Liberated and Free, Me

Liberated and Free, Me

First things first,

I am not sick. (THANK GOD.)

I am not having a mid-life crisis. nor am I having a mental breakdown, though I have been suffering.

Suffering mostly in silence off and on for almost 30 years.
AND I am finally ready to share my secret.

Deep breath Ricki…. Here goes…..

I have been struggling with hair loss for most of my adult life.

It has been debilitating, embarrassing, painful, scary, depressing, lonely, all the things. There have been a few times where I have even felt suicidal over it. Almost no one in my life knew the level of deep pain and trauma I was experiencing. Not even my therapist/s over the years knew my truth.

I know that by sharing my truth, I will be striking a chord with so so many women and men. I am not alone in this and my goal is to help others while at the same time unshackle myself from this quiet hell I have been living in.

Ever since I played Tracy Turnblad in the original Hairspray back in 1988 and they triple-processed and teased my then healthy virgin hair every 2 weeks during filming, my hair was never the same. (Yes, that was all my own hair in the film.) From Hairspray to Hairless. 😞

In my case, I believe my hair loss was due to many factors, yo-yo dieting, hormonal birth control, radical weight fluctuations over the years, my pregnancies, genetics, stress, and hair dyes and extensions. Working as talent on various shows and movies, whether DWTS or my talk show, also took its toll on my fine hair.

I got used to wearing extensions, really just over the last decade. All different kinds, tried them all, the ones that are glued on, the tape-ins, the clip ins, and then into a total hair system that I hated, and finally to a unique solution that really did work pretty well for me for the last 4 or 5 years. I tried wigs on a few occasions but never could get used to them. It all felt fake and I was super self-conscious and uncomfortable.

I’ve been to many doctors, gotten steroid shots in my head, taking all the supplements and then some. My hair would recover and then shed again. It was maddening.

So of late, after 2 months of bliss ‘working’ in London and after my last extreme diet where I lost 20 lbs in 6 weeks, my hair started shedding again, big time.

This time, I say no more. I have to be set free.

Free of the maintenance every 10-12 days, where my added hair would need to be tightened (sometimes painfully) and my gray hair would need to be colored. I felt like I was a slave to this maintenance schedule. I wouldn’t go out of town longer than 12 days, because of this. I even brought my hair fairy and dear friend, to London during my stint there to do what she needed to do to keep it on my head.

Well, it is a new year and new decade and a new me. With the love and support of some of my dearest friends, John Bonny, Mandy Ingber, Sarah Havana Prats, and my love, Jeff Scult, I buzzed my hair off and it feels so good!

Huge heartfelt thank you to my dear friend Amanda Demme for photographing and capturing this pivotal moment in my life. ❤️

I am liberated.
I am free.
I am releasing and letting go.
I am brave.
I am beautiful.
I am love.

For 2020 and beyond, I want to be real.

(I will on occasion choose to wear hair, but now it is for fun, not because I am hiding anything. I am so done with hiding.)

Happy New Year and decade to all! 🙌🙌🙌🙌❤️

-Ricki Lake

FB.com/MsRickiLake
@rickilake on Instagram

*******

Monsters

James Blunt performs "Monsters"

James Blunt writes that his new song, Monsters is, "a eulogy to my father - except he’s still alive and kicking. But he’s not been well - his kidneys are functioning at just 11%. And with that realization, I needed to tell him that, to me, he’s more than just a father. He’s my friend too, and that I love him." 

Monsters is a song that deeply captivates, and drenches the heart in tears of anyone who has had death pull them apart from a loved one. The only line we'd change as it is played out in real life is 'no need to forgive...' Rather, forgive now. Forgive often. Forgive over and over and over again. Break the chains. End the cycle. Let it go. Give it to God, and find real, raw, authentic, lasting healing. Don't allow generational pain continue, for the sake of your wellbeing, your children, and their children...



Monsters Lyrics:

Oh, before they turn off all the lights
I won't read you your wrongs or your rights
The time has gone
I'll tell you goodnight, close the door
Tell you I love you once more
The time has gone
So here it is
I'm not your son, you're not my father
We're just two grown men saying goodbye
No need to forgive, no need to forget
I know your mistakes and you know mine
And while you're sleeping, I'll try to make you proud
So daddy, won't you just close your eyes?
Don't be afraid, it's my turn
To chase the monsters away.

