Navigating Adolescence: A Guide to Mental Health

Talking about mental health has been a taboo issue for years, but this is starting to change. We hear a lot more about mental health and the stigma surrounding it. Many people have struggled with their mental health for years without understanding what was happening. Adolescents, in particular, experience many changes with their bodies and emotions that can be difficult to understand. And because they have never ever been teens before, “Parents just don’t understand”; or so most teens seem to think.

Adolescent mental health encompasses a wide range of experiences, from everyday stressors to more serious conditions like anxiety and depression. It's essential to recognize that mental health challenges during adolescence are common and treatable. Factors such as hormonal changes, academic pressures, social media influence, and family dynamics can all impact mental well-being during this stage of life.

Signs

Some signs that your child may be struggling with their mental health may look like:

1. Changes in behavior: Sudden or significant changes in behavior patterns such as withdrawal from social activities, increased irritability, aggression, or mood swings.

2. Academic decline: Decrease in academic performance, lack of interest in schoolwork, or frequent absences from school.

3. Sleep disturbances: Difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or oversleeping, which can lead to fatigue and daytime drowsiness.

4. Appetite changes: Noticeable changes in eating habits, such as loss of appetite or overeating, leading to weight gain or loss.

5. Physical complaints: Frequent complaints of headaches, stomachaches, or other physical symptoms without apparent medical cause.

6. Substance use: Experimentation or increased use of alcohol, drugs, or other substances as a coping mechanism for emotional distress.

7. Self-harm behaviors: Engaging in self-harm behaviors such as cutting, burning, or scratching oneself, which may indicate underlying emotional pain.

8. Social isolation: Withdrawing from friends, family, or social activities, preferring to spend time alone rather than engaging in social interactions.

9. Persistent sadness or anxiety: Expressing feelings of sadness, hopelessness, anxiety, or despair that persist over time and interfere with daily functioning.

10. Risk-taking behaviors: Engaging in risky behaviors such as reckless driving, unsafe sexual practices, or dangerous stunts, which may reflect a lack of concern for personal safety.

While these are some symptoms, it is important to note that these signs can vary greatly among individuals, and not all adolescents experiencing mental health issues will display the same symptoms.

Support

Creating a supportive environment is key to promoting adolescent mental health. Encouraging open communication, fostering a sense of belonging, and validating adolescents' experiences are essential components of support.

· Open Communication: Create a safe and supportive environment where adolescents feel comfortable expressing their thoughts, feelings, and concerns without fear of judgment.

· Active Listening: Listen attentively and empathetically to a child's experiences, validating their emotions and showing understanding.

· Validation and Encouragement: Acknowledge and validate your child's feelings, experiences, and struggles, offering reassurance and encouragement without minimizing their concerns.

· Empowerment: Encourage autonomy and decision-making, involving adolescents in discussions about their mental health and treatment options, empowering them to take an active role in their own care.

· Model Healthy Coping: Serve as positive role models by practicing healthy coping skills, self-care strategies, and effective communication in managing stress and emotions.

· Seek Professional Help: Take proactive steps to seek professional help from mental health professionals if needed, demonstrating a proactive approach to addressing mental health concerns.

· Non-judgmental Support: Offer non-judgmental support and acceptance, letting the adolescent know they are valued and cared for regardless of their struggles.

· Active Presence: Be present and available to listen when the adolescent needs someone to talk to, whether it's in person, over the phone, or through messaging.

· Empathy and Understanding: Show empathy and understanding by validating experiences and emotions, even if you may not fully understand what they're going through.

· Routine and Structure: Establish consistent routines and boundaries to provide stability and predictability, which can help reduce anxiety and promote a sense of security.

· Respect Boundaries: Respect boundaries and privacy, understanding that they may not always want to talk about their struggles or may need space at times.

· Educate Yourself: Take the initiative to educate yourself about adolescent mental health issues, treatment options, and available resources to better support their child's needs.

Ending the Stigma

One of the biggest barriers to adolescent mental health care is the stigma surrounding mental illness. By promoting open dialogue, challenging stereotypes, and advocating for mental health education in schools and communities, we can break down these barriers and create a more supportive environment for young people struggling with their mental health.

Adolescence is a time of growth, exploration, and self-discovery, but it can also be challenging, especially when it comes to mental health. By understanding the unique needs of adolescents, providing support, and promoting positive coping strategies, we can help young people thrive during this critical stage of development. Together, let's work towards a future where adolescent mental health is prioritized and supported by all.

Ta’Neja Rodgers, MSW, Primary Therapist, Adolescent IOP Director