Practical Tips and Strategies for Supporting our Teens
There have been a number of recent stories of young people reaching the point of such despair that they felt there was no alternative but to take their lives. This is such a sad state of affairs and, I believe, a wake-up call for all of us.... so why are our young people struggling? What's going on?
Firstly, adolescence is a transformative period marked by rapid physical, emotional, and psychological changes. With the increasing pressures from academic expectations, social dynamics, and digital influences, teens today face unique mental health challenges. Parents, educators, and caregivers play a pivotal role in supporting adolescent mental well-being. So how can we better support our young people and teens? Here are practical strategies to foster resilience, emotional health, and a supportive environment for teens.
Foster Open Communication:
Create a Safe Space: Encourage teens to express their thoughts and feelings without fear of judgment. Regular, open conversations can make them feel heard and valued.
Active Listening: Pay attention, show empathy, and validate their emotions. Use phrases like, "I understand that must be really tough for you."
Be Approachable: Let them know they can talk to you about anything, no matter how difficult the topic.
Promote Healthy Lifestyle Habits and Self Care:
Regular Physical Activity: Encourage sports, dance, or even daily walks. Physical activity reduces stress and boosts mood.
Balanced Nutrition: A healthy diet supports brain function and emotional regulation.
Adequate Sleep: Teens need 8-10 hours of sleep. Establish consistent sleep routines and limit screen time before bed.
Teach Coping and Problem-Solving Skills:
Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques: Practices like deep breathing, meditation, or yoga can help manage anxiety and stress.
Goal-Setting: Help them set realistic goals and break tasks into manageable steps, fostering a sense of achievement.
Positive Self-Talk: Encourage replacing negative thoughts with constructive affirmations.
Recognize Signs of Mental Health Issues:
Behavioral Changes: Withdrawal from friends, changes in academic performance, or loss of interest in activities.
Emotional Indicators: Persistent sadness, irritability, or extreme mood swings.
Physical Symptoms: Unexplained headaches, stomachaches, or fatigue can be linked to stress or anxiety.
Build Strong Social Connections:
Family Bonding: Regular family activities can strengthen relationships and provide emotional security.
Encourage Friendships: Support their efforts to build healthy, positive friendships.
Community Involvement: Participation in clubs, sports teams, or volunteer activities fosters a sense of belonging.
Limit and Guide Technology Use:
Screen Time Management: Encourage breaks from screens and promote offline activities.
Discuss Online Safety: Talk about cyberbullying, social media pressures, and the importance of digital boundaries.
Model Healthy Behavior: Demonstrate balanced technology use in your own life.
Seek Professional Help When Needed:
Don’t Hesitate to Reach Out: If signs of mental distress persist, consult mental health professionals like counselors, psychologists, or psychiatrists. Remember you're not alone. I've provided some useful resources below, in case you need it.
Normalize Therapy: Reduce stigma by framing therapy as a healthy way to manage emotions and develop coping skills.
Supporting teen mental health requires a proactive, compassionate approach. By fostering open communication, encouraging healthy habits, and being attentive to changes in behavior, caregivers can significantly impact their teen's emotional well-being. Remember, mental health is just as important as physical health, and seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Useful Resources: https://childlinett.org/
Dr Paula Robertson is a busy mom and a paediatrician with over twenty years' experience working with young people and their families. She is also a certified children's mindfulness teacher and Positive Discipline Parenting
coach. You can find out more at www.paulathedoctormom.com.
Our AI wellness assistant has contributed to the writing of this article.
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