Mental health problems among children and teens are worsening. 9.7% of youth in the U.S. have severe major depression, and sadly, the majority are not receiving the help they need. Untreated mental illness can lead to a wide range of problems such as substance use and suicide.
The best way to help young people with mental illness is to identify the signs that there’s a problem, get an accurate diagnosis from a qualified doctor and start a personalized treatment plan that includes behavioral therapy and possibly medication.
How to Tell if Your Child or Teen Has a Mental Health Problem
Many parents, teachers, pediatricians and others have a hard time identifying mental health concerns in youth because the signs can be attributed to other things. Teenagers are known for being moody and stretching the rules, after all, so how can you tell the difference between normal behavior and abnormal behavior?
Here are some of the most important signs to pay attention to that may indicate your child or teen has a mental health condition:
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Feeling very sad or withdrawn for two or more weeks
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Sudden overwhelming fears for no reason
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Making plans or seriously trying to harm themselves
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Changes in eating and sleeping patterns
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Severe mood swings that are causing problems in relationships
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Trouble in school, such as a sudden drop in grades or getting into fights
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Repeated use of drugs or alcohol
If you notice any of these signs in your child, take them to their doctor right away. Usually, a primary care doctor can make the diagnosis and refer you to the appropriate specialist.
What are Some of the Ways You Can Help Your Child or Teen Cope with Their Diagnosis?
Whether or not you’ve personally struggled with mental illness, raising a child with these challenges can be scary. But we encourage you to stay positive and recognize that more services and resources are available than ever before. You are not alone in this journey.
Below are six ways that you can support your child or teen with their mental health diagnosis.
1. Get support and education for yourself.
To be the best advocate for your child, it’s important to be strong yourself. Start by educating yourself on your child’s diagnosis. This background will allow you to make the appropriate decisions for your child and also be patient when problems arise. Learn more about working with a parent mentor from Bridge the Gap.
2. Follow your child’s treatment plan.
Your child will receive an appropriate treatment plan from their doctor or psychiatrist. Be sure to follow this plan, whether it’s taking your child to their therapy appointments or making sure they take their medication on time. When they’re feeling better, some teens stop their medication, but this can be harmful to their health.
3. Create a supportive home environment.
Make your home a happy and safe place to be. Kids and teens need this sense of security. Some of the things you can do include showing interest in your child’s day, spending time together as a family and dealing with problems as they arise. Communication is important, so make sure you are continually asking your child how they are and acknowledging their feelings.
4. Maintain a consistent routine.
Stability is important for all kids and teens, especially those who are struggling with their mental health. Maintain a consistent routine as much as possible. Make sure your child is eating their meals, getting enough rest at night and making time for self-care. If your child doesn’t participate in sports, also encourage them to get at least 30 minutes of exercise each day.
5. Limit time spent on social media.
Spending too much time on social media can negatively impact self-esteem. Limit your child’s time on social media. Even though social media has its benefits, it can negatively affect your child’s thoughts, feelings and perceptions of the world.
Some of the most common problems that kids and teens face on social media are:
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Name-calling, bullying
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Spreading false rumors
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Receiving unsolicited explicit images
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Having activities tracked by someone other than a parent
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Physical threats
6. Enlist support from a teen mentor.
You’re a person, too, so it’s impossible for you to know everything and be everywhere. If you feel that your family could benefit from outside help, reach out to Bridge The Gap for our teen mentoring services. Your child or teen can receive indivdualized support that matches their needs. Their mentor can help with academic challenges, transitioning to a new schedule, self-help skills and more.
Contact Bridge the Gap for Therapeutic Teen Mentoring
If your child is struggling with a mental health condition, align them with the proper support services so they can grow into confident, productive young adults. Bridge The Gap also provides parent mentoring services to help parents be the best role models as possible. We are here for you on this journey!
