Teens

We are inextricably linked to our devices. We learn with them, socialize with them, communicate with them, play games through them, and use them to stay up-to-date on the world. At JCFS Response for Teens we help parents recognize that growing up is still growing up. Young people still pay attention to shopping, music, their friends, movies, and schoolwork – even as much of this may happen in digital spaces.

Overdose deaths are skyrocketing as a result of the devastating effects of synthetic opioids like fentanyl which are being unleashed by bad actors into the black-market drug supply.  Now more than ever, psychoactive drug use can be deadly. 

Overdose deaths are skyrocketing as a result of synthetic opioids like fentanyl being added to drugs without people knowing. Fentanyl is deadly, and most people who ingest have no idea that they were doing so.

At Response for Teens, we strive to empower young women and offer support during a transitional time in their lives. These thoughtful book and film recommendations from our staff cover topics from feminism, intersectionality and what it means to be a woman today.

Many people think about seeking therapy for a long time.  They may be unsure about what the process will be like, concerned about others’ judgements, or just apprehensive of the unknown.  Making the decision to seek therapy is a big one!  Congratulations on taking that step.

Once that decision has been made, the next question is, How do I find a therapist?

The Center for Disease Control reports that rates of suicide have increased by 50% for young people ages 10 – 24 years old; for Black adolescents, the rates are particularly alarming – a 75% increase between 1991 and 2017.

“Back to School” has always been met with a bit of ambivalence, especially from our young people. This fall “back to school” has a whole new meaning.  And for many families, that meaning is, as yet, unknown.

Whether you are starting your college career or returning to campus, the prospect of what’s next is daunting.  The uncertainties are as vast as the speed with which our lives are changing.  As summer comes to a close, schools are still finalizing whether classes will be remote, in person or a hybrid.  Questions about what dorm life - and your social life - will look like come fall may be buzzing through your mind.  As you think about your life in the fall semester, here are some tips to help you manage in navigating the uncertainty in going back to campus.

Are you frustrated that you know people who need help, but you can’t do anything from your house? If you are feeling helpless as you scroll through your IG feed or see the news, finding ways to help others during this time can actually be beneficial to your sense of self and your mental health.

While we feel the stress as parents, employees, and people, we cannot compare anything we have experienced in our past to what our teens and tweens are going through now. Here are some tips to maintain your own equilibrium.