Mental health is explained by the World Health Organization (WHO) as “a state of well-being in which the individual realizes his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to his or her community.” Unfortunately, there is a growing mental health crisis among teenagers in the United States, as data indicates that from 2001 to 2019 the suicide rate for American teens from ages 10 to 19 jumped 40 percent, and emergency room visits for self-harm rose 88 percent. Navigating a mental health crisis can be challenging for both adolescents and their parents. There are, however, a variety of ways parents can delicately help their teenagers learn to manage and improve their mental health and enhance their overall wellbeing. Consider the following suggestions to help you support your teen:
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- Have open lines of communication: create an emotionally safe environment and have regular check-ins with your teenager.
- Show your support: take notice of your teenager’s interests and never hesitate to express your pride in their accomplishments, both big and small.
- Work through conflict together: modelling healthy communication and practicing conflict resolution can be a living example of how to engage in relationships.
- Encourage your teen to implement consistent self-care practices: exercise regularly, obtain ample nightly sleep, eat nutritiously, engage in mindfulness practices (e.g., meditation, yoga), etc.
- Ask for help: recognize your limitations as a parent and help your teen pursue professional guidance by speaking with a psychologist, social worker, or counselor when needed. There is a vast network of highly qualified mental health providers that have expert knowledge and extensive experience working with adolescents.
It is important to bear in mind that family relationships can play an integral role in a teen’s mental health. As is true with all things in life, family can have both positive and negative effects on one’s mental health. When family relationships are stable and supportive, they can have positive effects on one’s mental health, as they can provide resources that can help a teenage family member learn to cope with stress, engage in healthier behaviors, and cultivate improved self-esteem.
For Information and Support
Every family in need of mental health treatment must select a program that will best suit the needs of their family. When one member of a family struggles, it impacts everyone in the family unit. To maximize the benefits of treatment we work closely with the entire family to ensure that everyone is receiving the support they need through these difficult times. Seeking help is never easy, but you are not alone! If you or someone you know needs mental health treatment, we strongly encourage you to reach out for help as quickly as possible. It is not uncommon for many mental health difficulties to impact a person’s life, long term. Pursuing support at the beginning of one’s journey can put the individual in the best position to learn how to manage themselves in a healthy way so they can go on to live happy and fulfilling lives.
OUR KNOWLEDGEABLE ADMISSIONS TEAM CAN BE REACHED 24/7 AT INFO@PACIFICRTC.COM OR CALL: 800-531-5769 We are available to answer any questions you may have regarding mental health treatment and our residential program, anytime. Contact us today using the form to the right.
