Keeping up with the changing trends in teen mental health is one way for parents and teens to learn what kinds of mental health challenges to look out for and how to best face them. It’s more than staying in the loop; it’s about preparing for the emotional challenges that often come with the teen years. Emerging trends in mental health for 2024 provide a clearer picture of the kinds of struggles that teens may face in the coming years. Let’s take a look at some of these trends and come up with proactive solutions to address the needs of the future. Emerging Mental Health Trends in 2024 One of ..read more

2020 feels both like an eon ago and like yesterday. Lockdowns, mask mandates, and social distancing were more than disruptions to daily life — they transformed the way people interacted with each other and the world. For teens, the effects of the pandemic have been profound. The past four years might feel like a blip to adults, but a teen just entering adolescence in 2020 has done a lot of growing up since the COVID-19 pandemic started. Understanding the impact of COVID on teenage mental health and the lasting effects of this experience can help parents, teachers, and teens themselves navigate ..read more

At Ascend, it takes many moving parts to ensure efficient operations and the highest level of patient care. While it can be hard to provide an inside look into how mental health organizations function, we try our best to ensure transparency across everyday responsibilities to provide parents and teens with peace of mind when they choose us. As part of this initiative, we spotlight a new person each month and show you how their role at Ascend is integral to what we do. This month, we’ve chosen a mentor named Selene to show you the ropes. Follow along and learn more about a day in her life here ..read more

Gen Z is the most diverse, connected, and tech-savvy generation in history. However, Gen Z teens also face a unique set of challenges related to their mental health. While there’s more awareness around mental health issues than ever before, the statistics on mental health in teens reveal that Gen Z still needs support. If you want to learn more about child and adolescent behavioral health in recent years, as well as statistics about anxiety, PTSD, and major depression in teens, keep reading here. Statistics on Mental Health in Teens So what do the numbers reveal about Gen Z’s mental health? G ..read more

If you’re learning how to care for your mental health, you’ve likely come across the idea of “safe spaces.” These are places where you can feel comfortable and supported without fear of judgment or harm. For teens, a safe space can look like a place to relax and recharge away from the stress of school and social pressures, but they can also be spaces where there are people who they can be totally themselves with. For some teens, a therapist’s office, a youth center, or a trusted friend’s home might be their safe space. Knowing how to find or create a safe space is a part of caring for your men ..read more

If you’ve been with us for a bit, you know that we like to give you a glimpse into how things work behind the scenes at Ascend. While we’ve been showing you a new staff member each month, this month, we’d like to highlight someone you already know: David. We first introduced him back in August of 2020, but a lot has changed since then and it’s time to reintroduce what he does for us. Discover how his role and responsibilities have evolved and learn even more about what it takes to keep Ascend running! From Therapist to Director When David first joined Ascend, he was a primary therapist at Magn ..read more

Anger is challenging — even for adults. So when teens get angry, it can be even more difficult to how to handle their emotions in a healthy way. While anger is a natural emotion, there’s plenty of potential for it to be expressed negatively. Learning how to channel anger into a productive outlet is one way that teens can manage their emotions and use them to their advantage. Are you a teen who wants to learn more about channeling anger in a healthier, more productive way? Keep reading for an explanation of why you may be struggling with anger and what you can do about it. Why Teens Can Struggl ..read more

Everyone experiences anger — it’s a natural and even healthy emotion. Feeling angry can signal that something is wrong or unjust, and it can motivate you to take action and make positive changes. However, when anger becomes uncontrollable and starts to negatively impact relationships and daily life, it may be a sign of an anger issue. So, when does anger become a problem? Knowing the answer to this question can help you recognize and address anger issues before they escalate. If you’re a teen struggling with anger, you’re not alone, and there are ways to cope and get help. Check out this blog ..read more

Neurodivergence isn’t just a buzzword — it’s a real and important aspect of human diversity. While neurodivergence is often associated with conditions like autism and ADHD, it actually encompasses a wide range of neurodevelopmental variations that exist on a spectrum. For teens, understanding different types of neurodivergence can help them better appreciate their own experiences and those of others. If you’re interested in learning about the different types of neurodivergence for yourself or a loved one, check out this overview from Ascend. Understanding Neurodivergence Neurodivergence refers ..read more

In conversations around mental health or developmental disorders, you might have heard the terms “neurodivergence” or “neurotypical” being used. These terms are relatively new — a sociologist coined them in the late 1990s — and if you’re unclear on what they mean, you’re not alone. For parents, understanding what neurodivergence is, as well as identifying the signs of it in teens, can be challenging. And for teens, the journey of self-discovery and understanding their own neurodivergence can be confusing and overwhelming. Learn more about what neurodivergence is and how to test for neurodiverg ..read more