At Ridge RTC, we understand that treatment is not just a journey for teens but also for their parents and families. Navigating this path can be challenging, especially when uncertainty, anxiety, and varying opinions come into play. Here’s a helpful list of mental health tips for parents and caregivers with insights on caring for yourself and your family while supporting your teen through treatment.

Understanding the Treatment Journey

The treatment journey is like a bell curve. Teenagers often resist initially, gradually accept treatment, and then face new challenges toward the end. Understanding this journey can help set realistic expectations and alleviate stress. 

• Early Resistance: Most teens enter treatment with resistance, even if they know they need help. There’s often a phase where they go through treatment simply because parents and therapists say it’s necessary.

• Acceptance and Change: Teens open up to the therapeutic process as resistance decreases. Seeds of change are planted, and some begin to resonate with the teens, leading to positive shifts in behavior.

• Fear of Success: Toward the end of treatment, anxiety about life after treatment can create new challenges. Teens may worry about returning home, leading to a dip in progress.

• Managing Expectations: It is essential to set realistic expectations for the treatment journey, understanding that some seeds of change might not take root immediately but may resonate later in life.

Self-Care Strategies and Mental Health Tips for Parents

Supporting a teen through treatment can take a toll on parents and families. Here’s how to support your child’s mental health while ensuring you don’t lose yourself in the process:

1. Engage in Stress-Relieving Activities

Find activities that relieve stress, such as gardening, woodworking, painting, or listening to music. Engaging in hands-on activities helps regulate emotions and calm the mind. Share these activities with your teen to normalize self-care and create a sense of connection.

2. Create a Schedule

Create a schedule that allows time away from worrying about your teen. For example, designate two days a week to focus on something else. This might mean enjoying a date night with your partner, watching a movie, or trying a new hobby. Also, schedule quality time with other children to ensure they don’t feel neglected.

3. Establish Boundaries with Friends and Family

Set boundaries with friends and family members who may not understand the treatment journey. Some well-meaning people may be overly opinionated about the situation. Use phrases like, “This is a personal journey, and I’d rather not discuss it,” to maintain your privacy.

Supporting Other Family Members

Knowing how to support your child’s mental health while they undergo treatment is important, but let’s not forget that the treatment journey affects not only the teen but also siblings and partners. Here’s how to provide support across the family:

1. Check-In with Siblings

Have regular check-ins to see how siblings are feeling. They might experience confusion, anger, or sadness about their sibling’s treatment. Address their concerns gently and help them understand that the treatment process aims to improve things.

2. Acknowledge Partners and Spouses

Create space to connect with your partner away from treatment-related discussions. Take time to engage in activities that strengthen your relationship. Cooking together, going for walks, or simply talking about shared interests can help reinforce your bond.

3. Involve the Entire Family

Encourage the family to actively participate in self-care and mental health improvement. Share how you’re working on your mental health to inspire others. If your teen is in therapy, consider family therapy sessions to help everyone align their understanding and support efforts.

Treatment Support Resources

At Ridge RTC, we offer various resources to support parents and families:

Parent Support Groups

Participate in our regular parent support groups to share experiences and learn strategies. Connecting with others in similar situations can help you feel less isolated.

Individual Parent Coaching

Work with our specialists to receive personalized guidance and support. Having someone to talk to one-on-one can be invaluable for navigating complex situations.

Educational Resources

There are excellent books and podcasts available to help parents better understand their teens and the treatment process:

• Journey of the Heroic Parent by Brad Reedy provides insights into supporting children in treatment.
• Brad Reedy’s podcasts on Spotify and other platforms offer practical advice and valuable insights.

Family support during treatment is critical. By understanding the treatment journey, setting realistic expectations, and prioritizing self-care, parents can provide the best support for their teens while maintaining their own well-being of themselves. 

If you need assistance navigating the treatment journey, Ridge RTC is here to help! Contact us today to learn more about our programs and resources.