CRG Newsletter: Fall Edition

October 2014, Volume 4 (4)

In This Issue
Teens' Stress Is Higher Than Ever
Adolescent Depression: More than "Typical Teenager" Moodiness and Attitude
Cutting: Understanding Their Pain
Fostering Resilience in Teens
CRG Holiday Hours
  
It's hard to believe that the Holiday Season is right around the corner!

CRG's Holiday Hours and Closings are as follows:

Nov. 26: Closed at 4pm
Nov. 27: Office Closed
Nov. 28: Office Closed

Dec. 24: Closed at Noon
Dec. 25: Office Closed
Dec. 26: Office Closed
Dec. 31: Closed at 4pm

Jan. 1: Office Closed

Please contact our office at (317) 575-9111 with any questions about CRG's Holiday Hours.
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It Takes a Village

By Julie T. Steck, Ph.D., HSPP


 

The recent teenage suicides in central Indiana have caused alarm among adolescents and adults alike. These unexpected deaths have called attention to the fragility of life and the importance of recognizing the mental health needs in adolescents.  These suicides came on the heels of Robin Williams' death from suicide and seemed to reflect an emerging epidemic. However, adolescent suicide and the potential for suicide have long been of concern to mental health providers.  

 

In Indiana, suicide is the third-leading cause of death in children and adolescents from ages 10 to 14. It is the second-leading cause of death for adolescents and young adults, ages 15-34. Accidents are the leading cause of death in adolescents ages 15-18, and it is often hard to know if these accidents were really suicide. From 2008-2012, approximately 8% of adolescents reported symptoms of a major depressive episode each year. However, only 2 to 3% of those who reported depression received treatment.  In 2011, 11% of adolescents attempted suicide and 4% of those required medical treatment for their attempt. In 2009, 109 individuals between the ages of 15 and 24 took their own life in Indiana.

  

So, what do these statistics tell us? Suicide is an issue which must be addressed and discussed. These recent suicides should serve as a wake-up call to recognize mental illness in adolescents, especially depression and other mood disorders.

 

Who is at the highest risk for suicide? While no one can ever be certain about who might commit suicide or even why, we know about important factors that can help identify individuals who are at risk. Knowing these risk factors can help us help those in need obtain the kinds of services that can reduce these risk factors. Risk factors include those who have had previous suicide attempts, a history of depression or other mental illness, alcohol/drug use, victims of bullying and those who are socially isolated. Those with a first-degree relative who has committed suicide are twice as likely to commit suicide. While females are more likely to attempt suicide, males are much more likely to complete a suicide attempt, as they employ more lethal means.  

 

What can we do? No one system can stem the tide of suicide in adolescents or address their emotional needs alone. Now, more than ever, we need to support schools as they continue their important efforts to meet a wide range of student needs in an increasingly complex world. We need to mobilize families to be involved with their children and aware of what they are doing and who they are with. The peer group is the primary support system for adolescents and has the greatest influence on them. Families need to be involved with their children so that they know the peer group and help to counter-balance inappropriate behaviors and messages sent by peers. Medical providers, educators, coaches, tutors and others who interact with adolescents need to be aware of the indications of mental illness and how to address concerns and referrals for treatment. Schools need to provide warm and nurturing environments with adults available to students without risk of judgment or discipline if they seek assistance for themselves or others. Mental health providers need to help to educate others about the mental health needs of children and adolescents and to provide the highest quality of care.  

 

If parents, teachers or other involved adults are concerned about an adolescent, they should set aside time to sit down and talk to the individual. Show concern and caring. Let them know that you are aware that they may be struggling. Recognize that if they are truly depressed, they cannot just "snap out of it." Keep communication open and assist them in finding help. The school counselor or social worker is often a good place to start in trying to identify resources for the adolescent. These individuals are typically trained in assessing the severity of the concern. The adolescent's physician may also be able to assess the need for further intervention and provide the names of local mental health providers experienced with teens. For those in central Indiana, CRG provides comprehensive treatment of mental health issues in children, adolescents and adults.

