Mental health refers to emotional, cognitive, and behavioral well-being. The World Health Organization (WHO) explains mental health as “a state of well-being in which the individual realizes his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to his or her community.” There are a variety of ways to cultivate and nurture positive mental health, and learning effective strategies as a teen can be highly advantageous. Creative writing therapy, for example, can play a significant role in promoting and supporting the mental health of teenagers. According to Positive Psychology, creative writing therapy has proven effective for different conditions and mental illnesses affecting teens, including the following:
- Post-traumatic stress.
- Anxiety.
- Depression.
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder.
- Grief and loss.
- Chronic illness issues.
- Substance abuse.
- Eating disorders.
- Interpersonal relationship issues.
- Communication skill issues.
- Low self-esteem.
Creative writing therapy promotes good mental health, which as explained by Mental Health America, allows teens to “think clearly, develop socially and learn new skills… develop self-confidence, high self-esteem, and a healthy emotional outlook on life.” Researchers have found that expressive, or therapeutic writing, can have numerous physical and psychological health benefits for teenagers, some of which include:
- Improved immune function.
- Fewer doctor visits.
- Reduced stress.
- Improved grades in school.
- Reduced emotional and physical distress.
- Decreased depression symptoms.
- Lower blood pressure.
- Improved liver function.
- Strengthened memory.
Creative writing therapy can enhance literacy and foster improved communication skills, as it essentially encourages teens to practice articulating their thoughts and feelings concisely. This can be particularly beneficial for young people who struggle with social skills and/ or have difficulty verbally expressing themselves. Creative writing therapy can also serve as a fun, enjoyable, creative outlet for teens, which can build confidence and self-reliance. Overall, creative writing therapy can have a positive impact on the mental health and emotional well-being of teenagers.
For Information and Support
Every family in need of mental health treatment must select a program that will best suit the needs of their family. When one member of a family struggles, it impacts everyone in the family unit. To maximize the benefits of treatment we work closely with the entire family to ensure that everyone is receiving the support they need through these difficult times.
Seeking help is never easy, but you are not alone! If you or someone you know needs mental health treatment, we strongly encourage you to reach out for help as quickly as possible. It is not uncommon for many mental health difficulties to impact a person’s life, long term. Pursuing support at the beginning of one’s journey can put the individual in the best position to learn how to manage themselves in a healthy way so they can go on to live happy and fulfilling lives.
OUR KNOWLEDGEABLE ADMISSIONS TEAM CAN BE REACHED 24/7 AT INFO@PACIFICRTC.COM OR CALL: 800-531-5769
We are available to answer any questions you may have regarding mental health treatment and our residential program, anytime. Contact us today using the form to the right.
