No one denies the teen years can be tough — for both teens and their parents. Moodiness, irritability, and seeming “out of sorts” are all part of the normal teen experience for most adolescents, brought on by a surge of hormones and the natural desire for more personal independence.
But sometimes, behavioral changes — even subtle ones — can be a sign of a more serious mental health issue that needs prompt, appropriate medical care in order to prevent more serious complications. The problem is that the teen years can be filled with ups and downs; it’s not always easy to spot a mental health problem when it arises — and for many parents, it can be even harder to broach the subject of seeking help.
At Harbor Community Health Centers, our team understands the important role behavioral health services and psychotherapy can play in helping many teens find the support they need to feel valued, heard, and understood. In this post, learn some simple tips to help you talk to your teen so they can receive the help they need to navigate challenges and manage emotions successfully.
Millions of teens suffer from mental health issues, yet many families still find it difficult to talk about emotional well-being. One of the best ways to make those conversations easier is to treat mental health as a normal part of overall health — and to keep conversations casual and matter-of-fact.
While it might be tempting to sit your teen down for a serious "we-need-to-talk" conversation, it’s much better to look for natural opportunities to connect. Simple activities, like tidying up, making dinner together, or taking a walk around the neighborhood, offer a much less intimidating environment than a formal “sit-down” discussion.
Bottom line: Broaching a difficult subject in everyday moments can make it much easier for teens to open up.
If your teen doesn’t seem ready to talk, resist the urge to keep pressing them. Instead, let them know you're available whenever they want to talk, and continue checking in — casually — on a regular basis. Simply knowing you’re there, if and when they want to talk, can help your teen feel comfortable coming to you when they're ready.
It’s natural to want to protect your child, especially when they’re dealing with an emotional issue. But if you want your teen to share what they’re feeling, you must overcome the urge to “fix” their feelings and experiences. Mental health issues aren’t superficial — they often involve deeper, physiological issues that require medical intervention to help your teen manage them effectively.
Instead of jumping in with well-meaning “solutions,” focus on their perspective and approach the conversation with compassion and patience. Give them your full attention — put down your phone, close your computer, and tune out other distractions. Choose a time and a place where you won’t be interrupted by people, including siblings.
Don’t minimize their experiences, dismiss their feelings, tell them to “count their blessings,” or compare their feelings to the experiences you had as a teen. Instead, recognize their individuality and their personal journey by letting them know you appreciate their willingness to let you in.
Even though mental health issues are more widely accepted today, there can still be significant stigma attached to them, especially during the teen years when peer pressure is at its zenith. Many teens worry they'll be judged if they admit they're struggling. Parents can help break down that stigma by talking openly about mental health and treating it like any other aspect of overall health.
Remind your teen that mental health issues are as real as any other health problem. For example, if your teen had asthma or diabetes, neither you nor they would hesitate to seek treatment. Mental health concerns deserve the same level of attention and care.
Finally, if your teen still feels nervous or uncertain about meeting with one of our counselors, reassure them that those feelings are completely normal. Let them know you're proud of them for taking an important step toward feeling better and that you'll be there to support them throughout the process.
If you're concerned about changes in your teen's mood or behavior, don't wait for the situation to worsen. Early medical support from our team can make a meaningful difference and help your teen thrive now and in the future.
To learn more, call 310-547-0202 to schedule an appointment with the Harbor Community Health Centers team at one of our two San Pedro, California, locations today.
