The holidays are right around the corner. During this time, families gather together, celebrate, and devote quality time to each other. For some teen girls, it can be difficult to cope with the overwhelming amount of festivities. Coping with holiday activities can be especially problematic for girls who are trying to avoid addictive substances. This time is also hard for girls who are adapting to their new adopted families or are dealing with the loss of a loved one. Although trauma is linked with a decline in one’s mental health, using the tools learned at Clearview during treatment can provide relief. Teens in recovery can take the strategies learned in their program and safely put them into action when met with unwanted mental health triggers during the holiday season.

Why Are Some Parents Concerned During the Holidays?

The early recovery phase can be a vulnerable one for many young girls. Knowing this, it is common for parents to feel concerned for their daughter’s mental health when the holiday season coincides with early recovery. Although treatment may have taught their child the tools needed to effectively cope, some girls may respond better with additional family support.

Not everyone is ready for the recovery process. For example, a teen girl with an eating disorder may feel triggered during a family dinner. Perhaps an adoptee may exhibit antisocial behaviors and feel intense discomfort at a holiday event. In these types of circumstances, providing extra support can have a significant impact on a loved one’s recovery.

The Importance of Parental Support for Teens in Recovery

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), parental support can play a major role in assisting a loved one in their journey to mental stability. When a teen girl is facing challenges with her mental health, this can also affect family members as well.

During the holidays, it may be helpful for everyone to communicate openly in the home environment. Although parents may be very concerned during the holidays, creating a safe space to discuss any feelings and concerns can provide a life raft for a teen in recovery.

Learning to recognize the signs of distress can help parents address specific concerns their daughter is having. Addressing those concerns will bring relief. Some indicators of deteriorating mental health might include:

  • Changes in one’s appearance
  • Extreme mood shifts
  • Loss of interest in activities
  • Withdrawing from loved ones
  • Academic struggles
  • Signs of self-harm
  • Crying spells
  • Attachment issues

How to Effectively Communicate With a Teen Facing Challenges in Recovery

When a parent begins to recognize the signs of distress in their loved one, the best step to take is to communicate their concerns and provide ongoing support. It can be difficult for a parent to watch their teen daughter struggle in recovery during the holiday season. As parents, they may want to help but also may fear that they are being too overbearing.

It may be beneficial to sit down together and reflect on the strategies learned in emotional therapy at Clearview Horizon Girls Academy. This refresher can help the whole family to effectively navigate the holidays together. Taking time to review the life skills learned in Sunday workshops can also improve a teen’s confidence, self-esteem, and overall mental health.

Discussing the strategies the family has learned and putting them into action together can ultimately improve the family relationships. What’s more, reminding a child of their progress can help everyone stay on track and better cope during the holiday season.

Planning Ahead When Celebrating the Holidays for Teens in Recovery

According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), although celebrating the holidays may cause concerns about relapse, planning ahead can help families stay healthy. The holidays can be stressful during an ordinary year, and it’s even more important to guard against stress during a teen’s early recovery. One idea is to host a sober event to prevent any unwanted triggers.

To show support, parents can apply the following strategies when planning the holidays:

  • Provide a variety of healthy food and snacks
  • Continue to set a good example
  • Make sure to include their daughter during certain events
  • Invite positive role models and supportive family members to holiday celebrations
  • Effectively communicate with their daughter when they notice a change in her mood or behavior

Sober Family Holiday Activities for Teens in Recovery

Knowing the holidays can be a sensitive time of year, it can be helpful for parents to host fun activities their daughter enjoys. This may encourage her to participate, make her feel accepted, and serve as a healthy distraction during difficult moments.

Taking time to plan enjoyable activities together may bring great motivation and an optimistic outlook for the holiday season. Some festive activities families may enjoy together can include:

  • Ice sculpture events
  • Downtown tree-lighting ceremonies
  • Board games
  • Decorating the house together
  • Frosting cookies
  • Baking the daughter’s favorite dish
  • Light shows
  • Holiday figure-skating events

At Clearview Horizon Girls Academy, we are accredited for our behavioral health programs by the Joint Commission. Our staff has over 60 years of combined experience in therapy with adolescents. Several times a year, the therapists at our facility provide a weekend workshop for the parents of girls at our Residential Treatment Center. The daughters attend the workshop as well so that each family can practice the skills presented. The overall goal is to help the parents build healthy family communication. Additionally, families are encouraged to visit their daughter after an appropriate number of family therapy phone calls. If you are concerned for your daughter’s mental health, call us at 866-584-4788 to learn how we can provide support.