Here we come for round 2 💁💚

Happy Friday! Look who's back, back again. It's us, LINK! We believe it’s a parent's right to worry. But we’re here to help you Worry Smarter, Not Harder. Today we’re covering the complete guide needed to navigate your teen's mental health.

Want to discover new ways to boost your teen’s wellbeing? Chat now for free with a LINK mentor expert. 

Quick Thought From Us

Teenage years (yes we’re looking at you high schoolers!) are a time of great uncertainty and change. As parents, we want to protect our children and help them navigate this difficult period of life in the best way possible… but sometimes it’s not so easy. Additionally, mental health issues have become increasingly prevalent among teenagers in recent years. It is important for parents to be aware of the signs of mental health issues so that they can take proactive steps to impact, boost, and develop their self-confidence and get the help they need - so let’s dive in!

Identifying Mental Health Issues - Let's Take a Look Inside...

What to look for

One of the most difficult aspects of parenting teenagers is identifying when something is wrong. Teenagers often go through periods of moodiness and angst, which can make it hard for parents to distinguish between typical teenage behavior and a more serious problem. Teens can often close off when experiencing difficult instances of (cyber)bullying, insecurity, loneliness after a breakup, and academic pressures. Maybe your teen is even lying about their well-being and trust issues are fostering in the relationship.

Don’t worry - here are the five main signs to identify a mental health issue so you can plan a healthy course of action:

• changes in eating or sleeping habits

• difficulty concentrating

• excessive worrying or sadness

• withdrawing from activities

• expressing thoughts about suicide

If you notice any of these symptoms in your child, it’s important to take action quickly.

Seeking Help for Your Child

If you notice any signs that your child may be struggling with a mental health issue, there are several options available for getting them help. A good place to start is by talking to your child’s doctor or school counselor. They can provide resources such as therapists or support groups that can help your child manage their feelings and address any underlying issues they may have.

In addition, there are many online resources available such as helplines and websites dedicated to helping teens deal with mental health issues.

Finally, don’t forget about yourself. Caring for your own mental health will give you the strength and resilience you need to support your child through this challenging time.

Mental health issues among teenagers are on the rise – but there is hope! By taking steps early on to identify potential problems in our children and seek out professional help if needed, we can ensure that our kids get the care they need during this critical period in their lives. As parents, it’s important to remember that we don't have all the answers, but with patience and guidance from professionals, we can work together with our children to build strong foundations for their futures.

Anxiety vs. Depression

Signs of Anxiety in Teens

Anxiety is a normal part of life, but when it becomes excessive or unmanageable it can have a huge effect on a teenager's quality of life. Signs that your teen may be struggling with anxiety include:

• restlessness

• irritability

• difficulty concentraing

• an inability to relax

• frequent worrying about small things

They may also suffer from physical symptoms like headaches, stomach aches, or fatigue.

Signs of Depression in Teens

Depression is much more serious than anxiety or stress and should not be taken lightly. Symptoms of depression include:

• sleep problems (insomnia or oversleeping)

• loss of interest in activities they used to enjoy

• feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness

• lack of energy or motivation

• changes in appetite or weight fluctuations

• thoughts of suicide or self-harm

If your teen is struggling with any of these signs, it is important to seek professional help right away.

It is normal for teens to experience some level of anxiety throughout adolescence as they navigate the changes that come with growing up. However, if you notice that your teen’s anxiety has become excessive or unmanageable it may be time to seek professional help. Similarly, if your teen is exhibiting signs of depression such as loss of interest in activities they used to enjoy, feelings of worthlessness, or thoughts of suicide then it is essential that you reach out for help from a qualified mental health professional right away.

With the right support and guidance, your teen can learn healthy coping mechanisms and tools to manage their mental health issues effectively.

Learning the Landscape - Being a teen in 2023, kinda sucks

The current generation of teenagers have suffered more than any other due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the stressors of the modern digital world. Teenagers face more pressure to succeed than ever before and the combination of social distancing and social media has left teens feeling lonely, stressed, and anxious. In addition, parents are drained and burned out trying to manage the unknown ramifications of their teens' struggles in an unfamiliar digital world. Teens have always turned to their friends and parents to help them get through the hard parts of adolescence. Unfortunately, in 2023, teens have been left to rely only on themselves. 

Hot Off the Press - Just keepin’ you in the loop

Teens Are Struggling Right Now. What Can Parents Do?

The psychologist Lisa Damour shares advice on how to connect, what healthy emotions look like and when to step in.

This doctor wants to congratulate you on having a teenager. Here’s why

Dr. Ken Ginsburg is tired of swimming against the tide when it comes to public perceptions about teens. After decades of work strengthening families and raising teens of his own, the founding director of the Center for Parent and Teen Communication at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia says it’s time to change the narrative altogether.

Teens open up at night. Parents should embrace that.

"As a psychologist who cares for teens and their families, and as the mother of teenagers myself, I have watched as my children sit silently through dinner, bristling at every question asked, only to be eager to chat once I’ve called it a night."

Feeling a little more in tune with your teen? Let us know what else you'd want to learn about :)

Send us feedback, thoughts, and more at [email protected].