What Parents Can Do to Help Teens Boost their Mental Health

An alarming rate of teenagers are dealing with mental health issues like depression and anxiety following the pandemic and U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy said that this should be a cause for concern and focus lest another public health crisis hits the country.

In his 53-page advisory, Murthy that wrote the incidence of hospitalization due to suicide attempts has gone up by 51 percent among teenage girls between 2019 to 2021. The rate of depressive symptoms and anxiety among the youth have also increased to 25 percent and 20 percent, respectively.

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Murthy said that while mental health challenges are widespread this is a treatable and preventable condition.

Here are ways parents can help their teenagers boost their mental health and build emotional resilience:

1. Be an involved parent and provide the kids with some structure.

According to Maya Smith, a mental health advocate, it's very important for kids to feel that they are "seen, heard and supported." Having an adult who checks in, guides, and listens to their sentiments or believes in what they say would bring a huge impact on their emotional wellness.

Giving teenagers structure in their daily activities can help them stay active and not isolated. The structure will also teach kids to be more organized and in control of their day-to-day activities so they can encounter less stress. Routines also give kids better and healthier coping strategies if they are going through some issues.

2. Emphasize self-care because young people need to rest as well.

Teenagers with a very active social life might not feel that they need to rest and observe a "me time" compared to the adults. However, parenting resiliency expert Dr. Deborah Gilboa said that a time for rest or breaks is still vital for their mental health development.

She suggested that parents incorporate this self-care this winter when the children are not in school. If possible, give the kids time to catch up on their sleep as this is not only good for their body but for their state of mind.

Sleep fuels the brain that protects teenagers from developing health issues like drug dependency and depression. Ideally, kids need nine hours of sleep a night to help their bodies regulate circuits of the brain that deal with emotions.

3. Help the teenager work out stuff they can and cannot control.

By putting the focus on the things that they control, parents are teaching kids to develop their self-reliance and initiative. On the other hand, letting them know that they can't control other people's behaviors or situations will teach the teenagers to be more aware of their impact on other people and their own limitations.

Managing what they can and cannot control helps teens deal with their emotions so they could eventually mature and find it easier to navigate relationships instead of becoming vulnerable to pain, frustrations, and hurt feelings. Once they are able to work out and accept that they are in charge of their emotions, they will be able to discern situations with a clearer mindset and let go of the negativity that may be bugging them.

Some of the ways to help teens process their feelings are to write what's on their mind, to create art, or listen to music. Sometimes, physical activities or any productive project can also help them deal with their emotions. A good cry and a good talk with a parent will, of course, be the best antidote for their struggles.

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