Oh, well I'll read a story to you
Only difference is this one is true
The time has gone
I folded your clothes on the chair
I hope you sleep well, don't be scared
The time has gone
So here it is
I'm not your son, you're not my father
We're just two grown men saying goodbye
No need to forgive, no need to forget
I know your mistakes and you know mine
And while you're sleeping, I'll try to make you proud
So daddy, won't you just close your eyes?
Don't be afraid, it's my turn
To chase the monsters away.

Sleep a lifetime.
Yes, and breathe a last word.
You can feel my hand on your arm.
I will be the last one
So I'll leave a light on
Let there be no darkness in your heart.
But I'm not your son, you're not my father
We're just two grown men saying goodbye
No need to forgive, no need to forget
I know your mistakes and you know mine
And while you're sleeping, I'll try to make you proud
So daddy, won't you just close your eyes?
Don't be afraid, it's my turn
To chase the monsters away.

James Blunt sings to his father in "Monsters"

James Blunt and father during the filming of "Monsters" music video.

Altered to being between a daughter and her mom: 

Oh, before they turn off all the lights
I won't read you your wrongs or your rights
The time has gone
I'll tell you goodnight, close the door
Tell you I love you once more
The time has gone
So here it is
I'm not your daughter, you're not my mom
We're just two grown women saying goodbye
No need to forgive, no need to forget
I know your mistakes and you know mine
And while you're sleeping, I'll try to make you proud
So mommy, won't you just close your eyes?
Don't be afraid, it's my turn
To chase the monsters away.

Oh, well I'll read a story to you
Only difference is this one is true
The time has gone
I folded your clothes on the chair
I hope you sleep well, don't be scared
The time has gone
So here it is
I'm not your daughter, you're not my mom
We're just two grown women saying goodbye
No need to forgive, no need to forget
I know your mistakes and you know mine
And while you're sleeping, I'll try to make you proud
So mommy, won't you just close your eyes?
Don't be afraid, it's my turn
To chase the monsters away.

Sleep a lifetime.
Yes, and breathe a last word.
You can feel my hand on your arm.
I will be the last one
So I'll leave a light on
Let there be no darkness in your heart.
But I'm not your daughter, you're not my mom
We're just two grown women saying goodbye
No need to forgive, no need to forget
I know your mistakes and you know mine
And while you're sleeping, I'll try to make you proud
So mommy, won't you just close your eyes?
Don't be afraid, it's my turn
To chase the monsters away.

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

15 Creative Baby Nursery Themes

Photographee.eu/Shutterstock.com

Picking a theme for the baby nursery is the first (and arguably the most difficult) step in the nursery design process. Your choice will set the tone for your baby’s room and determine where you shop for nursery items. Plus, you’ll be spending many hours in the nursery with your little one. 

Needless to say, you want to choose a baby nursery theme that suits your personal style. Looking for some fresh ideas for baby’s nursery? Here are a few creative baby nursery themes that are sure to make the baby’s room your new favorite hangout spot.

Fairytale Enchantment–Got a little princess on the way? Transform your baby’s room into an enchanting space with a fairytale theme. Opt for a white crib, accessorize with baby girl bedding in soft pink hues and finish off the look with an adorable tulle crib skirt. Then, hang up string lights (out of baby’s reach, of course) and decorate with mystical creatures.

Lemon-Inspired–There is nothing sour about this sweet baby nursery theme. For a citrus-inspired nursery, decorate a light blue, gray or white wall with cute lemon decals. Fill an unused corner with a faux lemon tree or keep it understated with random pops of yellow.

Woodland Wonderland–Spending time in nature is good for us. If you can’t take your baby to the woods, why not bring the woods to your baby with an outdoor nursery theme? Striking forest wallpaper behind the crib, coupled with wood grain accents, is sure to bring a peaceful vibe to the baby’s room. 

Little Traveler–Eager for the baby to see the world? Give your little one a case of wanderlust with a travel theme nursery. Trick out your baby’s nursery with a world map accent wall, hot air balloon décor and stuffed animals from around the globe.

Modern Boho–In case you haven’t heard, boho interior design is having a big moment. Why not test out the trend with your nursery design? Give your little one’s room a free-spirited vibe with rattan furniture, macramé wall décor and an earthy color palette.

Vitamin Sea–Anchors away! Bring a nautical theme to life with ocean wall art, a musical crib mobile with sea creatures and plenty of seashell décor. A nautical theme is also the perfect excuse to paint the baby’s room an ultra-relaxing shade of blue.

