5 Tips to Support your Teens Mental Health

Navigating the complex landscape of a teenager's mental health can be a challenging task for parents. From fostering open communication to navigating the digital realm, we share tips to nurture your teen's mental health and simple, yet impactful strategies that can help increase the  connection with your teenager.

1. Open Communication

Creating a safe space for your teenager to communicate with you without judgment is crucial for parents. Although it may sound simple, it can be challenging because teenagers often express themselves differently than adults. 

If they sense that their words will be met with judgment or a quick fix, they might withhold important information, especially during difficult times. 

Fostering open communication involves responding with open-ended questions, refraining from immediately solving their problems, and instead guiding them toward finding resolutions. Regular check-ins are also essential, providing consistent reassurance that helps teenagers feel supported.

 

2. Set Realistic Expectations

The challenges facing today's teens differ significantly from what parents may have experienced during their own adolescence. The expectations for academic achievements are constantly on the rise, placing immense pressure on teenagers. 

Not only do they grapple with self-imposed expectations, but they may also feel the weight of societal standards from peers, teachers, and even within the home. 

Parents, understanding their children's potential, sometimes unintentionally contribute to this pressure, creating a challenging environment for teen mental health.

It is crucial to establish realistic expectations and celebrate their efforts rather than demand perfection. Acknowledging small achievements and fostering a growth mindset can provide valuable encouragement. 

Recognizing that imperfection and mistakes are part of the learning process can lead to significant life lessons. As parents, the focus should be on urging teens to measure their success against their own potential rather than comparing themselves to peers. 

Creating a home environment free from external comparisons allows teenagers to thrive and develop at their own pace.

 

3. Encourage Healthy Lifestyle Choices

Given the current peak in teen anxiety, providing them with effective outlets to navigate daily challenges becomes paramount. It's beneficial to encourage your teenager to establish a post-school schedule that prioritizes self-care. 

Incorporating physical activities, especially those outdoors, proves essential to releasing endorphins, which counteract the stress hormone cortisol. 

Participation in sports or physical activities after school not only fosters better time management but also reduces the likelihood of excessive social media use, promoting improved sleep quality as teens end their day feeling more tired.

Activities for mental health in teens offer tools and resources that promote emotional and psychological well-being, helping them face the challenges typical of this stage of their lives.

Addressing the prevalent issue of sleep deprivation among high schoolers is crucial. Academic pressures often lead to poor time management, resulting in late nights and insufficient sleep, typically averaging 5–6 hours or less. In essence, inadequate sleep acts like gasoline on their challenges, making it harder to concentrate, manage stress, and make sound decisions. 

As parents, we play a pivotal role in guiding our teens toward healthier choices by emphasizing the importance of physical activity, sufficient sleep, a balanced diet, and the mental health of teens.

 

4. Be Mindful of Online Presence

Teens are constantly immersed in a world of connectivity. Whether it's their phones, computers, headphones, or even smartwatches, they often navigate multiple screens simultaneously. This pervasive screen time, while offering numerous benefits, can also lead to adverse effects like cyberbullying and unrealistic beauty standards. However, as parents, there are proactive steps we can take to mitigate these challenges.

While respecting their privacy, parents can monitor and manage their teens' screen time using various apps designed for this purpose. Notable options include Qustodio (for kids over 13), Apple Screen Time (for IOS devices), and Google Family Link (for those under 13). 

Additionally, it's crucial for parents to model positive online behavior and responsible cell phone use. Establishing screen-free time during family dinners and designating specific periods each day for everyone to disconnect can contribute to a healthier balance in the family's digital interactions.

 

5. Seek Professional Support When Needed

Families are encouraged to communicate with their teen's school counselor if they suspect any social or emotional struggles. Navigating adolescence, which is marked by mood swings, identity exploration, and risk-taking, presents challenges in distinguishing between what is ‘normal’ teen behavior and what is concerning risky behavior. 

Some signs of concerning behavior could be changes like shifts in friend groups, social withdrawal, decreased motivation, sudden academic decline, or a change in behavior. 

School counselors play a pivotal role in helping identify signs that may be more concerning and guiding families through this evaluative process. The key lies in early action and seeking support promptly when concerns arise.

School counselors dedicate significant efforts to establishing safe spaces for students who may be facing challenges at school, ensuring they feel comfortable seeking support when needed.  

While counselors often intervene with regular support measures, there are instances when students require assistance beyond the school counselor's scope. In such cases, collaboration with families is crucial to facilitate referrals to mental health specialists, such as psychologists or psychiatrists, outside the school environment.

 

Supporting Youth: Strategies to Navigate the Challenges of Adolescence

The process of guiding adolescent development is shaped by deep understanding and constant adaptability. 

The significance of open communication, managing realistic expectations, promoting healthy habits, digital awareness, and seeking professional support stands tall as essential pillars in guiding youth toward healthy growth. 

Jennifer Tassell reminds us of the need to be mindful and empathetic towards the unique challenges adolescents face today, as well as the importance of providing them with a supportive and understanding environment to flourish at their own pace and potential. 

These strategies not only strengthen familial bonds but also mold more resilient and confident youth in an ever-changing world.

 

 

About the author

Jennifer Tassell, HighSchool Counselor

Jennifer Tassell is the head of the high school counseling department at the International School of Panama, where she has worked for the last 5 years. Prior to ISP she was at another internationally minded school in Panama for 11 years. She has her Master’s degree in School Guidance and Counseling and College Counseling Certification from Nova Southeastern University and UCLA.

Jennifer has worked closely with teens, specifically third culture kids, for the last 16 years, and is a mother to 11 and 15 year old daughters and 2 step sons who are 14 and 15 years old.