Helping Young Adults Overcome Mental Illness

Starting off today's subject on Parent Choices for Struggling Teens, Lon Woodbury's guests: Ben Robinson, the President of Rose Hill Center and Cheryl Wallace, Vice President of Programs at Rose Hill Center, a mental health treatment center that offers rehabilitative services located in Michigan, shared the warning signs that families of teens and young adults should look for as it relates to mental illness and particularly psychosis. These signs include substantial changes in mood and behavior, substance use and isolating or withdrawing from others, hostility- that was not there before, inappropriate laughter and threatening behaviors or verbal threats of harming themselves.

The need for a trusting therapist is key for those struggling with mental illness. For some, receiving outpatient treatment, or for those needing less restrictive care, do well residing in a "halfway house" environment. But for those with severe psychiatric behaviors, or those that have tried but failed with outpatient services, or clients who have been in and out of hospitals, a residential treatment center with 24 hour care may be required for recovery.

With all therapies available and doctors and nurses all on one campus, clients can receive the motivation and care they need. As both Ben and Cheryl explained, "those with serious disorders and mental illness usually have co-occurring disorders that include substance abuse in which the client tends to "self-medicate" themselves. And for those with schizophrenia who add in substance abuse- can make their illness worse. This is a disease. They need the right medication and coping skills and therapy for this lifelong illness."

When asked about the role genetics and environmental factors play in the onset of mental illness, and what those environment stresses are that can trigger mental illness, Ben said "the number one cause is the use of street drugs or (brain altering drugs) for teens and young adults." In addition, other "triggers" include the Internet and social media, family problems and traumas- death of people close to them, illness, loss of employment or family divorce or separation. As far as genetics, if there is a mental disorder such as schizophrenia in the family, one can be susceptible to this disease. Medications for these disorders are quite sophisticated now and are part of the recovery process for these patients.

Family support is very important in the patient's recovery and we believe they need to be involved in the journey. "The mystery and confusion to family members with a loved one with mental illness can be overwhelming and we encourage involvement and if need be therapy for them is recommended." Cheryl added "families can easily get burned out and we help them rebuild those bridges. It is important because sometimes the family can trigger reactions in their loved ones and they need to find ways to not create those triggers and yet find appropriate ways to act with each other and help them go further in their lives."

To listen to the full interview, go to Helping Young Adults Overcome Mental Illness on LATalkRadio.
Also available in Podcast

Lon Woodbury is the owner/founder of Woodbury Reports, Inc. and www.strugglingteens.com. He has worked with families and struggling teens since 1984 and is the host of Parent Choices for Struggling Teens.

Ben Robinson is the President of Rose Hill Center, a mental health treatment center that offers psychiatric treatment and rehabilitation services. Ben has over 30 years' experience in mental health services and received both his Master's degree in guidance and counseling from the University of Michigan and an MBA in Business Economics. IIn addition, Ben has served on the State of Michigan's Behavioral Health Advisory Council and its predecessor council since 1995.

Cheryl Wallace is the Vice President of Programs at Rose Hill Center and is licensed with a Master's of Social Work from Eastern Michigan University and has a bachelor's degree in Psychology from the University of Michigan. With over 29 years of mental health services experience, Chery is also trained in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Therapy and Suicide Prevention.

Helping Young Adults Overcome Mental Illness

Stay Tuned for Upcoming Programs:

Helping Young Adults
Overcome Mental Illness