Improve your teen's mood in one day!

Long lasting mental health gains From CBT.

Remember that day when you took your child to an amusement park for the day-a school day!? I’ve heard so many parents talk about this as a memorable, beneficial day. That day ‘off’ fostered increased well-being and cognitive benefits for everyone.

One day of renewal may be the key to long-lasting well-being gains. And for teens in high school, it may be even more important to carve out a purposeful day for their mental wellness.

We know that depression and anxiety symptoms are increasing in adolescents. More than half of adult mental health conditions have initial symptoms before the age of 15 years, and almost 75% by the age of 18 years.

With an increased risk of progressive depression and anxiety, researchers are looking for ways to help the condition itself but also to educate teens on how to improve their mood themselves. CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) is a productive talking therapy that does just that – aids the condition and teaches the individual how to self-edit unhelpful ways of thinking or behavior patterns.  

The Brief Educational Workshops in Secondary Schools Trial is a recent study conducted to evaluate whether a one-day CBT workshop could benefit teenagers 16 to 18. In this one-day workshop, students who felt they were experiencing stress, anxiety, or feeling low or depressed could participate. The study included a self-referral model, allowing teens to refer themselves to the study and enabling greater access to teens who may not otherwise seek help. There were 900 teenage students in the study.

The study investigated the clinical effectiveness of CBT in a workshop environment, along with comparing it to traditional treatments. Students met in person and in groups and were taught about CBT, relaxation and mindfulness techniques, meditation, managing anxiety, mood problems, and ways to balance time and sleep insights. After the workshops, each teen could utilize three follow-up support phone calls with a therapist or coach.

The results of the study were promising. Workshop participants experienced a reduction in depression symptoms, decreased anxiety, and improved overall well-being for at least six months following the workshop.

If you know someone showing signs of stress, depression, or anxiety, consider CBT solutions focused on techniques to promote resilience and enhance mental health.

Journal reference:

https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanpsy/article/PIIS2215-0366(24)00101-9/fulltext