Dear Parents……
I am a mother of two grown-up children.
Following two incidents in my motherhood experience, I realized the necessity of focusing our children’s mental health during their upbringing
The first incident occurred when my elder son was facing a challenging phase during his class 12 board exams. Unfortunately, the sudden halt caused by the COVID-19 pandemic added additional stress to an already taxing situation. Witnessing his struggles, I realized the critical need to support his mental health during this difficult period.
Secondly, my daughter was on an emotional toll, when I shifted her to another school where she had to leave behind her old dear friends. It was disheartening to see her feel low and miss the innocent urge of friendships she had formed.
From both instances, I understood that our children’s mental health is just as crucial as their physical well-being.
In this article, we will explore six comprehensive ways to support mental health for teenagers.
Foster open communication
Support teens’ mental health by promoting open communication, allowing them to share feelings openly.
As parents or caregivers, listen attentively, avoid judgment, and validate their emotions. This fosters an understanding of their emotional well-being.
Ensure that when engaging in a “how are you?” conversation with your teenager, you convey your constant support and presence.
Stay connected with your teen by asking about their day and engaging in shared activities.
Reassure your constant support, encouraging them to share feelings comfortably through simple, empathetic responses.
Listen to their emotions, even if it’s uneasy, responding with understanding and support.
Give constructive feedback and acknowledge their positive actions, even small ones .
Promote healthy lifestyle choices
It is important to emphasize the significance of regular exercise and physical activity in maintaining good mental well-being.
Engaging in physical activities such as sports, dancing, or hiking can help reduce stress, improve mood, and boost self-confidence.
Additionally, encouraging a balanced and nutritious diet can positively impact overall mental health.
Equip teens with stress management tools for better coping.
Teach yoga practices like deep breathing, mindfulness, and journaling.
Sufficient sleep is vital for teen mental health. A bedtime routine with calming activities like reading or music improves sleep quality and overall mental wellness.
Encourageing them to explore their interests and pursue hobbies is a great boost to their well being. Whether it’s painting, playing a musical instrument, or participating in community clubs, engaging in these activities can foster creativity, self-expression, and a sense of purpose
These techniques aid in handling stress and anxiety effectively.
Cultivate supportive relationships
Give them a feeling you are there for them.
Having strong and supportive relationships plays a vital role in a teenager’s mental health.
Building bonds with family, friends, and peers can give them a sense of belonging and security.
Encouraging positive social interactions, such as group activities or volunteering, can foster a supportive network that can provide emotional support during challenging times.
Parents need to take time to spend with them to understand their condition.
Adolescence means independence. Allow ample solitude for your teen; it’s a natural developmental need.
Make plans for breaks and enjoyable activities to help solve issues if they’re frustrated.
Educate about mental health
Recognizing the symptoms of mental illness is critical.
Caretakers must be alert to any behavioral changes or unpleasant emotions in teenagers.
Please encourage them to seek professional assistance from therapists or counselors when required.
Professional help can give them the support and resources they need to navigate their mental health difficulties.
Monitor screen time and social media use
While technology has its benefits, excessive screen time and social media usage can negatively impact a teenager’s mental health as:
- An increased chance of experiencing negative mental health effects (depression, anxiety)
- fears of injury at a sensitive stage of brain development
- Cyberbullying, body image issues, disordered eating, and poor sleep hygiene have links to adverse consequences.
- receiving false information
Establishing boundaries and restrictions on screen time will help to promote thoughtful and ethical technology use.
To maintain a healthy balance between the virtual world and the actual world, encourage in-person contact and offline activities.
Act as a role model and preach self-care
Self-care is a great way to teach your teen about it.
It’s common for kids and teenagers to adopt behaviors and characteristics from others around them.
Show them that if you’re feeling overwhelmed, it’s alright to talk to a friend or family member.
Make time for the people in your life that you can talk to about your feelings and thoughts.
Make time for the things you enjoy doing, such as dancing, art, or music, as these will help you cope and manage your stress.
Support Teen Mental Health by Resolving Conflicts Together
Try to resolve conflicts amicably while paying attention to your teen’s opinions. Keep in mind that everyone experiences stress!
Never talk about a problem when you’re upset. You can discuss it with your teen later. Now go, take a deep breath, and try to relax.
Prevent conflicts over power. Teens may be finding it difficult to maintain control at the moment because the world is uncertain and there don’t seem to be many options. As challenging as it may be at the time, try to understand their need to take charge during a frightening period rather than trying to resist or subdue it.
Communicate openly and honestly with your adolescent; you can tell them that you are also feeling more stressed out. They can learn that their feelings are acceptable by seeing how you handle your own challenging emotions.
When there is a disagreement, think about how you and your adolescent can resolve it. You can share your thoughts with your teen so they can see how you think.
Conclusion
Teenage years can be a challenging time.
As young people handle the intricacies of academic pressures, social connections, and personal growth.
So, it is crucial to prioritize their mental well-being during this phase, as it can significantly impact their overall happiness and future success.
It is essential for us as parents to be mindful and supportive during times of stress or change.
