Teenagers’ mental health isn’t just about age-related anxiety. They are real, common, and treatable. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s 2011-2021 Youth Risk Study found significant increases in anxiety, depression, and suicide rates among teens. That’s why it’s important to support teens’ mental health and recognize the early warning signs of self-harm.
From ages 10 to 20, many factors shape mental health, including school, sports, and work demands. Family conflict and change. gender identity; sleep deprivation; peer pressure and relationship changes. and social media use.
Take Suicide Threats Seriously
If you or someone you know is in crisis or considering suicide, seek help immediately. Call 988 to reach the 24/7 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline or chat at 988lifeline.org to connect with a trained crisis counselor. In case of an emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
Signs and symptoms of mental health problems in teens
If you are a teenager or so, please note the following:
- Changes in diet, exercise habits, and sleep.
- Isolation from friends or withdrawal from activities.
- Negative comments about yourself.
- Long-term mood changes, such as persistent sadness, anger, or anxiety.
- We talk about hurting ourselves, feeling hopeless, trapped, and in pain.
- Alcohol or drug use.
How can you support your teenager’s mental health?
Teens want to know that someone cares about them. Part of compassion includes setting limits. When providing support, it’s important to:
- Accept them as they are, encourage them to speak up, and listen without judgment.
- Encourage them to participate in school, sports, and other activities, but don’t pressure them to achieve.
- Deal with small problems and negative emotions and develop coping strategies.
- Make sure your child is getting enough sleep and keep cell phones out of the bedroom at night.
- Talk to them about what they see on social media. Set time limits, especially for younger teens.
what to do when someone needs help
If a friend or family member is showing signs of a mental health problem, it’s important to seek help. Going to your GP may be a good first step to finding mental health help. Encourage children to see a counselor at school or see a therapist. Many health plans offer virtual care options for mental health. You can also check to see if your health plan or employer offers an employee assistance program (EAP) that can provide mental health resources and support. Minimize access to means of self-harm such as firearms, prescription drugs, and sharp objects such as razors and knives.
Don’t wait to ask for help. For more information and helpful resources, visit the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) of Massachusetts’ website (namimass.org).
Carolyn Langer, MD, JD, MPH, is a clinical leader and chief medical officer at WellPoint (formerly Unicare), a health benefits company based in Woburn, Massachusetts. She is board certified in occupational medicine.Learn more about wellpointmas.com.
