Teenager Parenting - A two way street

What happens to teenagers’ mental health?

The adolescent years mark the transition from childhood to maturity. Teens have a burning urge to be self-sufficient. As a result, they may resent the fact that they are still reliant on their parents. The mental and physical changes they underego may also make them feel overwhelmed.

Fitting in at school and among friends, for example, may be a source of stress for teenagers. Getting high grades and doing well in school, performing well in sports and other activities, taking part as a family member, working part-time, getting ready for college or the next stage of their lives after high school are some of the examples teenagers go through in their daily life.

When should you be concerned?

A group of self activities are at danger for certain teenagers. Low self-esteem and family issues are common among these teenagers. They may experiment with drugs or alcohol, as well as having intercourse without protection. Other typical health conditions that youth confront include depression and eating disorders. The following indicators may tell that your kid is having difficulties:

• Behavior that is agitated or restless.
• Weight growth or decrease.
• Decline in grades.
• Have trouble in concentrating.
• Sadness that hasn’t gone away.
• Doesn’t care about other people
• Insufficient motivation.
• Fatigue, a lack of energy, and a lack of desire to participate in activities.
• Low self-confidence.
• Have trouble in sleeping.
• Had a few run-ins with the law.

How to cope with your teenage child’s mental health?

The adolescent years are crucial when your child establishes his or her identity. Many parents are unsure about how they might assist their adolescent.

It’s crucial to show your kid that you love and support them, that you can assist them through difficult times, and that you are always there for them, whether you and your teen get along well or not.

Here are few things to remember while asking your teen, “How are you doing?” and demonstrating that you are always there for them.

• Look for methods to communicate with your adolescent. Inquire about their day and what they have been up to. It might be as simple as inviting them to help you with a chore, such as cooking food, so you can talk about their day.
• Even though it is difficult, it is important to recognize and comprehend the feelings people are experiencing. You can answer with “I understand,” “that seems like a terrible circumstance,” or “that makes sense” when they open up to you.
• It’s easy to notice the things your adolescent does that you don’t approve of. However, try to recognize and compliment them on anything they’re doing well, even if it’s as basic as picking up after themselves.
• Work together to establish new habits and daily goals that are attainable. You might schedule household duties around schoolwork or establish a goal, such as doing homework before supper.
• Adolescence is synonymous with freedom! Give your adolescent enough time and space to be on their own. It’s a natural aspect of growing up to require more room.
• Find a few strategies to encourage and assist your adolescent to take time out from homework, chores, or other activities to do something they like. If your teen is frustrated, work with them to come up with some problem-solving ideas. Make an effort not to take command and tell them what to do.
• Be open and honest with your teen: you may tell them if you’re stressed out as well. Showing children how you deal with challenging feelings might reassure them that theirs are normal.

Conclusion

Mental illness can be avoided. However, because they are in denial, most parents do not bring their children in until after the problems have been going on for months. “It can’t be possible what’s happening to my child,” most parents believe.

If you’re concerned, you should speak with your teen.

If your kid appears worried or has made a big shift in their conduct, it’s better to talk to them about it first. It may not indicate a mental condition such as depression or anxiety, but it might indicate that something in their life is functioning as a stressor.

Reminder: Talk to your child about their mental health

- Swati Kewlani