Do you find yourself wondering, “What can I do to promote my teen’s mental health?” Then you’re in the right place! There are several things you can do as a parent or caregiver to nurture your adolescent’s mental health. These effective strategies set your child up for success in the adult world and foster confidence, self-worth, and healthy mental habits.
How to Improve Teenage Mental Health
- Communicate Openly
Establish an open, non-judgemental line of communication where your teen can come talk to you about their thoughts and emotions. Active listening and empathic responses can go a long way in helping your teen feel heard. You may not agree or understand but actively engaging with what they choose to share will help build trust and provide a safe space where they can express themselves. Not only will this give your adolescent a consistent outlet for their feelings but it also keeps you more knowledgeable on the happenings in their life.
- Encourage Healthy Habits
The cornerstones of mental health for teens are healthy habits that promote growth, healthy brain functioning, stress management, and mood regulation. Teens require 8-10 hours of sleep yet often sleeping schedules shift in adolescence to late nights and sleeping well into the day. Since this is not always possible with school and other obligations, establish a required bedtime and sleep schedule to ensure they get the rest they need. Nutritious meals and plenty of exercise are other important components of fueling a healthy mind. Additionally, limit screen time (especially social media) which has been proven to lead to anxiety, depression, and other mental and physical issues). Encourage alternatives to screens, such as time outside, hobbies, exercise, or time with friends and family.
- Teach Coping Skills
Your teen will face a lot in the world, so teaching them how to successfully cope with life’s challenges is essential. Plus, coping skills are not necessarily instinctual, so teach your child how to identify their emotions and hone their problem-solving skills. Help them identify how and when asking for help is necessary, pointing out doing so is a sign of strength. Teach mindfulness techniques, breathing exercises, meditation, journaling, art therapy, and other forms of self-guided stress management.
- Encourage Healthy Social Connections
Teens are all about friends, so it’s important to help your adolescent learn more about choosing social connections wisely. Help them establish other connections with family members and trusted adults so they always have a support network. Another good method of developing strong social connections is through team sports or extracurricular activities. A sense of belonging promotes mental health amongst teens.
- Recognize the Signs of When to Seek Professional Help
There may come a time when professional mental health support for adolescents is in order. If your teen seems to be struggling and displays the signs of mental health issues that go beyond your scope of capability, act swiftly and don’t wait until a teenage mental health crisis emerges. Notice changes in mood (especially increased irritability), behavior, sleep patterns, concentration, and appetite or weight. Withdrawing from friends and family, and/or avoiding activities they once enjoyed are both signs that your teen is struggling. If you notice these signs, contact Psycamore, your local teen treatment center. Our licensed mental health team is vastly experienced with adolescent mental health struggles and we can provide the relief your teen needs, supporting you along the way too!
Teen Mental Health Treatment Center Jackson, MS
As your trusted center for adolescent mental health Jackson, MS, Psycamore is here to support your adolescent and you in a journey to mental wellness. Our licensed mental health clinicians, therapists for teens, and psychiatrists provide personalized treatment plans tailored to your teen’s specific mental health needs, along with access to teen mental health resources. We offer individual therapy, group therapy, family therapy, medication management, intensive outpatient treatment, holistic approaches, and more. If you feel your adolescent requires mental health support, contact Psycamore today.
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