Adolescent and Teenage Mental Health Warning Signs

Mental health affects every realm of a person’s life. When our mental health is negatively impacted, it will inevitably have repercussions in one of the following domains: school, occupation, relationships, sleep habits, physical health, appetite, mood and/or behavior.

With adolescent and teenage mental health disorders on the rise, it is more important than ever to understand the signs and symptoms that your child might be struggling. Knowing what to look out for without worrying about your child’s every little movement can feel like an overwhelming task, so let’s break it down together.

Mood/Behavior Changes

Changes in mood and behavior are often some of the first warning signs that your child may be struggling. You might notice that your once easy going, patient teen is now experiencing frequent angry outbursts, or disobeying you or other authority figures in their life. If you observe a general loss of interest in activities your child formerly enjoyed or a constant state of fear, worry or hopelessness without obvious cause, it’s time to check in.

School or Occupation Struggles

If you find that your child is refusing to go to school, having trouble concentrating, missing classes, receiving lower-than-usual grades on assignments, forgetting to turn in homework or otherwise having a hard time in the school setting, they might be dealing with mental health stressors that are impacting their ability to succeed academically. The same goes for jobs; your teen no longer wanting to go to their weekend job or failing to uphold work responsibilities might be trying to send you the message that they need help.

Changes in Relationships and Social Settings

Changes in social norms is another indicator that your teen might be facing adversity. Withdrawing from friends or usual social settings, or engaging in recreational activities that are unusual for your child is something to be aware of.

Altered Sleep Habits and Physical Health

Healthy sleep hygiene is important for maintaining mental health. If you notice that your child is sleeping significantly more or less than usual, or having difficulty sleeping altogether, it’s a good idea to check in with them about what might be contributing. Physical changes such as unexplained weight gain or loss, recurring stomachaches, headaches, or other complaints can be a red flag. It is also important to be aware of any signs of self-harm: cuts, scratches, burns or bruising on your child’s body.  

If you notice your child grappling with any of the aforementioned issues, it’s imperative to check in with them. You can let them know what changes you’ve been observing, emphasize that you are there to support them through whatever they might be dealing with, and talk about the options for seeking help. Checking in with other caregivers in your child’s life (teachers, coaches, relatives etc.) is another great way to gather information about changes in your child’s mental health.

If after talking with your child, your worry still persists, do not hesitate to seek professional help. Reach out to your child’s guidance counselor, PCP or a vetted therapist for further support on how best you can support your child’s needs.

Contact Elyssa DeWolfe if you think or your child might benefit from therapy services.

Supporting Your Teen’s Mental Health

Help! I don’t recognize my teenager anymore.

With adolescent and teenage mental health conditions on the rise, chances are you may have noticed your child struggling with their emotions, moods or behaviors.

Perhaps your once bubbly and outgoing teen has become quiet and withdrawn. Or maybe your confident and optimistic adolescent now appears unsure and despondent. Seeing your child confront the many hurdles that come with growing up and going through puberty can be scary and worrisome. Knowing how to support them through it, without pushing them further away can be even harder!

As kids enter their adolescent and teenage years, they are often confronted with changes in their social groups, increased academic pressures, and the battle of comparing their looks, intelligence and skillsets to those of their peers’.

Teens also go through differentiation during this time; a process of self-discovery that includes developing a sense of self-identity, experimenting with appearance and exploring their personal beliefs and morals. While this is all perfectly healthy and normal, the transitions that teens make throughout this stage are not always parent-approved, causing a greater rift in the home.

Does any of this sound familiar to you? If so, keep reading to learn about how you can support your teen through the turbulence while also maintaining your own sanity.

 Listen and Learn

One of the most important things you can do for your child is simply listen to them.  It’s human nature to want to solve the problems our kids have, to help them live a life free of stress and worry. But guess what? That’s not possible and we would be doing them a disservice if every time they had a problem, we immediately swooped in to save the day. Instead, we can empathize with what they are feeling.

Let me give you an example: perhaps your daughter comes home from school upset and tearful about an issue with her friends. She storms through the front door adamant that she’s never going back to school. Your first instincts might be to tell her to calm down and stop yelling, ask a series of detailed questions about the situation and maybe even get frustrated yourself when these strategies don’t yield the results you had hoped for. Instead, I’d urge you in this moment to take a deep breath yourself, validate how your daughter is feeling and offer empathy: “I can tell you’re really upset by what happened today. I know it doesn’t feel good to have disagreements with the people you care most about.”

Then, instead of assuming what she needs from you, ask what you can do to help: “How can I support you? Would you like me to listen, give you some space, something else? You tell me!” It’s very possible she might want space in this moment to regulate herself. Do your best to respect that while also assuring her you’re always there for her: “I think taking some time to yourself sounds like a great plan. If you decide you do want to talk about it more, know that I am always here to listen.” So often teens and adolescents are being told what to do and how to do it. When you have the opportunity to simply listen, validate and empathize you build a sense of safety and meaningful connection while doing it.

Be a Role Model

Another great strategy for helping your child learn healthy ways to cope with their struggles is to model how you cope with your own. Maybe you had an especially hard day at work, your boss was tough on you and you’re coming home feeling deflated and stressed. Let your child know this and show them that you know how to cope with it. This might sound like: “I had a very overwhelming day at work. I’m under a lot of pressure right now and feeling tired. I’m going to take care of myself by taking a warm shower and getting some fresh air to clear my head.” Showing your child that you are human too will help them feel closer to you while also teaching them to manage their own emotions in an adaptive way.

Develop Healthy Coping Skills

Finding outlets for your teen to express the many emotions they might be holding in is always a great strategy. If your teen likes to write or express themselves through art, offer them the opportunity to journal their thoughts or use a canvas to paint what they’re feeling. Maybe you have a child who prefers to be more active. Encouraging them to get fresh air, go for a run, shoot hoops or take the dog for a walk is a great way to release endorphins and reduce stress. Turning to YouTube to learn a simple meditation or deep breathing technique can also be an effective way to relax your body and mind. 

If, despite all of your efforts, your child is still struggling, it may be time to seek outside help. Talking to a trusted adult (teacher, guidance counselor, grandparent, therapist) is another safe way for your child to express themselves while also getting the opportunity to receive guidance and validation.

Contact Elyssa DeWolfe if you think or your child might benefit from therapy services.