Followtheflow/Shutterstock.co

Gorgeous Gray–According to Pinterest’s 2020 trend report, searches for “unisex nurseries” are up 527 percent. Whether you’re keeping the sex of the baby a surprise or you simply want to avoid forcing gender stereotypes on your baby, a gorgeous gray nursery is the perfect solution. To keep your gray nursery from looking too bland, add interest with unique textures, different shades of gray and trendy foliage.

Starry Night–Encourage your little cutie to reach for the stars by surrounding them with the night sky. Paint an accent wall dark blue and decorate with white or gold star decals. Complete the look with a moon phase wall hanging to give your baby’s room a dreamy, celestial vibe.

Elegant and Moody–Who says that the baby’s room needs to be bright? Make a bold statement with a dark, moody wall in the nursery. Soften the look with feminine florals and pretty gold accents. Then, add texture and practicality by placing a gorgeous leather rocker in the corner.

Librarian Chic–Foster a love of reading by giving your baby’s room a cute librarian theme. All you really need to make this theme work are books, books and more books! Paint a bookshelf in a bold hue to make it the focal point of the room. You could also give the nursery a literary twist by hanging a quote from your favorite author on the wall.  

Classy Vintage–Can’t get enough of vintage décor? Bring your love of antiques and delicate pastels into the nursery. Use floating shelves to display your eclectic finds and hang one-of-a-kind décor in the baby’s room. Repurpose a vintage dresser into a gorgeous changing table for your little cutie. One quick word of caution: Avoid using a second-hand crib. Many older cribs aren’t up to current crib safety standards, so find a new crib that merely looks vintage.

Taking Flight–There’s no need to wing it on your nursery décor—not when you have an airplane theme to steer your design choices in the right direction. Go for a red and blue color palette for your little pilot and hang vintage airplane prints in the nursery. Add the finishing touches with rustic details, such as the baby’s name in galvanized lettering behind the crib.

Flower Power–When in doubt, you can’t go wrong decorating your baby girl’s room with gorgeous florals. Let big, statement-making blooms steal the show with stunning floral wallpaper. Prefer to keep your florals as accents? For some nursery inspiration, check out this gorgeous nursery that took Reddit by storm. The pink floral crib sheets pop oh-so-beautifully against the green background. And don’t even get us started on that brass crib!

Cactus Cutie–Similar to the boho trend, southwestern interior design is blowing up right now. That means you’ll have no trouble finding desert-themed décor for your baby, including chic cactus wall prints and cactus-themed crib sheets. A pretty color palette with pale oranges and pinks will add softness to your desert theme, making it perfect for the baby.

Africa Studio/Shutterstock.com

Minimalism–With the right approach to nursery design, a minimalist baby nursery can look elegant and stylish. Stick to a neutral color palette, clean lines and a few pops of bright color to add visual interest. Clutter is the antithesis of a modern minimalist nursery, so be sure to take advantage of wall space and get creative with storage.

Finding Your Nursery Style

Whether you’re a big fan of color and traditional themes or you prefer a modern nursery with a neutral color palette, you’re sure to find some design inspiration with these creative nursery themes. Just remember to design the nursery with your baby’s basic needs and safety in mind. Happy decorating! 

Common Questions on Newborn Care During COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic is definitely not how parents pictured bringing a child into the world. But now that the little one is here, all you can do is keep them safe and healthy by following proper newborn care. It’s natural to have many questions given that these are unprecedented times for new parents too. To help you out, here are some of the most commonly asked questions about newborn care:

Q: Can I still set up postnatal appointments?

A: Postnatal checks are for doctors to make sure that both mother and baby are healthy. These usually happen between six to eight weeks after the baby’s birth. And while it’s ideal to visit the doctor’s office, you should consider scheduling virtual appointments instead. Your healthcare provider should be able to provide you with tools to monitor critical information, such as your blood pressure and weight, as well as instructions to use them. Video calls are best so that your doctor will be able to see you and your baby. Virtual healthcare offers a safer and more convenient option for your postpartum needs, as well as your child’s.

Q: Should I delay routine vaccinations?

A: That said, there are other medical needs that require a physical visit such as vaccinations. A lot of parents are asking if they should delay well-child visits to minimize their exposure to coronavirus. To answer that question, pediatric infectious disease specialist Dr. Amy Edwards says it is age dependent. And for children under the age of one, vaccine appointments should not be postponed. Newborns have weak immune systems and can catch different infectious diseases even if they remain safe at home.

