How To Talk With Teens About Mental Health?

Teenagers are very difficult creatures. It is hard to guess what they are cooking up in their mind. With so many hormonal changes that happen during the teenage years, it is not easy for parents and other guardians to figure out if their teenager has acquired a mental health disorder or just they are behaving differently due to hormonal changes. However, by having proper communication with your teenager and by knowing the signs of various mental health disorders, you can differentiate the normal from the abnormal. Let us figure out how you can accomplish the same:

The Drama Years

Unaware of the coping techniques, teens and adolescents after having a little trouble with their friends, girlfriends or boyfriends may feel overwhelmed. They may also develop short-term symptoms of anxiety, depression, and extreme frustration, which should fade away in a week or two. However, if they don’t, consider it as an indication of severe mental health disorders. It is to be noted that mental health disorders are treatable under expert’s guidance.

Starting a Conversation

Having a conversation with your teenage child can help you get to know the reasons behind their abnormal behavior. More often than not, they are not happy with the happenings taking place at home or school. Keep in mind that what may seem like a little matter to you can be a huge issue for a teenager. So, having a conversation with them is the best idea to get started. If the behavior of your teenager is what you are worried about, try to focus on a specific activity that troubles you the most while having a conversation with them. If possible, try to put it into words without threatening. It can help if you can “normalize” or facilitate understanding of mental illness. Share your concerns with your teen in a non-judgmental and loving way.

Final Words:

If you are sure that your teen is suffering from a specific mental health disorder, do not be afraid to see a psychiatrist in Bhopal. Remember that the majority of mental disorders can be successfully treated, and do not in any way affect the future of children and adolescents. The sooner you seek mental health treatment, the faster you will recover.