How to Support Your Child’s Mental Health
If your teen is struggling with their mental health, it’s natural to question what may have caused their struggles. As a parent, you may worry that your actions, your own struggles with mental health, or something else you did may have contributed to your child’s challenges. While it’s normal to feel guilt and responsibility as a parent, it’s important to know that there are many factors that can impact a teen’s mental health, and the cause isn’t always clear-cut.
You may not have all the answers, but there are things you can do to support your child’s mental health and help them on their journey toward healing. Whether you consider residential treatment or a weekly session with a therapist, mental health treatment can address underlying issues and empower your teen to improve their own well-being. Learn more about how to support your child’s mental health when you read on here!
Common Causes of Mental Health Issues in Teens
There’s no one predictor of mental health struggles in teens. While factors like adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), family history, and genetics can play a role, there are many other potential triggers or causes. Some common causes of mental health issues in teens include:
- Stressful or traumatic events – Teens may struggle if they’ve experienced significant stress or trauma, such as the death of a loved one, bullying at school, or abuse.
- Academic pressure – The expectations to excel academically and get into a good college can be overwhelming for some teens and may contribute to anxiety, depression, or burnout.
- Peer pressure – Teens may feel immense pressure from their peers to fit in, look a certain way, or engage in risky behaviors.
- Family dynamics – Issues within the family, such as conflict, divorce, or a parent’s mental health struggles, can impact a teen’s well-being.
If you think you’re behind any of these stressors for your teen, it’s time to look at some tips on how to support your child’s mental health so you can change your behavior and help your whole family thrive.
Tips to Support Teen Mental Health
Concerned that you’re a part of the problem? Family counseling is a great way to get to the root of your family’s struggles and learn how to support your child’s mental health. You can also use some of these skills:
- Listen and validate their feelings – Let your child know that you’re there for them and that it’s okay to feel how they do. Refrain from dismissing or minimizing their struggles.
- Talk to a professional – Seeking guidance from a therapist or counselor can provide valuable insight into your child’s mental health and offer strategies for support.
- Encourage healthy coping skills – Help your child find healthy ways to manage stress, such as exercising, spending time in nature, or practicing mindfulness.
- Be patient and understanding – Mental health challenges take time to heal. Show your child compassion and patience as they work through their struggles.
Adolescence is complicated, so you may have to use all of these tips to support a family member who’s struggling.
Get Mental Health Treatment for Your Teen at Ascend
Now that you know a little bit about how to support your child’s mental health and some of the most common causes of mental health issues in teens, you’re better prepared to address their needs as they grow.
If you feel like you need a little more support for your family, Ascend is here to help with comprehensive treatment programs that focus on the entire family system. Reach out to us online or call us at 310.388.3713 for more information about your options.
