(Newswire.net — July 27, 2021) — The struggles and challenges can be different, but the fact is teenagers also have to face them. From body shaming to bullying to negative perceptions, teens can have their set of experiences. When you were their age, you may have had different situations. That’s why it can be difficult for you to understand how to help them. As a parent, your worries are also valid. After all, adolescents with mental health risks can get attracted to substance abuse. They can start consuming alcohol or drugs with the hope of improving their condition. To prevent all these things, you need to increase your awareness about mental health challenges in teens and ways to help them.
Dennis Begos Discusses Important things about teens’ mental health
Signs of mental health issues in teens
Lack of motivation, crying, hopelessness, failure to perform daily activities, behavioral changes without apparent reasons, disturbed diet and sleep, not paying attention to studies or lack of interest in attending school, maintaining distance from friends, and others hint at the mental state of your kid. Frequent headaches, stomach aches, and backaches can be another signal. Some can start bunking school, stealing, and fighting also.
As experts like Dennis Begos inform, thousands of teens face depression, bipolar disorder, and anxiety every year. You have to be patient and compassionate with them. Studies suggest that at least one in five teens in the age group of 13 to 18 suffer from a mental health disorder. 90% of the deaths by suicide hint at the existence of mental illness. 50% of chronic conditions can occur in children aged 14 and more. Keep these things in mind so that you can care for your kid when it needs your presence the most.
Handling mental health issues in teens
First off, you need to educate yourself about warning signs and the reasons behind your kid’s mental health. If you know your kid is in trouble, be open about a discussion around the issue. Let them know about suicidal tendencies, anxiety, and depression to enable them to break their silence and speak up about what they are going through in their lives. Since teens often take drugs and alcohol to alleviate their discomfort, you can gently talk about the adverse effects of such substances. Doing so becomes more necessary if you suspect them of having developed addiction. Make sure you don’t judge or dismiss their feelings while having a discussion. Otherwise, it can seem like an argument and not a healthy conversation.
After this, you may want to show your child to your primary care doctor and mental health specialist based on the situation.
Mental health conditions don’t improve by themselves. If your teen is having an issue, you have to stand by them and help. Their well-being, physical health, relationships, development, and everything else can be at risk. That’s why it is essential to play an active role in this and seek medical intervention if you don’t notice any improvement in their situation. Your emotional support and care can make a world of difference to their mental wellness. So please don’t leave them alone in this fight.