A Parental Guide to Support Your Teen’s Mental Health
As a parent, watching your teen navigate the often turbulent years of adolescence can be both rewarding and challenging. Teenagers are experiencing a variety of emotional and physical changes, and sometimes it can be hard to know how to help them when they're struggling with mental health. However, by understanding the unique pressures your teen faces and fostering an open, supportive environment, you can play a crucial role in helping them thrive. Here are some practical steps to support your teen’s mental health:
1. Foster Open Communication: One of the most important things you can do as a parent is to create an environment where your teen feels comfortable talking about their feelings. Open, honest conversations are key to understanding what’s going on in their lives. Ask them how they’re doing instead of making assumptions. Show genuine interest in what they have to say. You don’t have to offer them solutions to their stressors/problems- they might just need someone to listen without making them feel judged or like their being lectured. Most importantly, if your teen does share something shocking or concerning- do not panic or react dramatically. This reaction will likely guarantee they don’t seek your out when they need help again. Stay calm, which will encourage them to safely share more.
2. Recognize the Signs of Mental Health Struggles: Teens frequently struggle with issues like anxiety or depression, but they don’t always know how to express those feelings directly. Here are a few signs to be on the look for to help you intervene if necessary:
Behavioral changes: Significant changes in sleeping patterns, eating habits, or a drop in school performance could signal that your teen is dealing with mental health issues.
Physical complaints: Complaints of frequent headaches, stomachaches, or unexplained illnesses might point to anxiety or stress.
Substance Use: Increased use of substances like alcohol or drugs can be a way teens try to cope with emotional pain.
Risky Behaviors: Engaging in reckless activities, self-harm, or talking about suicide are serious red flags and require immediate attention.
Mood Changes: While moodiness is normal, persistent sadness, irritability, or emotional numbness may indicate depression or anxiety.
Withdrawal: Teens may naturally seek independence, but if your teen is isolating themselves from family and friends or avoiding activities they once enjoyed, it could be a sign they’re struggling.
3. Model Healthy Habits: Promoting a healthy lifestyle helps any individual stabilize their well-being, no matter their age. The best way you can do this as a parent is model it. So make sure you practice what you preach. Get enough sleep, exercise regularly, eat healthy, attend therapy as needed and even limit your own social media/tech usage to mirror your expectations to your teen.
4. Support Positive Peer Relationships: Peer relationships are a major developmental milestone and focus in adolescence. However, a negative influence can be critically damaging to an impressionable young person. So parents- encourage your teens to focus on relationships that give back, build them up and are kind. Join clubs/activities that their interested in and can meet like-minded peers, as well as build their confidence. If peer relationships are complicated, encourage your teen to seeking counseling to process interpersonal skills and what is a healthy/unhealthy relationship.
5: Respect Their Need for Privacy and Independence: It’s natural to want to know the ins and outs of your teen’s life, however it’s important to give them space to grow independently. Respect their need for privacy and avoid pushing or forcing them to share everything with you. When they’re ready they will come to you, if you foster the openness and emotional safety to do so. This autonomy helps your teen build confidence and learn to manage their emotions on their own.
By offering love, empathy, and practical support, you can help your teen navigate these tough years with resilience and confidence. Remember, you don’t have to have all the answers—just being there and showing you care can make a world of difference in their mental health journey.
Get Inspired,
Lauren
