Summer is here! Long days filled with sun, kids running around in the sprinklers, teenagers sleeping in until noon, evenings having dinner outside, vacations, camping—all kinds of fun!
And on the flip side—kids hyped up on sugar and “so bored,” arguments about curfew, struggling to get kids to do their chores, parents juggling kids and work, and lack of a routine—these are just some of the not-so-fun parts of summer.
Summer may bring additional layers of obstacles for adolescents or teens with mental health challenges due to a lack of routine, not seeing friends regularly, missing key teachers or using school as an escape.
Mental health issues have carried a stigma throughout history, but fortunately, things have changed in the last several years. From public figures talking about their mental health to much more attention during the pandemic, people are now a lot more aware and accepting of the importance of mental health.
“People went through so much during the pandemic—even those who normally don’t believe in mental health challenges were tested,” said Matt Lakin, Director of Business Development at Centennial Peaks Hospital. “It affected everyone, and people became more aware of and understanding of it. It’s one of the silver linings of the pandemic.”
Mental health does not discriminate—it affects everyone.
If your child is struggling and you’re unsure what to do, know there’s help available. “Navigating through the mental health space can be overwhelming. Many people don’t know what they need,” Matt said. “Centennial Peaks offers free level-of-care assessments so we can make a recommendation. Not everyone needs an inpatient stay, but kids could benefit from an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) or Partial Hospital Program (PHP) to start living a fulfilling life.”
How One Teen Got Help
The parents of a 15-year-old realized their child (referred to as “Jesse” here to protect the patient’s privacy) needed mental health help when Jesse began struggling in school and expressed thoughts of suicide and self-harm. They turned to Centennial Peaks for help, and Jesse entered the PHP program.
While Jesse was resistant at first, she made great strides. In the program, she learned new coping skills, including listening to music. As a result, Jesse’s communication with her parents really improved, and she can talk about her needs more openly now. “I’ve used my new skills a lot, especially with how to communicate with my mom,” said Jesse.
Matt said, “The IOP and PHP programs are great options for struggling teenagers but don’t necessarily need to be in an inpatient setting. Especially in the summer, this offers structure and skill development to help them manage their mental health symptoms.”
Jesse expressed that transitioning back to school was difficult, but the skills she learned made the process easier. Jesse said, “I know what I needed to do. I was even helping my friends with mental health issues too. People need to know that it’s okay not to be okay and that there’s help out there.”
Jesse said if people don’t want to be hospitalized or on a unit, they must put in the work. Many teenagers are struggling right now, and it’s nice to know that people care and want to help. “I’ve benefited from my stay here.”
Does Your Teen Need Help?
If you think your teen needs help, know that going to an ER isn’t the only option. Matt explains, “ERs can be expensive, and the environment there isn’t conducive for people in a mental health crisis. Instead, you can call Centennial Peaks directly, and licensed clinicians can help you with next steps. And if we’re not the right fit, they can recommend other programs in the area.”
One of the things that makes Centennial Peaks unique is that they’re an accredited school. Amelia Mandell, Sunlight Academy School teacher, helps keep students updated on their school work and has classes for multiple subjects, so your student shouldn’t fall behind.
In addition, art, music and recreation therapy is an option for inpatient units. Keegan Fike, MM, MTBC, explained, “Music therapy is amazing because it reaches individuals on a different level and allows them to express emotions that words can’t. We see people really improve expressing emotions through music.”
Matt concludes, “At Centennial Peaks, every staff member is passionate about helping others, and we really believe in our mission and core values. Reach greater heights in your recovery with Centennial Peaks!”
Tips for Parents
1. Maintain a schedule. Whether it's waking up at a certain time, activities or free time, create a schedule and stick to it.
2. Create healthy living habits. Habits include exercise, balanced eating, sleep hygiene and positive social engagement.
3. Listen to understand—not to respond. When your teen shares something, actively listen to understand their perspective rather than defend your own.
4. Celebrate accomplishments. Your teen put away the dishes today—acknowledge it! The more you reinforce positive behavior, the less time you'll spend redirecting negative behaviors.
Matt Lakin, Director of Business Development
Reach greater heights in your recovery with Centennial Peaks.
“Our goal is to help as many people as we can and get the word out that you can call or seek help at any time during the year. Mental health does not discriminate—it affects everyone. Also, navigating through the mental health space can be overwhelming. Many people don’t know what they need or what could be helpful. Centennial Peaks offers free level of care assessments so that we can make a recommendation based on what’s going on for the individual. Not everyone needs an inpatient stay, but several could benefit from an IOP or PHP, and start living a fulfilling life. Every staff member here is passionate about helping others, and we really believe in our mission and core values."
Learn more at: centennialpeaks.com
