Close social connections are important in everyday life but can be even more important during treatment. Many young women engage in antisocial or self-destructive behaviors that commonly stem from untreated mental health disorders. Seeking professional care for eating disorders, attention deficits, anxiety, depression, and attachment disorders is essential for living a mentally stable lifestyle. Social support can help a person stay on track with treatment to achieve long-term recovery from emotional pain. Therefore, the importance of friendships cannot be understated for adolescent girls who are facing challenges coping with their mental health. Choosing treatment at Clearview’s premier therapeutic center and boarding school can help young girls manage their emotions in crisis.
The Impact of Social Relationships and Mental Health
According to a research review published in the Journal of Health and Social Behavior, social relationships of all kinds benefit one’s physical, mental, and behavioral health. On the other hand, an individual with a lack of social connections may have an increased mortality risk.
The research has shown that social connections have both short and long-term effects on an individual’s state of health. However, relationships can both positively and negatively affect health. Poor relationships can negatively affect one’s immune system functioning and mental health status.
Social ties may consist of relationships with:
- Peers
- Parents
- Family members
- Partners
- Mentors
- Professionals
The Importance of Friendships During Treatment
A research review published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health examined the importance of friendships during treatment for adolescents aged 12-24. Friends are typically the main point of contact for many adolescents, and it is common for them to prioritize these relationships over others. It was found that friendship-building had a positive effect on mental health literacy, one’s willingness to seek support, and one’s ability to avoid isolation. Therefore, taking time to understand the influence of an individual’s relationships with their peers can potentially enhance a loved one’s path through treatment.
Developmental changes that teen girls experience can put them at an increased risk of developing mental health conditions such as suicidal ideation. Suicide is a primary cause of death among individuals aged 15 to 29 years. However, young adolescents are more likely to confide in their close friends rather than find comfort in their parents or seek professional care when in crisis or feeling deeply depressed.
Friendships can provide support during treatment to enhance one’s recovery outcome. For example, social relationships can help improve an individual’s self-esteem to boost the effectiveness of treatment for individuals facing challenges with depression. Maintaining a high level of confidence and self-esteem can help someone keep a positive outlook and stay on track with recovery. Therefore, positive relationships increase the effectiveness of treatment for a more successful recovery.
The Benefits of Prioritizing Friendships for Teen Girls’ Mental Health and Well-Being
Prioritizing friendships while in treatment may seem like a negative distraction. Although this may be a common concern for parents, spending time with those who have a positive influence can provide several mental health benefits. When someone is facing problems with their mental health, they may begin to isolate themselves from others. This can worsen their condition. Maintaining healthy friendships not only prevents loneliness but also works to do the following:
- Increase an individual’s sense of purpose and well-being
- Decrease stress levels
- Increase happiness levels
- Provide support to cope with trauma, the death of a loved one, and more
- Bring positive encouragement to make good decisions
- Provide direction and new opportunities
- Lead to shared coping strategies
Activities to Partake in to Improve Mental Health During Treatment
The transition into treatment can bring on a whirlwind of emotions. Not many teens know what to expect from treatment. With time, however, everyone adapts. Although family support is crucial, like-minded peers can positively influence individuals to stay on track while in treatment. Spending quality time doing activities in an environment with limited unwanted psychological triggers can help one maintain steady progress while in mental health treatment. Different activities teen girls may enjoy might include:
- Journaling with music
- Walking trails
- Spending time at the beach
- Yoga and mindfulness meditation
- Study groups and book clubs
- Gardening
- Having a tea party
- Dancing
Clearview Understands the Importance of Friendships During Treatment
It may be a difficult process to encourage a loved one to transition into mental health treatment. Searching for a trusted facility as a family and weighing the pros and cons together can make for a more positive adaptation. Taking time to speak with a specialist at a chosen treatment center can be helpful. One may find benefit in mapping out an individualized treatment plan for a more focused plan forward. Sometimes touring a facility together as a family can provide the support and comfort needed to move forward.
Clearview encourages friendships, connection, and community. Students at Clearview’s Residential Treatment Center enjoy a variety of activities. Many teen girls in the program go on to become successful college graduates. Students in the program ultimately enjoy improved family relationships as well. Peer support also provides these girls with a strong intention to heal moving forward.
One way that girls bond during our program is through physical fitness activities that create a nurturing and collaborative atmosphere. Some of these activities include:
- Equine therapy
- Art therapy
- Hiking
- Biking
- River rafting
- Rock climbing
- Fishing
- Camping
- Playing sports
- Snowboarding
- Snowshoeing
- Sledding
At Clearview Horizon Girls Academy, teens receive individual treatment plans aligned with their medical, emotional, and psychological needs. For 30 years, our school for troubled girls has been helping struggling teen girls overcome life-controlling issues. Young women in our care attend individual, group, and family therapy sessions with our staff of skilled professional counselors. At Clearview we understand the importance of developing friendships during treatment. Team sports are encouraged during the school year to promote positive friendships. We also offer fun summer activities. Lake Pend Oreille is fully utilized, and our girls may be seen boating and enjoying this beautiful lake. If your daughter is facing problems with her mental health, call us at 866-584-4788.
