Family Support

  • In a serious living room conversation, a teenage son argues while his concerned mother offers encouragement. This emotional family scene highlights communication challenges, love, support, and the parenting struggles of adolescence and understanding.

Beyond Teen Mood Swings: How to Spot Red Flags in Adolescent Behavior

July 17, 2025|Family Support|

Teenagers are known for being unpredictable, emotional and eager for independence—but as a parent or caregiver, it can be challenging to see when that behavior crosses a line. Is it just a rough patch? Could something more serious be going on? Understanding the difference between regular developmental changes and real warning signs can help families recognize when a teen might be struggling with their mental health or experimenting with substances. With mental health concerns and substance use on the rise among adolescents, early awareness is more critical than ever. Why Are Mental Health Concerns Increasing in Teens? Over the past [...]

  • two people rating each other on apps

Validation Addiction: The Hidden Struggle Behind the Need for Approval

June 4, 2025|Family Support, Mental Health, Teen Mental Health|

In a world that rewards likes, retweets, applause and achievement, many seek recognition to feel seen or valued. But when that desire for approval becomes a constant craving, it may signal something deeper: validation addiction. While not always recognized in clinical settings as a formal diagnosis, validation addiction shares many features with other behavioral addictions. It’s driven by a compulsive need for external affirmation—often masked by socially acceptable behaviors like ambition, networking or people-pleasing. Just like with other addictions, the long-term effects can take a serious toll on mental and emotional health. What Is Validation Addiction? Validation addiction is the [...]

  • Modern model holding mirrors on sides of face

Histrionic Personality Disorder in Adolescents 

September 25, 2024|Family Support, Teen Mental Health|

Adolescence is a challenging time, marked by significant emotional, psychological and social changes. For some teens, these challenges may be compounded by the presence of a personality disorder. One such disorder that can manifest during adolescence is histrionic personality disorder (HPD). At High Focus Centers, we recognize the importance of identifying and addressing HPD in adolescents to ensure they receive the support they need to thrive. In this blog, we will explore what HPD is, how it appears in adolescents and the treatment options that are available.  What is Histrionic Personality Disorder?  Histrionic personality disorder is a mental health condition [...]

  • Waist up portrait of multi-ethnic group of friends taking selfie with baloons while enjoying Birthday party or prom night

The Most Common Addiction in Youth: What Parents Need to Know 

September 12, 2024|Family Support, Teen Mental Health|

Addiction in youth is a growing concern, affecting teens and their families across the nation. At High Focus Centers, we see the profound impact that substance abuse can have on young people, and we are dedicated to helping them overcome these challenges. In this blog, we will explore the most common addiction among youth, the signs that a teenager is addicted and how to seek help for teen substance abuse.  The Most Common Addiction in Youth: Alcohol  Alcohol remains the most common addiction in youth, with many teenagers experimenting with drinking as early as middle school. The accessibility of alcohol, [...]

  • Little boy eating halloween candy while trick or treating in suburban streets with his mother and sister.

What to Do if Your Child Eats Laced Candy

October 18, 2023|Family Support|

Halloween is right around the corner, which means it’s time for a refresher on the reality of laced candy and what to do if someone you know consumes some of it. While many believe the notion of Halloween candy laced with drugs is more fiction than fact, the truth remains that the Drug Enforcement Administration confiscates a variety of laced candies every year. They’ve seen an increase in drug-laced edibles in recent years, specifically marijuana-laced and methamphetamine-laced candy. It can be scary to acknowledge this reality, especially if your children are still at an active trick-or-treating age, but hiding from [...]

  • Cute Baby Boy inside Bear Costume Eating or Grabbing Candies at Halloween

A Parent’s Guide to Spotting Laced Halloween Candy

October 4, 2023|Family Support, Substance Abuse|

Autumn generally ushers in cool weather, cozy clothes, pumpkin spice everything and of course, the annual arrival of a spooky holiday. While not everyone loves the scary side of Halloween, devouring buckets of candy has a special place in many people’s hearts. Unfortunately, there can be a dark side to something as seemingly innocent as distributing pre-wrapped candy to eager children in creative costumes. Since you’re reading this article, you’re likely either familiar with the concept of laced Halloween candy and are seeking to refresh your memory, or perhaps just heard the phrase for the first time and are wanting [...]

  • Girl standing alone in the park on gloomy day.

5 Seasonal Depression Remedies to Help Your Loved Ones

February 2, 2023|Family Support, Mental Health|

Seasonal depression is a mental condition that affects individuals when the weather changes. It is most commonly associated with the winter months, and though anyone can experience seasonal depression all year long, it is rare to develop in summer and springtime. If you’ve never experienced seasonal depression, or aren’t entirely sure what it is, you might find yourself at a bit of a loss with a loved one who’s suddenly become withdrawn and irritable.  The good news is, there are plenty of things to help with seasonal depression and plenty of ways you can help your loved one relieve [...]

  • Little dependent gamer kid playing on laptop indoors

Discussing Internet Browsing Safety with Your Kids

October 13, 2021|Family Support|

It can feel like there is a wide divide between you and your child’s internet habits. Even if you’re tech savvy, it can be hard to keep up with all the apps, ads and features. With every new change to the online landscape, new dangers loom.   If you’re a conscientious parent who wants to foster safe online habits for your kids, you’ve come to the right place. We’ll give you the tips and tricks you need to know so your child is safe on the internet.   1. Learn about parental controls on your devices   Regardless of [...]

The Parent’s Guide to Teenage Anxiety

August 10, 2021|Family Support, Teen Mental Health|

Teenagers experience major changes throughout adolescence. From applying to college to forming and losing relationships to hormonal and physical changes, it’s no surprise that some teenagers feel anxiety during this period of their lives. If you think your teenager is struggling with anxiety, read on to recognize the symptoms and identify options for treatment. Recognize anxiety symptoms in teens Anxiety comes in many shapes and sizes, which can make it harder to recognize when combined with the normal daily challenges of being a teenager. Symptoms of a generalized anxiety disorder include: Excessive worry, in a manner disproportionate to the event [...]

  • A mother sits across from her teen daughter as they talk about mental health and healthy coping skills

How to Teach Your Kids Healthy Coping Skills

February 2, 2021|Family Support, Mental Health|

Childhood is thought of as a carefree time, but kids have just as many challenges as adults. They may even become overwhelmed by their emotions at times. As a parent, you can teach your child how to handle these situations by using healthy coping skills. What Are Coping Skills? Coping skills are strategies we use to manage difficult emotions. Your child probably already uses certain coping skills; they just might not be aware of it. Work with your son or daughter to identify the strategies they use right now and whether or not these strategies are healthy. Healthy vs. Unhealthy [...]