Teens who were already struggling with their mental health issues grapple with more external stressors because of the COVID-19 pandemic. At Trails Carolina, teens struggling with their mental health learn useful skills to manage the changes and challenges brought forward by COVID-19.
The pandemic forced teens to miss out on important milestones and events they were looking forward to as they got closer to becoming adults. While each person faces an individual struggle, many teens have been confronted with a similar fight. By working together, these teens can grow closer as they navigate living in a rapidly changing world.
The Trails Carolina wilderness therapy program brings pre-teens and teens together to socialize, helping with their mental health struggles. Separation from peers has been one of the most significant reasons teens have struggled with increased stress, anxiety, and other mental health challenges. Without a healthy support system, teens have sometimes developed unhealthy coping skills.
How Have The Pandemic Affected Teens Who Were Already Struggling?
Teens already struggling with mental health are faced with new challenges because of the pandemic. Prolonged periods of isolation kept them away from friends, distant or extended family members outside the home, and others who are integral to their support system. This sort of seclusion forced teens to rely more on social media to stay connected with the world outside their homes.
Using social media as a substitute for going out and seeing others means teens aren’t going outside enough. The lack of sunlight contributes to feelings of anxiety and depression, making it harder for teens who have previously experienced symptoms of these disorders.
The Trails Carolina Wilderness Therapy Program provides a space for teens to disconnect from the internet and the stress of challenges back home. Hiking, backpacking, and camping, along with guided clinical work, allows them to focus on their own mental and physical growth without feeling the need to compare their growth with others, a common side effect of frequent social media use.
The Role of Social Media
Social media is not inherently bad for teens. Still, some young people may not yet have the insight to discern how their viewing content negatively impacts their self-image and overall mental wellness. When adolescents spend hours a day on social media to cope with their anxiety, they become disconnected from reality. Their perceptions become altered by the filtered pictures and unrealistic expectations.
Social media allows adolescents and teens to stay connected to loved ones and interact with peers, which is central to their development. While they may have maintained these connections, it doesn’t substitute for engaging in a shared and stimulating activity in person.
Trails Carolina Wilderness Therapy helps teens feel more comfortable around others as they learn new coping skills and the ability to navigate challenging situations for a lifetime after Trails. Trails Carolina wilderness program offers an alternative for teens to get outside and meet others in a welcoming setting.
The Trails Carolina Wilderness Therapy Program provides a neutral environment where teens can connect emotionally without outside factors contributing to young adults feeling the need to hide their true selves.
Hiking and its Ability to Improve Mental Wellness
The COVID-19 pandemic has made it harder for teens to get outside and connect with others their age. Hiking at Trails Carolina has offered teens a refuge from the detrimental effects of social media.
Spending quality time outdoors has proven to offer many benefits for the body and the mind. Walking along nature trails can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression and ground the senses. Taking in all the sights smells, and sounds outside or while at the Trails Carolina wilderness program helps improve sensory perception.
Being under the guidance of trained clinical professionals and connecting with nature can help teens focus on personal growth rather than focusing on the accomplishments of others. Setting individual goals and working on their coping skills helps them find new ways to feel confident in their bodies and discover new strengths.
Strengthening Connections with Others
Taking on the Trails Carolina wilderness program led by a supportive group of people helps teens strengthen their relationships with others. The activities will range in difficulty depending on the teen’s skill level and preferences, so they are presented with the opportunity to support others as they work on team-building skills.
Solving problems and reaching goals in a positive environment will help them regain the confidence they may have lost from being isolated and struggling with their mental health. Cultivating a healthy relationship with themselves will make it easier for them so they can maintain healthy relationships with others.
The skills they learn in a healthy, grounded environment will help them live a happier, more positive life. Finding a way to cope and solve problems will help them overcome their struggles to be more confident in getting through the rough patches in their lives.
The Trails Carolina wilderness program helps students to develop tools and strategies to improve their mental health. Mental health is the priority as teens attend Trails and confront the root of their difficulties. Teens will be supported along the way as they confront unhealthy behaviors and gain insight into overcoming challenges.