When visiting the pediatrician, observe the safety guidelines to lower your chances of catching the virus. Follow the World Health Organization’s infographic on proper handwashing as well as other precautions like social distancing and wearing masks.

Q: Does breastfeeding transmit the virus?

A: There is currently no evidence suggesting that breastfeeding transmits the virus from the mother to the baby. Experts say that it is completely safe to continue breastfeeding your newborn. Not only does breast milk contain most of their nutritional needs, it might even provide babies with antibodies that help protect them against the virus.

You can also still use a breast pump and provide your little one with essential nutrients and antibodies. If you’re having trouble choosing the right pump, Medela’s two most popular models, Freestyle and Sonata, are great options. The first one is a double electric pump designed for portable use, while the second is a hospital-grade design that is best for home use.

Q: Is it safe to take my newborn outside?

A: It’s good for moms and newborns to go on walks as long as they’re healthy. In fact, the fresh air and sunshine will do both of you good. Of course, there is the question of safety during a pandemic. Adults should still practice safety measures with an emphasis on social distancing. Newborns cannot wear masks and their immune system is still developing, so it’s best to stay away from crowded spaces.

The baby’s comfort is another consideration as they are still very sensitive. The variety of strollers on iCandy show how design and durability are extremely important when choosing the right model for your baby. The ideal stroller should be lightweight yet built with integrity and easy to move around. It should also be able to handle different kinds of terrains, like pavements and grassy fields, so you can easily avoid busy areas. Additionally, you can add accessories like umbrellas that block the sun and minimize your child’s exposure to other people.

Q: Can I entertain visitors?

A: It is generally unsafe to allow visitors around your newborn baby. Older people are at an increased risk for COVID-19 so grandparents might have to wait a while before they can play with the baby. However, if they are willing to self-isolate for two weeks, then it is possible for grandparents and other visitors to see the baby.

These are incredibly strange times for everyone, especially for parents of newborn babies. There are, understandably, many adjustments to be made when it comes to caring for your child. But following them should not be a question as your baby’s health should be your number one priority. 

Tips To Make Your Child More Confident

Kids always learn new skills at incredibly fast rates. Brand new abilities appear and confidence grows as children use new skills. 

When a child grows older, it is that confidence that allows them to be able to use skills. In order to thrive, kids have to believe in themselves and basically have confidence. At the same time, they need to learn how to handle the situation in which they are not successful. 

Apinchofthoughts.com states that parents need to show appreciation even for the little things a child does. Besides this, the following tips will help all parents to make their children more confident. 

Show Your Child You Are Confident

Although you are not feeling confident, the child should not see it. The way in which you act always impacts the way in which your child reacts. With this in mind, it is a very good idea to tackle all the new tasks with preparation and optimism. This sets the best possible example for the child. 

Do not pretend that you are perfect. Always acknowledge anxiety but avoid focusing on it. You have to focus on the positive things as this will brush off on the kid. 

Accept Mistakes

We all make mistakes so it is completely normal for a kid to do the same. As a parent, you need to help the child understand we all make mistakes. This allows you to easily show that we can learn from the mistakes we make. 

When you are confident, failure or fear do not stop you. This is not because of a belief you never fail. It is because you understand how setbacks can be used to improve in the future. Show this and your child will pick it up. Also, although quite obvious, you need to accept the mistakes of your child. Use these as opportunities to let the child learn new things and gain confidence. 

Encourage Children To Try Something New

Kids should always be encouraged to do new things. Focusing all energy only on what the child excels at is a very bad idea because kids need diversity in their life. When new skills are attained, kids feel more confident and more capable. They gain new skills and quickly feel that they can tackle anything that happens. 

Allow Your Child To Fail

It is completely natural for the parent to want to protect the child. However, kids learn through trial and error. When a goal is failed, the child gets to figure out that this is not the end of the world. It also helps the child to want to put in more effort the next time. This is a skill that becomes really important when the child grows. 

Set Goals

Last but not least, when you articulate goals, small and large, and they are achieved, the child becomes more confident. When the goals are not met, the child can learn about how to react when failing. Goals are thus very useful and should be clearly stated by parents. Validate the interests of the child and get him/her used to goals to increase confidence. 

Treatment Options for Mesothelioma

Around 20 million people living in the United States are at risk of developing mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer caused by exposure to the various types of asbestos. This number is considered conservative, and the actual number is difficult to calculate because asbestos is still present in many forms. 

