiences and allocate their time are essential. Every wonderful experience and every terrible memory has the potential to influence their mental health.

A mood is not always synonymous with being lonely, furious, or irritated.

Mental health difficulties are not the same as situational sadness or fatigue. They’re more severe and last longer, significantly influencing day-to-day life. Anxiety, depression, eating issues, substance use, and experiencing trauma are a few of the most prevalent issues among teens.

Adding to the urgency: teen mental issues are not uncommon. According to the Mental Health First Aid curriculum, one in five adolescents has had a severe mental health problem at some point in their lives. Up to 75% of these problems emerge during adolescence.

A mental health problem that is not addressed may progress to a more serious issue that also affects one’s physical health, such as substance abuse, sleep pattern, or dietary changes. Depression and substance use disorders are examples of potential indications of an emerging mental health condition.

Teens who spend more time with their friends develop a sense of self-worth and purpose. These events are crucial for their development, and a mental health issue might disrupt or complicate that process. Depending on the severity of the problem, these consequences can last into adulthood if left untreated.

How can we assist teenagers with their mental health?

Teens may need methods to communicate their problems and respond to their friends’ needs. According to research, teens are more likely to talk to their friends about their issues than adults.

That’s why it’s critical to educate adolescents about the difficulties they might encounter as they mature and navigate early adulthood. Being aware that it is normal to feel sad, angry, lonely, or dissatisfied from time to time is beneficial to their growth.

However, persistent issues may indicate a deeper problem that requires early detection so that teenagers can get appropriate assistance in time. Many teens with mental health or substance abuse issues can recover with proper care.

How Trails Carolina Wilderness Therapy Program is Benefiting Teens with Mental Health Issues

Trails Carolina wilderness therapy program aims to help young people become their best selves. Taking them away from their current circumstances and teaching them new skills significantly influences their well-being.

Teens who are having difficulties with their mental health might have trouble expressing themselves, which leads to complicated coping methods. Locating the proper therapy may also be challenging. Many people, however, don’t think about how wilderness therapy can help teens.

Students utilize the skills taught in the Trails Carolina wilderness therapy program in activities like rock climbing. It is a way for adolescents to build confidence and technique. Many studies have been conducted on this topic and show that it positively affects individuals’ wellbeing. Rock climbing offers a variety of therapeutic advantages.

When a person is climbing a rock, they must consider every step ahead of time, which requires problem-solving abilities. When teenagers use their judgment to get to the top, they recognize how mentally tough they can be. This realization boosts their self-assurance when it comes to making decisions in their lives.

Trails Carolina has long been committed to raising awareness of mental health and finding proactive strategies to assist teenagers in improving their circumstances. In studies, physical activity is one of the most effective methods for enhancing one’s mental health. These studies are why Trails Carolina provides outdoor adventure activities, especially for teens.

Any activity that needs a higher degree of attention will positively impact a teen’s psychological health. These are a few significant reasons rock climbing has become popular among residential treatment centers.

Trails Carolina’s therapists are licensed, experienced, and prepared to assist every Wilderness Therapy Program student in unwinding and reconnecting with nature and their environment. Teens may begin to connect with other people around them when they participate in Wilderness Therapy.

More about Trails Carolina

More than a decade of expertise sounds good, but there is more to these professionals than meets the eye. Graham Shannonhouse, Trails Carolina’s Executive Director & Founder, has 20 plus years of expertise in Wilderness Therapy. The leadership team of their executive and clinical staff members has an average of 15+ years of experience working with students and their families.

Trails Carolina teaches adaptability and resilience to children and families, ensuring long-term positive change. Trails Carolina offers outdoor education programs and certified academics with licensed instructors who conduct classes with teens in a classroom setting. Trails Carolina Wilderness Therapy reviews show how beneficial this program is to teenagers.