The state of adolescent mental health is worrying

Being emotional is a typical part of adolescence, but how do you know when typical teenage angst is morphing into something more serious? It's easy to blame mental health problems on hormonal imbalances, but school pressure, peer pressure and social factors often play a role as well.

The statistics are staggering.

According to recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 42 percent of students report feeling sad or hopeless all the time, and 1 in 5 students have seriously considered suicide. LGBTQ+, female and black students are disproportionately affected than other groups. The good news is that solid prevention strategies, strong relationships, and professional help can provide teens with the support they need to thrive mentally and emotionally.

A normally happy, playful child suddenly becomes sullen and grumpy, and you just need to monitor their mood for a few days. Angry outbursts and excessive crying are obvious signs. If the bad attitude cannot be resolved within a reasonable amount of time, further investigation or a visit to the doctor is required.

A sudden loss of interest in activities, alienation from friends and family, neglect of personal hygiene, changes in sleep habits, and unexplained weight loss are all possible signs of depression. Also, pay close attention to your child's grades and schoolwork to see if there is a sharp decline.

Take any suicidal ideation seriously. Drastic personality changes, self-harming behavior, an obsession with death, giving up possessions, and drug or alcohol abuse are all danger warning signs that should not be ignored.

How to help?

First of all, try to maintain open channels of communication with young children. Check in regularly and ask them how they are and how they are feeling. Give them a chance to talk on their own terms, don't judge, and ask if they need your help before offering advice. Giving them a chance to express their feelings and vent their troubles in a safe space can relieve stress. In this case, empathy goes a long way. At the end of the conversation, let them know that they are important and that you love them.

Encourage healthy habits such as regular exercise, good nutrition, fulfilling hobbies, and smart self-care. Work together to find effective coping strategies that can be employed during difficult times. And try to limit screen time; Too much social media can have a negative impact on people's mental health, especially for teenagers.

Seek the help of a trusted adult, such as a school counselor, pastor, family doctor, or therapist. It's easier to open up to a support group of like-minded peers than it is to open up to older adults.

If your child is experiencing a mental health crisis, go to the nearest stress centre or emergency room, or call 988 or the National Suicide and Crisis Hotline at 800.273.TALK to contact a trained counsellor who can direct you to local resources.

This information comes from the Internet