College is a significant milestone in one’s academic journey. This time is for growth, exploration, and self-discovery, but even with the excitement and independence, mental health struggles are a reality for many college students. In a study amongst college students, 44% reported symptoms of depression, 37% said they experienced anxiety, and 15% were struggling with suicidal ideation. These rates are the highest they have been in over a decade – but there is hope.  Launch Centers knows how hard navigating mental health can be for college students, so we compiled a list to help college st ..read more

Going from childhood to adulthood is a path full of challenges and responsibilities for adolescents. During this time, they also develop life skills that will sustain them from their adolescent years to young adulthood – helping them adapt to change and thrive as they get older. A study showed that 75% of adolescents between the ages of 12 and 25 lack a clear sense of purpose and are intimidated by “adulting.” The Significance of Life Skills for Adolescents Recognizing the significance of this developmental phase and providing life skills assistance becomes an important part of equipping adole ..read more

Los Angeles is a city full of glitz and glamour – but despite its appeal, mental health is a critical concern across the entire state. According to KFF, 31.7% of adults in California reported symptoms of anxiety and/or depressive disorder during the first half of February 2024. Mental illness can range in severity from acute to chronic, affecting an individual’s emotional, psychological, behavioral, and social well-being.  One of the best ways to work through mental health disorders in Los Angeles is by seeking the assistance of a mental health facility – with services designed to help na ..read more

Starting the addiction recovery process can be overwhelming, especially when it presents economic challenges. According to the Employment Development Department for the State of California, the Los Angeles County unemployment rate remained at 5.4% in February 2024. There are several challenges to finding gainful employment in the area – but undergoing a mental health disorder treatment or addiction recovery program should not be one of them. One way to combat unemployment rates, especially for those recovering from addiction, is through career development programs. These programs offer hope an ..read more

Valentine’s Day is a day typically associated with romantic gestures and expressions of love, but for someone in recovery, it can be challenging. While this holiday often emphasizes external relationships, it is important to remember that self-love plays a critical role during addiction treatment. When battling addiction, practicing self-love becomes a means of self-care and a powerful tool for healing and growth. This year, explore the concept of Valentine’s Day self-love as a part of your addiction recovery journey. Understanding Self-Love in Addiction Recovery Addiction is a complex disease ..read more

Each year, during the last week of February, the world comes together to observe Eating Disorder Awareness Week. It is estimated that 9% of the United States population (28.8 million people) will have an eating disorder in their lifetime, with 10,200 deaths occurring each year as a direct result of an eating disorder – that amounts to one death every 52 minutes. This dedicated week serves as a reminder of the extensive nature of eating disorders and the importance of understanding, empathy, and support for those affected. As we dive deeper into the complexities of this issue, it becomes increa ..read more

In recent years, vaping has emerged as a popular alternative to traditional cigarette smoking, especially among younger generations. Approximately 2.13 million youth reported using e-cigarettes, which is another term used for vaping products. With its sleek devices, flavorful e-liquids, and the perception that it is safer when compared to smoking, vaping has gained widespread acceptance. However, concerns have been raised about potential health implications, including mental health effects like anxiety. This article examines the relationship between vaping and anxiety and the science behind it ..read more

All anyone wants is to be loved and accepted for who they are – we live in a world that strives for inclusivity and equal rights for all. Transgender and nonbinary young adults continue to face significant challenges, especially when it comes to finding safe and welcoming housing options. Discrimination, harassment, and violence against transgender people has become far too common, making it even more important to establish transgender housing programs that provide a supportive and affirming environment. The Transgender Housing Crisis According to The Trevor Project’s Homelessness and Housing ..read more

The adolescent years are a challenging phase of life, with significant physical, emotional, and psychological changes. Nearly 20% of children and youth ages 3-17 in the United States have been diagnosed with mental, emotional, developmental, and suicidal behaviors which have increased by more than 40% in the decade before 2019. Providing support for teens and helping them develop healthy coping mechanisms is crucial to their mental health. Below are ten activities that teens can do to help them navigate the ups and downs of adolescence, while building resilience and emotional well-being. Mindf ..read more

Graduation day is often the most exciting experience for high school students. Going to college is often marked by new freedoms they didn’t have before, and independence and opportunity to begin a journey of personal growth. For some students, the new freedom and independence can lead to experimentation with drugs, leading to potential addiction.  Drug addiction in college students is a growing concern, and it has devastating consequences on their academic performance, health, and overall well-being. The best way to combat this epidemic among college students is to educate yourself on the ..read more