Families For Life | Supporting teen mental health
Teens are navigating a critical stage of growth. When combined with peer pressure, academic stress, and influences from social media, they can become more susceptible to mental health challenges. With the right support and guidance, you can help your teens develop the confidence and skills needed to thrive! Here’s how.
Spot the Signs
Spotting mental health warning signs can be tricky, as parents might sometimes confuse them with the natural changes that come with puberty or see them as just a part of a teen rebellion phase. While it is common to see our teens dealing with stress, we may not always realise when there is something more serious going on. Pay close attention and watch for any of these signs in your adolescent:
Poor sleep, loss of appetite, and social withdrawal
Lack of interest in hobbies or activities that the child used to enjoy
Drop in school performance or behavioural problems in school
Frequent physical complaints such as stomach aches or headaches
Unusually aggressive or reckless behaviour
Signs of drug, alcohol, or other substance use
Signs of self-harm such as cuts, burns, bruises, or other injuries that your teen tries to hide or cannot fully explain
Having one or two of these symptoms might simply be hormonal changes that all teens and tweens go through. However, if your child is displaying signs of self-harm or substance abuse, you should intervene immediately or seek professional help. Here’s how to support your child and take the next steps.
Open the Dialogue
The first step is to show and express your love and support to your teens. It is important to establish and create a safe space where your teen feels they can trust you and feel heard. You can explain how you are going to help them and let them know that you will continue to provide love and support no matter what.
When opening up the conversation, try to be gentle and non-intrusive in your approach. You can start by asking, ‘How have you been?’ Give them time to respond and listen without interrupting. Show empathy and avoid rushing to offer solutions. Sometimes, being heard is what they need most.
Be a Good Listening Ear
Try to listen from an open and neutral point of view. Focus on them instead of yourself and remember that the life and situations they experience are different. This can help prevent judgment. Understand that silence is okay. You can explain that although you are worried, you are willing to give them time to think about what they would like to share with you. If they do not come back to you on their own, you can try to gently revisit the conversation again after a few days.
Establish a Routine
Routines create a sense of predictability, helping to reduce anxiety and bring more structure to your child’s life. Within that routine, try to find some time to spend together to nurture that safe space and stay emotionally connected. Find moments that let them open up to you, and remind them of their worth and how deeply they are loved.
Engage in Meaningful Activities
This can give your teen a sense of purpose and promote positive mental health. You can find opportunities for them to help others or volunteer their time. Adopting good habits such as journaling to express their thoughts and practise self-reflection can also be helpful. Other habits that support good mental health include limiting time on social media, going to bed earlier, eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and practising gratitude!
Parents play a vital role in shaping and nurturing their teen’s mental health and well-being. By offering your care, guidance, and support, you can help your child navigate their struggles with mental health and develop healthy wellness habits from a young age.
When all other methods fall short, turning to a professional can offer fresh perspectives and the support your child needs to thrive.
Resources:
https://familiesforlife.sg/pages/Article/how-to-care-for-your-teens-mental-health