The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released a report stating that over 44 percent of teenagers experienced persistent sadness and hopelessness in the first half of 2021.
In addition, the report, conducted through an online survey, found that almost 20 percent of teens had seriously contemplated suicide, while 9 percent had attempted it.
As per The Conversation, parents' role in supporting their teen's mental health has been overlooked as a crucial factor.
This alarming statistic shows that adolescent mental health has become a significant concern.
Adolescent girls, as well as bisexual, gay, and lesbian teenagers, are struggling the most, but boys and teens in every race and ethnic group also reported worsening symptoms.
Dr. Lisa Damour, a clinical psychologist, author, and executive director of Laurel School's Center for Research on Girls, expressed deep concern about the suffering teens experienced during the pandemic and the current crisis in adolescent mental health.
Knowing how to help your teen through tough times is essential if you are a teenager's parent. With that, here are some things you can explore: the advice of Dr. Lisa Damour on how to support your teen during difficult times, according to The New York Times.
Advice from Psychologist Lisa Damour on How to Help Your Teen
- Allow teenagers to be angry and Express Freely.
Many parents may find their teen's anger, sadness, or frustration uncomfortable, and they may try to shut down these emotions. According to Dr. Damour, this approach is not helpful, as it sends the message that the teenager's feelings are unacceptable.
Dr. Damour advises parents to allow their teens to express their feelings freely, even when it is challenging to hear. By validating their emotions, parents can help their teens understand that it is acceptable to sometimes feel sad or angry. It is essential to listen without judgment and allow them to express themselves.
- Show curiosity and empathy to your teenagers.
Dr. Damour also advises parents to show curiosity and empathy toward their teenagers. When your teenager talks to you about their struggles, ask open-ended questions and be curious about their experiences.
This will help them feel heard and understood. By showing empathy, you are acknowledging their feelings and helping them feel supported. This approach can foster a stronger connection between parent and child and help your teenager feel less alone during difficult times.
- Allow them to go through discomfort to develop healthy skills and process painful emotions.
Another advice from Dr. Damour is to allow your teen to go through discomfort to develop healthy skills and process painful emotions. Adolescence is a critical period for developing emotional regulation skills, and it is crucial to allow your teen to experience a range of emotions, including the discomfort. By doing so, they can develop resilience and learn how to cope with difficult emotions.
Finally, UNICEF emphasizes the importance of parents expressing their love and support towards their teens, regardless of the state of their relationship.
Whether they are getting along well or facing challenges, parents should make it clear that they are always there to help their teens navigate difficult situations.
This reassurance can provide a sense of security and comfort to teenagers, especially during tough times when they may feel overwhelmed and alone.
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