Celebrating World Teen Mental Health Day: Supporting Teens' Well-Being

World Teen Mental Health Day, observed on March 2, is an important day for raising awareness about the mental health struggles that many teens face. It serves as a reminder to address the harmful stigma surrounding mental health and promote the helpful resources available for teens who need support. By actively discussing teen mental health, we can break down barriers, encourage open conversations, and provide the necessary tools to help teens thrive.

Why Teen Mental Health Matters

Adolescence is a time of many pivotal changes, developmental milestones, and emotional stress. Navigating this challenging period can be difficult – and mental health issues among teens are growing increasingly common.

• Recent studies indicate that approximately one in five adolescents between the ages of 12 and 18 have at least one diagnosable mental health disorder.
• During adolescence many brain chemistry changes occur, such as increased dopamine, decreased serotonin, and changes in melatonin, which can significantly affect mood and behavior. Hormonal changes during puberty can also contribute to mental health issues, such as anxiety, depression, and eating disorders.
• Teenagers are often juggling complex responsibilities, including academics and extracurricular activities, as well as coping with social pressures, peer relationships, family dynamics, and the transition from childhood to adulthood – all while trying to figure out who they are. This period is often marked by intense stress, insecurity, and feelings of self-doubt, which can all have a negative effect on mental wellness.
• If not recognized and treated early, your teen’s mental health struggles are likely to persist and worsen in adulthood. That’s why early intervention is so important. Learning to properly detect the warning signs of a mental health problem and promptly addressing the symptoms is critical in preventing more serious mental health struggles down the line.

Recognizing Signs of Mental Health Struggles in Teens

Mental health problems in teens often go unnoticed for a variety of reasons. Many teens fear the stigma surrounding mental health and the opinions of their peers, so they may try to hide signs of their poor mental health. Parents may also overlook sudden changes in their teen's moods or behaviors and chalk it up to the regular difficulties of adolescence.

Some of the most common signs your teen is struggling with a mental health issue include:

• Persistent sadness or irritability: Most teens get the blues now and then, but if your teen is regularly feeling down, showing persistent signs of sadness that don’t improve, or experiencing intense and frequent irritability, it could be a sign of depression or anxiety.
• Withdrawal from activities or friends: If you notice your teen is withdrawing from their friends, avoiding social events, or losing interest in their favorite hobbies, afterschool activities, or sports, it may indicate a mental health issue.
• Changes in sleep and eating habits: Teens who are struggling with depression, anxiety, or other mental health problems may experience extreme shifts in sleep patterns, such as excessive sleeping or insomnia. Any noticeable shift in eating habits, such as binge eating or obsessing over calories, should be evaluated as well.
• Decline in school performance: Mental health issues often affect concentration and motivation, which can have a detrimental effect on your teen’s grades and academic performance.

Ways to Support Teen Mental Health

Supporting your teen’s mental health goes beyond simply recognizing when something might be wrong – it’s also about being proactive in helping your teen build resilience and cultivate healthy mental well-being.

Here are a few ways you can support your teen's mental health:

• Encourage open communication: It is essential to create a space for your teen to openly share their thoughts and feelings. Let them know that it’s okay to talk about difficult topics without fear of judgment. You are one of your teen’s most important confidantes – give them your undivided attention to discuss their worries and reassure them, answer questions, and offer solutions. Ask your teen about their day, every day.
• Promote healthy habits: Physical and mental health are deeply connected. Help your teen prioritize healthy habits, such as regular exercise, a balanced diet, sufficient sleep, and time for self-care.
• Help build resilience: Encourage your teen to develop coping strategies for managing the challenges and stress. Teaching problem-solving skills, fostering a positive mindset, and reinforcing the importance of persistence can all help your teen develop resilience.

Mental Health Resources for Teens

• National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): The NAMI website offers a wealth of informative resources for teens and their parents to deal with mental challenges, including articles on how to start the conversation about mental health and tips for coping with common mental health triggers for teens, such as social media and bullying.
• School counselors: School counselors’ job is to help teens develop the social and academic skills necessary to make a successful transition into adulthood, which may include guiding them through the emotional struggles that often come with school and adolescence. Counselors are available to help their students manage academic stress, discuss mental health concerns, and even provide referrals to outside resources if they need further support.
• Professional treatment: Sometimes seeking professional mental health care is the only way to effectively address your teen’s symptoms. Talk therapy with a mental health professional, medication, group therapy, or a combination of several treatment methods may help your teen better understand their feelings, cope with stress and anxiety, and improve their mental wellness.
• Crisis Text Line: If your teen needs immediate help, they can text HOME to 741741 or 988 for support. This service will connect them with trained professionals who can assist during a crisis.

Mental Health Facts to Remember

To continue the conversation around teen mental health, keep in mind some key facts:

• Mental health is just as important as physical health. Mental health is integral to our overall well-being and can actually have a direct effect on physical health. Encouraging your teen to prioritize mental wellness and reject the unfair stigma surrounding treatment is the first step in teaching them to have a positive, proactive attitude about mental health.
• Mental health conditions often begin in the teen years. Many common mental health problems, such as anxiety, depression, and eating disorders, emerge most often during adolescence. Being vigilant and addressing symptoms as soon as they appear will help keep these issues from escalating into adulthood.
• Supportive environments make a difference. Teens with a strong support system are more likely to show resilience and seek mental health help when needed. Cultivating an environment where your teen feels understood, loved, and valued will help them feel less alone on their mental health journey.

Mental Health Treatment for Teens at LiveWell Counseling

If your teen is struggling with their mental health, professional treatment can help. At LiveWell Counseling, we understand that each teen is different, and our approach focuses on helping them build the tools they need for their unique symptoms and circumstances. Through a personalized care plan, our compassionate and highly qualified mental health professionals help teens manage stress and learn effective coping methods in a supportive, nonjudgmental environment.

To learn more about LiveWell Counseling, please call (201) 848-5800 or visit ChristianHealthNJ.info/LiveWellCounseling.