 

At CRG we are committed to positive mental health in children and adolescent. We know this takes a systems approach that includes focusing on the whole family, schools, and other organizations that can promote the resilience of emerging adults. We are committed to outreach in the community and provide speakers on various topics through our speaker's bureau. Topics include learning disorders and the relationship to mental health, ADHD and ADD coaching, Autism Spectrum Disorders, mood disorders in children and adolescents, medication management in mental health, and assistive technology, among others.

 

We are committed to providing the highest level of care within our practice and in collaborating with other agencies, including schools and medical providers.

 

This issue of our newsletter focuses on adolescent suicide and mental health needs.

  • Dr. Valerie Long reflects on the increased stress on today's adolescents and their families in her article, "Teens' Stress Is Higher Than Ever."

  • Ms. Elise Montoya discusses adolescent depression and the warning signs we should look for in "Adolescent Depression: More Than Typical Teenage Moodiness and Attitude."

  • Dr. Dana Lasek's article, "Cutting: Understanding Their Pain" addresses cutting and other non-suicidal self-injurious behaviors.

  • Dr. David Parker provides a concluding article, "Fostering Resilience in Teens" that helps us look to the future and see how adversity can help develop resilience.

It takes a village . . . and we are here to partner with youth, their families, medical providers and schools in supporting and protecting our greatest assets - children, adolescents and young adults.

 

 

 

 

Teens' Stress Is Higher Than Ever

By Valerie Long, Ph.D., HSPP

 

 

Stress in American teens is on the rise. In a recent survey reported by the American Psychological Association, teens reported their stress level to be higher than what they believe is healthy. These teens also reported levels of stress that were higher than what adults report for themselves. However, the majority of teens tend to underestimate the effects of stress on their physical and mental health. The APA survey found that individuals experiencing high levels of stress are less likely to sleep well, exercise or eat healthy foods, all of which can lead to physical and mental health problems.  


 

 

Click here to continue reading Teens' Stress is Higher Than Ever.

 

 

                        

Adolescent Depression:

More than "Typical Teenager" Moodiness and Attitude

By Elise Montoya, PMHNP


 

In the wake of recent teen suicides in Indianapolis, CRG is sharing current, evidence-based information with the community. Depression can be a silent risk factor in the lives of teenagers who are struggling with emotional issues that may be difficult for others to notice. It is important to understand that an adolescent's behavior can be a symptom of something more significant than "just a bad attitude" or "typical teenage moodiness." This article will provide information about how to recognize and seek effective treatment for a mental health disorder that may be more common than is generally recognized.


 

To continue reading the article by Elise Montoya, PMHNP, click here.

 

 

 

                        

Cutting: Understanding Their Pain

By Dana Lasek, Ph.D., HSPP

 


There have been a number of teen suicides in our community over the last few months. CRG has been deeply touched both personally and professionally by these losses. This newsletter is our way of responding to these crises with information about teen suicide and self-injurious behaviors. My article will focus on the latter, specifically nonsuicidal self-injurious behavior and how we can help teens who engage in these behaviors.

 


I see a number of adolescent females  for individual therapy at CRG. I am reminded on a daily basis of how difficult the period of adolescence can be for many teens. Many adolescents report that they don't feel good about themselves, do not feel understood by peers or family, often experience volatile relationships with others, and report feeling a great deal of emotional pain on a daily basis.  

 

Read more of Dr. Lasek's article about cutting and nonsuicidal self-injurious behaviors.

 

 

 

                        

Fostering Resilience in Teens

 By David R. Parker, Ph.D. 

 

When we overprotect teenagers - with the best of intentions - what happens when they grow up? In the 1980's, national studies produced some startling answers. Thousands of young adults who had been in special education were found, after high school, to be floundering. Few of them had jobs, most were still living at home, only a small percent had any degree of financial independence, and many felt powerless to shape their lives in meaningful ways. Interviews revealed a striking insight: these young people reported that teachers, parents, coaches, and others had steered them away from challenges at which they might (might) fail to ensure they would experience as much success in high school as possible. While they expressed gratitude for the adults' good intentions, these young people realized that this approach robbed them of authentic life experiences that could teach them how to make decisions, learn from their mistakes, and become confident and independent adults. 
 

 

Click here to read more about Fostering Resilience in Teens.