Teenager Mental Health Guide
Mental health generally pertains to an individual’s emotional and psychological well-being. How you are doing mentally depends on how you feel, what you are thinking, and your behavior. During adolescence, you might experience mental stress due to various factors such as school, family, friends, and future plans. If you feel overwhelmed and are struggling to cope with these issues, consider talking to your parents and discussing your concerns with them. If open communication with your family is not a common practice, seeking help from a good doctor or mental health professional could be beneficial.
Drug Addiction
If you have already become addicted to drugs, it is one of the biggest mistakes you could make. Substance abuse can mentally torment you without any reason. When you repeatedly use drugs, your brain can lose its normal track. Teenagers who become addicted often start exhibiting unusual behaviors. They may become distant from their families and head towards a darker path. Many teenagers fall into drug abuse after being exposed to it during tests or experiments. Sometimes, they may even learn about it from their family members. If family members smoke or use drugs, teenagers growing up in that environment may view it as normal and start using substances in secret.
If you are struggling with substance abuse and feeling mentally unwell, the primary cause could be the drugs themselves. The dangers of substance abuse are extensive; it is harmful to families, societies, and nations. To protect yourself from severe damage, seek to free yourself from substance abuse immediately. There are many excellent articles available online that can help you recover. If necessary, consult a doctor for professional advice.
Anxiety
Anxiety can be a significant barrier to mental well-being. It is a natural mental state for people. For example, you might feel anxious about an upcoming exam or the results of a sports event; this is normal. However, sometimes anxiety becomes excessive and persists over time, turning into an abnormal state that can impact our lives more significantly.
Specific anxiety for a particular reason is normal, but when you experience anxiety without any clear cause and cannot overcome it, it becomes problematic. Such issues can also lead to physical illness. The good news is that there is effective treatment available for these kinds of problems in adolescence. With mild medication, you may be able to resolve these issues. Therefore, do not delay—seek the help of a doctor promptly.
Depression
Depression is a common issue during adolescence. Due to physical changes, teenagers may experience periods of sadness or depression. It’s normal to be depressed at times during your teenage years, and you might suddenly return to normalcy. However, depression is considered abnormal when it persists for several weeks and causes significant emotional distress.
Teenagers may experience depression due to various social, familial, academic, and personal reasons, and it can lead to long-term physical problems. There are signs of abnormal depression that can help you identify it. Abnormal depression affects sleep, appetite, and behavior. You might experience reduced sleep, loss of appetite, and exhibit poor behavior towards those around you.
For this type of depression, both meditation and counseling are necessary. To manage depression at home, you can spend more time with family, practice meditation, and hang out with friends. Sharing your feelings with someone you trust can also help lighten the burden. The best approach is to consult a good mental health specialist for proper medication and counseling.
Suicide
In recent times, suicide has become a leading cause of death among teenagers. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, suicide is the third most common cause of death for individuals aged 15 to 24. Research has shown that at least nine out of ten teenagers who commit suicide suffer from some form of mental illness, such as substance abuse, anxiety, depression, or other behavioral issues. Additionally, it is found that teenagers do not typically contemplate suicide for a long time; rather, they often make such decisions in response to a specific event.
Counseling is essential in preventing suicide. First, mental health issues need to be identified and addressed accordingly. Families play a crucial role in reducing suicidal tendencies among teenagers. With proper support from the family, anyone can overcome such a drastic decision. Therefore, it is important for parents to establish open lines of communication with their children so that they can share any problems with the family and seek support during difficult times.
The Role of Parents in Teen Mental Health Support
In the previous section, we discussed the role of the family in preventing suicide. However, parents’ role is crucial not only in preventing suicide but also in addressing any mental health issues. Let’s explore how parents can play an important role in supporting teenage mental health and what they can do to help.
Encourage Your Child to Share Their Feelings
Stay involved in your child’s life and gather information directly from them. Ask about their mental state and what they’ve been up to throughout the day. Inquire about any positive events. Even if you dislike some of their activities, avoid expressing it directly, as this can damage your relationship. Building a friendly and open relationship with your child can significantly reduce mental health issues.
Spend Time with Your Child
When you realize that your child is going through a difficult mental state, try to spend as much time with them as possible. Take time off from your own work, go on a trip, or dine out together. It’s also important to allow them a break from their routine tasks. For example, let them take a break from daily responsibilities like homework, household chores, or their regular study schedule.
In Conclusion
During adolescence, everyone tends to be more emotional and sensitive, so this period requires extra care. Teenagers need to be especially mindful of themselves during this time and should avoid making poor choices, staying away from substances and other harmful behaviors. After this, it becomes the responsibility of parents to ensure their child’s mental health. Parents should stay vigilant about what their child is doing and be present during times of mental distress, providing support and oversight in all aspects of their life.
