October 14, 2021

October 14, 2021

Mental Health In Teenagers: A Parent’s Guide

There are a lot of unknowns when it comes to parenting a teen, but one thing you can be certain of is that there will be a lot of changes.

Sometimes teens need their parents’ help and guidance to figure things out, so if you notice your teen acting differently, then reach out and ask them how they’re feeling and get them to talk about it. Most teens won’t share their thoughts with you on their own, but it’s vital for their mental health that you understand what internal battles your teen may be facing.

Mental health in teenagers is territory fraught with obstacles and heightened emotions. At Teachers1on1, we’ve created this guide to help you understand your teen’s mental health a little better so you know when to be concerned and what you should do about it.

Teenage Mental Health Statistics
The National Alliance on Mental Illness has found some startling statistics when it comes to teens and mental health. For example, did you know that in teens between the ages of 13 and 18, one in five has a severe mental health disorder?

More shocking is that half of all long-term mental illness has been found to begin by age 14. Sadly, suicide is also pervasive in this age group – it’s the third leading cause of death for those between the ages of 10 and 14, the second leading cause of death for those between the ages of 15 and 24.

If those statistics scare you, you’re not alone. But there are things you can do to be proactive about your teen’s mental health so that they can get help when they need it.

The Most Common Mental Health Issues In Teens
The hormonal changes in a teen body, combined with rapid changes and growth in the brain, create a perfect storm for some teens that can wreak havoc on thought patterns. When you throw in environmental factors and genetics, it puts teens at risk for several different behavioral and mental health issues.

The most common mental health issues in teens are:

  • Depression
  • Eating disorders
  • Self-harm/violence
  • Anxiety
  • Substance abuse

You can help your teenager by understanding the difference between normal teen stress and far more serious issues that they need help with.

How Do I Know If My Teenager Has A Mental Illness?
You need a professional to diagnose any type of mental illness. Your job as a parent is to understand the signs that your teen may be having trouble navigating things or dealing with their feelings. Some signs to be on the lookout for include:

  • Sleep pattern changes – Are they sleeping less or more than usual?
  • Irritability – All teens are a little irritable, but you may notice your teen having more abrupt or aggressive responses than is usual for them.
  • Social habits – Are they changing their social habits, hanging out with new people, or not seeing anyone at all? Are they changing the way they interact with their peers?
  • Depression – Do they seem to have a depressed mood?
  • Appearance – Do you notice changes in their appearance, such as lack of hygiene?
  • Drugs and alcohol – If you discover your teen is using drugs or alcohol, that could be a sign of self-medication.
  • Crying – Do you notice your teen crying excessively or just generally being tearful or upset?
  • Loss of interest – Do they no longer enjoy the things they once did, or have they lost interest in activities they once loved?
  • Physical changes – Have you noticed a significant change in their weight or their appetite? Going either up or down can be a signal something is wrong.
  • Marks – Do you notice burns or cuts on their arms or legs? It could be a sign of self-harm.
  • Energy shift – Do they seem to have a lot more energy than usual or a lot less?
  • Anxiety – Is your teen worrying about things excessively to the point that it impacts their function? This can also lead to difficulty concentrating and irritability, even avoiding others or having fears they feel like they can’t control. Panic attacks can happen as well.

How do you know if your teen is having these issues? Aside from asking them or simply observing their behavior, you may also want to check on their social media accounts if they have them. That can often be a worthwhile window into your teen’s world.

When Should I Be Concerned About My Teenager?
The big question is: when should you be concerned about your teen’s behavior? Experts use what is called the “stoplight approach” to this. In this approach:

  • Things are green when problems seem manageable to your teen and you don’t notice more than two signs that they may be having trouble. When they do have trouble, the problems don’t linger for more than a week or so and then a resolution is found. Under green, simply keep the lines of communication open with your teen and pay attention to how they act.
  • For yellow, you may notice behaviors that concern you. If there are more than two areas in which your teen really seems to be struggling, then it’s time to be concerned about it. At this point, talk with your child and share your concerns. You may also want to reach out to a mental health professional for more support.
  • Finally, when things are red, you are worried about your child’s safety. They may have three or more indicators that they’re really struggling and it’s impacting more than one area of their life. If you’re concerned for their safety, get help from a professional as soon as you can. If you worry they are in danger of harming themselves, get to the emergency room.

Mental Health Resources For Parents
If you’re concerned about your teen but aren’t sure where to turn, here are some useful resources:

  • Call 2-1-1 for resources in your area
  • Contact your pediatrician or family doctor
  • Contact the guidance counselor at your teen’s school
  • Contact the school psychologist or social worker
  • Reach out to a clergy member or your teen’s coach
  • Find your local mental health association for guidance on resources
  • Contact the National Alliance on Mental Health in your city

The teen years can be tough, but the best thing you can do is be there to support your child and help them to navigate any challenges they face, mental health included.

Featured image by Gaelle Marcel on Unsplash