Overview
According to the World Health Organization, 1 in 7 young people aged 10-19 experience mental health conditions globally. [1] In addition, nearly half (48.4%) of all lifetime mental disorders start before the age of 18. [2] Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention underscores the growing problem, with 44% of US high school students reporting feelings of sadness or hopelessness in 2020. [3] These alarming statistics highlight the significant and rising threat to teenagers’ mental well-being.
Adolescence marks one’s transition to adulthood. The rapid physical and emotional upheaval during this period presents unique difficulties, especially for those with preexisting issues. How can parents aid their teenage children’s return to sound mental health without damaging the relationship? Read on for insights on supporting teens through open communication and understanding during this turbulent transition.
Noticing Warning Signs in Teens Crucial for Avoiding Lasting Issues
Depression during youth, if left unaddressed, can have severe impacts that last into adulthood. It’s crucial to respond early when mental health concerns first emerge, as this allows us to disrupt the potential development and worsening of problems.
By prioritizing your teen’s mental health, parenting needs to include being aware of any signs your teen may be exhibiting, such as changes in school grades, isolation from friends, or irritability that seems unusual. If you notice one or more of these signs in your teen, you should then monitor your teen for additional criteria that may indicate a need for further assessment:
- Changes in energy level
- Sleeping disturbances (staying awake at night or sleeping during the day)
- Changes in appetite (loss of interest in food or compulsive overeating)
- Changes in concentration or memory
- Physical complaints (headaches, stomachaches, fatigue, pain)
- Changes in mood (sadness, anxiety, hopelessness)
- Loss of motivation or interest in activities
- Excessive guilt or worthlessness
- Preoccupation with death
If your teen has experienced five of those symptoms nearly every day, for at least two weeks, it’s a good idea to talk to healthcare professionals. Nevertheless, you need not worry if the episodes of your teen’s anger is occasional. [4]
Proactive Ways to Support Teens with Depression
Create Supportive Environment: Observation of the variations in emotion and behavior of your teen is a good step toward help-seeking. After identifying the signs of depression, parents need to create an open and supportive home environment to pave the way for further probing of your teen’s conditions.
Show Your Care: It is a good idea to check in with your teen regularly to show your care and willingness for open talks. However, while helping your teen deal with depression is your goal, you should not invade your teen’s privacy as this could lead to confrontation.
Practice Active Listening: Listening without passing judgments is also instrumental. You may invite your teen to share perspectives and experiences. But remember to be empathetic and don’t interrupt in the process. By practicing active listening, you will make your teen feel comfortable opening up about his or her feelings.
Understand Depression and Advocate for Your Teen’s Needs: To best support your teen, it is important to have a thorough understanding of depression from reliable sources. In addition, partnering closely with school will help ensure your teen’s academic and mental health needs are properly addressed.
Make Comparison is Not Recommended: Above all, depressive symptoms often fluctuate over time, and this will take a toll on academic achievement. In this vein, making comparison to how your teen performed before experiencing depression will not be constructive. Your teen’s condition and progress should be evaluated with compassion and understanding.
With knowledge, communication of all parties involved, and patience during difficult periods, parents can work as a team with their teens through the challenges of depression.
Strategies for Having an Effective Parent-Child Mental Health Dialogue
Understanding your teen’s mental health is key. Yet, it can be daunting to initiate a parent-child conversation on the topic as there are uncertainties about where to start, what to say, or how to respond to questions in the process.
Before starting a serious conversation, engage your teen in any activity he/she enjoys, such as taking a stroll, playing cards or games, to help break the tension. Below is a simulated conversation inspired by the advice from The Jed Foundation [5] and Mental Health America [6] for your reference:
Simulated Parent-Child Mental Health Dialogue
Mother: Hey James, do you want to go for a walk around the neighborhood? It’s a nice day out.
Son: Okay.
Mother: Things been okay lately? You seem a bit down. Just want you to know you can always talk to me about anything.
Son: Remains quiet
Mother: I’m always ready to listen if you ever want someone to open up to. Is there anything bothering you I can help with? No problem is too small.
Son: Still quiet
Mother: I’ve noticed some changes in your behavior. You’ve been more withdrawn and lost interest in your hobbies. I’m wondering if you might be dealing with stress, sadness, or something else. You don’t have to go through anything alone.
Son: It’s nothing.
Mother: It’s okay if you don’t want to talk yet. But know that I’m here to listen without any judgement whenever you want. Do you mind if I ask how you’ve been handling feelings of frustration or sadness lately?
Son: Not well, I guess.
Mother: I understand it’s tough. Just remember that sadness and other emotions are normal, and you don’t have to face them by yourself. Would you like to talk to a counselor?
Son: Maybe…I don’t know.
Mother: No pressure either way. Just want you to take care of yourself. The offer is always open if you change your mind. I love you and I’m here for you, okay? Let me know if there’s anything else on your mind.
Son: Thanks mom.
Open dialogue is crucial for effectively understanding and addressing a teen’s depression. While some might find the simulated conversation overly simplistic or unrealistic, it serves as a valuable starting point for parents unsure of how to approach this sensitive topic with their teens. Hopefully, the above information will be helpful in navigating the challenges of having a conversation with your teen.
Final Thoughts
The journey of adolescence is a complex and transformative period in one’s life, filled with numerous obstacles. For teenagers who are also grappling with depression, each day can seem insurmountable.
For parents maneuvering through this tumultuous time, the task of providing guidance and support while also dealing with their own emotions can present immense challenges. It’s a delicate balancing act that requires patience, understanding, and open communication.
It’s vital to remember that this phase shall pass. By fostering an environment of trust, hope, and open communication, you can empower your teen with the strength and resilience to thrive beyond these hardships.
Sources:
- World. (2021, November 17). Mental health of adolescents. Retrieved May 15, 2024, from Who.int website: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/adolescent-mental-health
- Solmi, M., Joaquim Raduà, Olivola, M., Croce, E., Soardo, L., Salazar, G., … Paolo Fusar‐Poli. (2021). Age at onset of mental disorders worldwide: large-scale meta-analysis of 192 epidemiological studies. Molecular Psychiatry, 27(1), 281–295. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41380-021-01161-7
- New CDC data illuminate youth mental health threats during the COVID-19 pandemic. (2023). Retrieved May 15, 2024, from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website: https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2022/p0331-youth-mental-health-covid-19.html
- 6 Facts Parents Should Know about Mental Illness in Teens. (2022). Retrieved May 15, 2024, from Pennmedicine.org website: https://www.pennmedicine.org/updates/blogs/health-and-wellness/2017/may/teens-mental-health
- 10 Tips for Talking to Your Teen About Their Mental Health | JED. (2023, November 3). Retrieved May 15,2024, from The Jed Foundation website: https://jedfoundation.org/resource/tips-for-talking-to-your-teen-about-their-mental-health/
- Talking To Adolescents and Teens: Starting The Conversation. (2023). Retrieved May 15, 2024, from Mental Health America website: https://mhanational.org/talking-adolescents-and-teens-starting-conversation