Top 5 signs that your teen/young adult is struggling and may need help - May is Mental Health Awareness Month -

As we are currently in a global pandemic, concerns over COVID-19 continue. But as data suggests, the pandemic is taking a heavy toll on young adults’ mental health.

A report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows that children’s emergency department visits related to mental health went up by as much as 31% from April to October of 2020. Suicide rates, which were already rising among young people age 10-24, have spiked during months of heightened COVID-19 stress. In addition, preliminary evidence suggests adolescents are using alcohol and drugs to help cope with loneliness, separation, and other pandemic-related stressors in addition to mental health issues.

Paul Auchterlonie, M.Ed., is  CEO of Paradigm which serves teens and young adults between the ages of 12-26 who are experiencing moderate to severe mental health issues. Auchterlonie has nearly three decades of experience consulting for leading healthcare, education, and behavioral healthcare entities nationwide. He says there are signs to look for that a young person is struggling and may need outside and professional support that include:

• Change in sleep patterns or appetite – this could be a first sign that something is not right
• Loss of interest in life– watch your young adult for unusual behavior especially specific behavior out of their ordinary routine
• Changes in communication not only with parents but friends – Be aware of how your young adults communicates and if there is an abrupt change that could signal a problem
• Mood swings – For a young adult to have a sudden change in their behavior is a red flag
• Activities – watch for examples of excessive video gaming if that is their interest or isolating themselves or too much time on social media

Please let me know if you would like an interview.

Regards,

Annmarie

On behalf of Paradigm Treatment

617-448-7416

Paradigm Treatment with 7 locations in San Rafael and in Malibu has been helping teens and young adults ages 12-26 with mental health issues for over 10 years. Paradigm’s medical and clinical teams delve deep to address the root causes of many mental health conditions including anxiety, depression, bipolar, grief, trauma, mood and personality disorders and co-occurring substance use. Help is a phone call away 877-883-1223  https://paradigmtreatment.com/