Despite its long latency period of 10 to 20 years, mesothelioma is almost always deadly if not treated early. Fortunately, there are a few aggressive and experimental mesothelioma treatment options.

Approved Mesothelioma Treatment Options

There are a few standard treatment options for this deadly form of cancer. These methods have the Food and Drug Administration's endorsement, have been thoroughly researched, and are somewhat effective.

Surgery

When the disease is caught in its earliest stages, complete removal of the cancerous tumors is possible. Unfortunately, most mesothelioma symptoms are difficult to recognize when they first start, and catching it early is difficult. If a surgeon can remove the entire tumor and the surgery is followed up by other treatment methods, the chances of survival for more than a year will improve.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is a very common but harsh treatment for a variety of cancers. It relies on toxins to shrink tumors and destroy cancer cells, but it has several very difficult side effects. 

Radiation Therapy

Radiation is another common treatment for most types of cancer. It uses radioactive bombardment to kill cancer cells. It will, however, cause radiation sickness and other issues such as hair loss.

Experimental Mesothelioma Treatment Options 

In recent years, scientists and doctors have been studying different methods for treating this dangerous form of cancer. 

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy is an emerging treatment for cancer and other diseases. Doctors either stimulate or suppress the immune system. Cancer cells have a variety of defenses against immune response. They have specific proteins that make them invisible to the body or turn off the immune system entirely.

Immunotherapy programs your immune system to recognize and attack the cancer. This is particularly important when the mesothelioma has metastasized. 

Cellular mRNA Treatment

Cellular mRNA treatment uses messenger RNA to tag or recode the DNA of the cancer cells. This works similarly to immunotherapy because it causes the body to recognize the cancer cells as a foreign element. Like most experimental treatments, it is under study but is not approved yet. You can access these studies by asking your care provider.

Whether you decide on conventional treatment or a more aggressive approach, there is hope that the treatment can extend your life. Most people begin with accepted methods and move onto experimental when the mesothelioma begins to spread.

What to Do if You Think Your Child is Depressed

It can be incredibly painful to realize that your child may be depressed. It’s awful watching someone you love suffering, and many people experience strong feelings of self-blame. They can become isolated, and some even become depressed themselves.

If you seek treatment for your child as early as possible, you give them the best chance at recovery and at living a normal and happy life.

What is depression?

Depression is more than just feeling sad. It’s a diagnosable mental health condition that can go on for months or even years at a time.

When people are feeling depressed, they can lose all motivation, and as a result, struggle to take care of themselves or to take any positive steps to improve their lives. Left untreated, people with depression are at a serious risk of suicide or other self-harming behavior. Luckily, however, there are a lot of treatment options available.

Symptoms of depression in teenagers

Depression can be hard to spot in teenagers. It’s a time of life where mood swings can be quite commonplace. However, if you feel that your teen is spending more of their time feeling bad than they are feeling good, or you notice the development of any of the following symptoms, it may be that they are depressed:

• Sadness and anxiety

• Feelings of hopelessness

• Joking about death and dying, or making statements like ‘everyone would be better off if I were dead.’

• Memory loss

• Difficulty concentrating

• Failing to take care of themselves, for example, not eating properly or not paying attention to personal grooming

• Disrupted sleep patterns

• Withdrawal from their friends

• Difficulty making decisions

• Pains in the lower back, headaches, stomach ache

• Fatigue

If you notice these symptoms, it is important that you speak with your child and seek a diagnosis from your physician as soon as possible.

How to treat depression

Once you have a diagnosis, there will be a few treatment options available to you. Some of the most powerful options are around encouraging a healthy routine in the home, with plenty of exercise and time outside, as well as nutritious meals. These small measures can go a long way to helping someone with depression.

Medically treating teens for depression may be approached in a number of ways:

• Medication. Your doctor may recommend a medication to help with the symptoms of depression. Medications used to treat depression can often cause side effects, and it can take some time to find the right medication. Be sure to find out as much as you can about any prescribed medication and keep talking with your doctor - especially if you think that the medication isn’t working as you’d hoped.

• Psychotherapy. This is a general term for talking about your condition. Psychotherapy is useful for getting to the root cause of the issue and coming up with strategies for dealing with problematic situations in the future. Psychotherapy is a supportive way to set goals for your life and build positive habits and behaviors. 

• Alternative therapies. There are many alternative treatment options available, such as mindfulness apps or art therapy classes. These aren’t for everyone, but some people find them very helpful.

