If your teenager is facing anxiety, depression, or other mental health challenges, you're not alone. Despite efforts to address youth mental health, many teens are still struggling, even after the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and other organizations declared a national emergency in youth mental health.
As a parent, it can be difficult to determine whether your teen’s struggles are a normal part of growing up or if something deeper is going on. How do you know when it’s time to talk to your teen about mental health and seek professional help?
In this post, we’ll explore the common signs that your teen may need support, how to approach the conversation, and ways you can foster mental well-being in your teen.
The Pressures Teens Face Today
While the COVID-19 pandemic brought a lot of attention to the pressures faced by children and teens, the challenges they face go beyond just pandemic-related stress. Here's a look at some of the most common pressures that can impact a teen's mental health:
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Academic Expectations: Teens feel overwhelming pressure to excel in school, secure good grades, and get into prestigious colleges and universities.
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Extracurricular Pressure: Many teens feel the need to excel in sports, arts, or other extracurricular activities to stand out.
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Busy Schedules: With packed schedules and little time for self-care, teens may experience burnout.
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Bullying: Whether it’s face-to-face or online (cyberbullying), harassment can have a lasting impact on a teen’s self-esteem.
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Global Concerns: Worries about climate change, war, and political unrest weigh heavily on many teens.
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Discrimination: Issues related to race, gender, body image, and more can cause stress and anxiety.
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Financial Struggles: Financial instability, poverty, or lack of access to essential resources like food and housing can be a major source of worry for teens.
How to Recognize if Your Teen is Struggling
Every teen is unique, so the signs of mental health issues can vary. However, as a parent, you likely know what “normal” behavior looks like for your teen. Keep an eye out for the following warning signs:
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Changes in Everyday Behavior: Look for changes in sleep patterns, appetite, or other daily habits.
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Loss of Interest: If your teen no longer enjoys things they once loved, it could be a sign of emotional distress.
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Social Withdrawal: Teens who begin pulling away from family and friends might be struggling.
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Academic Issues: Sudden drops in performance, such as failing subjects or refusing to do schoolwork, may indicate something deeper.
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Excessive Worrying: If your teen seems unable to shake persistent worries or anxieties, it’s worth exploring.
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Substance Use: Increased use of drugs or alcohol can be a sign that your teen is trying to cope with their emotions.
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Self-Harm: Look for cuts, burns, or bruises that your teen may be trying to hide.
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Unusual Sexual Behavior: A sudden shift in sexual interest or activity may indicate mental health challenges.
While one or two signs may not indicate a crisis, it’s important to be vigilant. If you notice several of these behaviors consistently, it might be time to start a conversation about mental health.
Common Mental Health Conditions in Teens
Teens face many of the same mental health challenges as adults. Some of the most common mental health conditions include:
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ADHD: Nearly 10% of U.S. kids aged 3 to 17 are affected.
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Anxiety: Around 9.5% of teens experience anxiety that disrupts their daily life.
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Depression: Roughly 4.5% of teens struggle with depression, which may manifest as irritability or anger instead of just sadness.
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Eating Disorders: Conditions like anorexia and bulimia can be especially concerning for teens.
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Self-Harm: Many teens engage in self-harming behaviors, which are often kept hidden.
Substance Use and Mental Health
Substance use is common among teens and often overlaps with mental health struggles. Using substances like alcohol and drugs can make emotional issues worse.
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Drug Use: About 15% of high school students use illicit substances like cannabis, cocaine, or heroin.
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Alcohol Use: Nearly 30% of teens report trying alcohol, and 14% admit to binge drinking.
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Co-occurring Issues: When substance use and mental health issues combine, it’s important to address both simultaneously.
The Impact of Social Media
Social media plays a huge role in the lives of today’s teens. While it can help teens stay connected, it can also contribute to mental health problems. Studies show that over 90% of teens use social media, and more than 60% engage with it daily.
The impact of social media on teen mental health is still being studied, but some teens may face negative effects from constant comparisons, cyberbullying, or feeling pressure to meet unrealistic expectations. It’s important to discuss how your teen interacts with social media and the effect it has on their well-being.
How to Start the Conversation
Talking about mental health can be uncomfortable, but it’s one of the most important conversations you can have with your teen. Here are a few tips to help you get started:
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Create a Safe, Judgment-Free Space: Make sure your teen knows they can talk to you about anything without fear of being judged, lectured, or punished.
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Listen More Than You Speak: Focus on truly listening to your teen’s feelings rather than offering immediate solutions or advice.
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Avoid Accusations: Instead of saying, “You’ve been acting strange lately,” try sharing specific observations, like, “I’ve noticed you’re not eating much lately. Is everything okay?”
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Allow for Silence: Your teen may need time to think before they open up. Don’t pressure them to respond right away.
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Challenge Mental Health Stigma: Normalize mental health conversations to reduce shame or fear your teen may feel.
How Your Pediatrician Can Help
Your pediatrician is a great resource when it comes to supporting your teen’s mental health. They can guide you through treatment options, recommend specialists, and even help create a crisis plan if necessary. Your pediatrician can be an essential part of your teen’s care team.
When to Seek Immediate Help
If your teen is having thoughts of suicide or self-harm, seek immediate help. You can call the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline or text "TALK" to 741741 for immediate support. If your teen isn’t in crisis but is struggling with suicidal thoughts, it’s still crucial to seek help right away.
Promoting Mental Health Through Self-Care
It’s important to focus on proactive mental health as well. Encourage your teen to practice self-care, like getting enough sleep, eating healthy, and engaging in activities that boost their mood. By fostering a supportive environment at home and promoting healthy habits, you help protect your teen’s mental well-being.
Final Thoughts
Mental health is a critical part of your teen’s overall well-being. By recognizing the signs, starting conversations, and seeking professional help when necessary, you can help your teen navigate the challenges they face. Remember, supporting mental health is an ongoing process that requires patience, love, and understanding.