Teenage Mental Health: Effective Ways to Support Your Teen
Ask any parent, and they’ll tell you that raising teenagers comes with challenges you never expected but also rewards you never imagined. When your teen faces mental health struggles, you may feel helpless, like you’re losing your connection to the person you’ve loved and nurtured since they were a baby. But being prepared with ways to support your teen’s mental health can make a world of difference when they’re facing tough moments.
Ascend is here to support parents and other caregivers in the lives of the teens we serve to ensure a healthy family dynamic that includes everyone. Our mental health resources for parents can help the entire family find ways to move forward. Learn about more ways to support your teen’s mental health when you keep reading here!
How Can Parents Support Their Child’s Mental Health?
As a parent, it can be challenging to know where to start when it comes to supporting your teen’s mental health. Here are some ways you can support your teen’s mental health and be an advocate for their well-being:
- Learn about mental health
- Create a safe space for open communication
- Encourage healthy habits
- Be proactive about therapy or counseling
- Promote self-care
- Educate yourself on warning signs and crisis resources
You don’t have to be a mental health professional to find ways to support your teen’s mental health — just a loving and caring presence in their life. Your support and advocacy can make a world of difference in their journey towards good mental health.
Signs Your Teen May Need Extra Support
Once you know how parents can support their child’s mental health, it’s important to pay attention to any changes in your teen’s behavior or mood. Not every teenager will exhibit the same warning signs of mental health struggles, and it’s essential to know what is typical for your child. Signs that your teen may need extra support for their mental health include:
- Withdrawal from friends and family
- Changes in sleeping or eating habits
- Lack of interest in activities they used to enjoy
- Unexplained physical complaints (headaches, stomachaches, etc.)
- Changes in academic performance
- Frequent mood swings or extreme emotions
- Self-harming behaviors
Having open and honest communication with your teen is one of the best ways to support your teen’s mental health. Don’t be afraid to reach out for help and involve professionals if needed! This is an ongoing process, and it’s important to stay involved and connected with your teen as they navigate these challenges.
How to Be an Advocate for Mental Health
In addition to supporting your teen directly, you can also learn how to be an advocate for mental health in your community. This might involve educating others about the importance of mental health, advocating for better access to mental health resources, or simply being a supportive and understanding presence for other parents going through similar struggles.
The more people are educated and informed about mental health, the less stigma surrounding it will exist. By advocating for mental health, you are helping to create a more accepting and understanding society for your teen and others who may be struggling. Although it may seem like a small gesture, this is one of the best ways to support your teen’s mental health and help those around you.
Contact Ascend Today for Additional Support
You’re not on this journey alone. Ascend partners with parents and caregivers to support their teen’s mental health and provide the resources and tools they need to thrive. Our teen mental health treatment programs are tailored to meet the unique needs of every individual in our care, helping them build resilience and cope with life’s challenges.
Reach out to our team today by calling 310.388.3713 or reach out online to get started.