• Inpatient therapy. If your child has depression that is quite severe, it can be beneficial to treat them in a secure environment where you know that they will be safe. They will have the opportunity to work intensively with doctors and therapists without the distractions of everyday life.

Get support for yourself

Supporting someone with depression isn’t easy, so be sure that you get some support for yourself, too. That could be in the form of talking with a friend over coffee, or you could even seek out counseling for yourself. Just remember that you can’t help anyone if you burn yourself out!

Full Support Staff Helps Students Excel in the Classroom at Elevations RTC

Enrolling in a residential treatment center like Elevations RTC means that teenagers have more than just academic troubles that are holding them back. However, kids of a certain age need to keep up with their studies and work towards a bright academic future over time.

Elevations understands that a student needs to leave the program in better shape than when they entered. That comes from all different angles, with academics being a huge focus.

What steps does Elevations RTC take to give teenagers every opportunity to succeed in the classroom? After spending time refining the curriculum and setting up a great learning environment, parents can feel at ease sending their child away. They receive not only academic support but mental, physical, and social support that all lead to better grades and higher test scores.

Traditional school environment

It is easier (and usually cheaper) for most residential treatment centers to go with a more modern learning approach. This ends up forcing teenagers to go through self-directed, online courses with a lack of a hands-on approach from a present teacher. Elevations believes that students need better than that when they are dealing with issues.

Setting up a traditional school environment helps not only academically but also from the social side of things. Students get a chance to interact with others throughout the day, work on group projects, and feed off each other’s energy in the classroom.

Many residential treatment centers try to keep classrooms to one gender, but Elevations RTC’s classes are mix of everyone on campus. This creates an environment that feels normal with a few minor tweaks tends to be the most comfortable setting for students. Even the hours of the school day are similar, with structured extracurricular activities as well.

A staff that can handle anything

The teaching staff at Elevations RTC is small, as there is only a handful of licensed teachers for students to interact with. This works as a positive for students, allowing them to create personal relationships with them from the early stages.

Teachers can quickly understand what works for each student and what does not. By keeping classroom sizes small, adaptability is much easier. There is a set curriculum similar to a traditional school, but it can be altered in some way to keep everyone engaged.

Everyone on staff has their specialty subjects, meaning that students will get the best education possible with variety instead of teachers trying to handle everything at once. This also gives students more voices to listen to throughout the day instead of possibly losing interest with the same teacher for every subject.

The school curriculum at Elevations RTC carries full accreditation with the Utah Department of Education, the California Department of Education, and the Northwest Accreditation Commission/Cognia. Occasionally, families do not realize until after the fact that some residential treatment centers do not take the time to get proper accreditation. This can make it very tricky to return home and could set the child back in the classroom. This tends to happen when facilities focus more on the rehabilitation and improvement aspect of a residential treatment center, and not the academics. 

The goal with each student is to do more than keep students on track academically. With smaller classroom sizes and a renewed focus, getting ahead is not out of the question with some students. This helps with test scores for college or in transitioning back home. If a teenager feels like they are not constantly trying to play catch-up in the classroom once home, they can ease back into everything and excel right away.

Support outside of the classroom

Living on campus poses challenges for teenagers from time to time, but Elevations offers plenty of support outside of the classroom to get through the rough patches. The campus creates a great social setting for students to be around peers and create friendships that often last beyond their campus time. Having many students experiencing a lot of the same things for the first time means that they can lean on each other to help out. It is much different for those first arriving on campus. That means it takes some time to find a bit of a routine and settle in at Elevations.

For mental or emotional support, an entire department keeps an eye on each student to ensure they are on their best path. Teenager evaluations happen regularly, and they have the opportunity to reach out to a staff member at any time if they need help.

The campus is big enough for teenagers to not feel trapped, but it provides a controlled environment that is perfect for getting on the right track. Academically, it is one of the best settings for teenagers who have struggled in the past and want to be more focused.

Finally, family members receive support from Elevations as well. Despite some families living thousands and thousands of miles away, they can stay involved with everything involving their child in several ways. Every teacher is available to talk with to go over individual progression, and there is even a weekly meet up for families online. This is a roundtable type of discussion for any parents who might have questions or concerns.

All in all, support for teenagers at Elevations RTC makes a huge difference in academic progress. When children see success firsthand, it can change the trajectory of a life. The right residential treatment center has that type of impact.