Identifying and Addressing Mental Health in Teenagers
Raising a kid in this complicated, fast-paced world is a whole new ball game. As parents, we do all in our power to support our children, making sure that they have the opportunity to succeed academically and have the fullest life possible. However, in the midst of all of the academic pressure, extracurricular activities, and social networking, mental health in teenagers is an essential component that is sometimes ignored.
The teenage years are a time of big changes. Your child isn’t a baby anymore, but they aren’t an adult either. Even though their brains are still growing, they are finding out who they are, becoming independent, falling in love for the first time, and facing new stresses. It’s not surprising that mental health problems are common during this time. As parents and caretakers, it’s our job to understand, spot, and deal with these problems to help our teens get through these rough times.
How to Recognize Common Signs of Mental Health Problems
Before we can help our kids, we need to know when they’re having trouble. Mental health problems can often be like chameleons and mix in with the everyday life of a teen. They could show up as a drop in grades, a change in who you hang out with, or even a stomachache or a headache that you can’t figure out. Look for changes in your child’s behavior, mood, or attitude, and follow your gut. You know your child better than anyone else.
For example, your kid might lose interest in things he or she used to enjoy, or their weight or hunger might change in a big way. It could look like either too much sleep or not enough sleep. They might seem particularly angry, restless, or unable to focus. They might say in passing that they feel lost or worthless, or even that they are thinking about death or suicide.
Depression and anxiety are two of the most common problems when talking about mental health in teenagers. You might notice a lot of worry or fear, avoiding social situations, trouble focusing, nervousness, or complaints about aches or pains that don’t make sense physically.
Digging Deeper into Mental Health Issues
Noticing these signs is the first step, but it’s just as important to know what’s going on beneath the surface or something that might just seem “normal”. At Insight Treatment Programs, we know that the best way to help teens with their various problems is to look at all parts of their lives, including their social, psychological, spiritual, family, academic, and biological spheres.
For example, if your teen acts out or does something strange, it’s easy to put it down to rebellion or normal teen angst. But these actions often point to deeper problems, like sadness, worry, drug and alcohol problems, behavioral issues, or actions that hurt oneself.
How Professional Help Can Help- A Look at Treatment Programs
One of the first residential drug and alcohol treatment programs for teens in Los Angeles, California, Insight Treatment Programs offers more than just a teen drug rehab program. We focus on helping kids with behavioral and mental issues as well as chemical dependency.
Our highly trained clinical team makes care plans for each family that is based on their wants and goals. We know that every family is different and has different wants, problems, and ways to solve them. Believe us, we know that being a teenager can be hard and full of battles, but fortunately, we also know that it is possible to get through these problems. Since we started, we’ve helped thousands of teens and families find help and hope.
What Parents and Caretakers Do
When you are a parent or a carer, it can be quite frightening to learn that your child is struggling with mental health issues. However, keep in mind that you do not stand alone in this. The first thing that has to be done is to acknowledge that there is an issue. Begin a conversation with your child, tell them how you feel about them in a caring manner, listen to their concerns and emotions, and reassure them that you will be there for them at all times.
Next, ask for help from a professional. At Insight Treatment Programs, we give you a thorough initial screening and help you find the best program for your kid and family. We know that it can be hard to know when and where to ask for help, so we’re here to help you through the process.
When it comes to mental health in teenagers, there’s a lot to figure out, but with knowledge, understanding, professional help, and lots of love, we can help them face these challenges and come out of them better. Don’t forget that it’s fine to ask for help. We can make a change in the lives of our kids if we all work together.