Young caucasian boy doing homework
Having a teenager who is struggling with their mental health can be difficult. You would like to be able to fix their problems and make them the happiest person alive, but that is out of your control.
While you may not be able to solve their struggles for them, you can support your teen through their struggles. Here are a few of the ways you can support your teenager through their mental health journey.
Try to Understand Their Perspective
Be aware that your teen’s reality may be different than yours. Mental health issues are often very complex. Try to understand your teen’s point of view and try to see where they are coming from.
When your teen sees you trying to understand them on a deeper level, they will hopefully see that you are trying to support them and that you are trying to learn the best way to help them.
Problem Solve Together
Talk with your teen about what they are feeling. Ask them how they want to be supported by you.
Having an open dialogue with your teen is an integral part of their treatment. The more your teenager feels comfortable talking with you, the more they will open up to you and talk honestly about what they are experiencing.
Encourage Positive Behaviors
Encourage positive behaviors and routines. Set the tone by establishing positive routines for yourself and letting your teen see you engaging in healthy behaviors.
Sometimes doing things as a family makes problems feel more like team problems. When your teen feels like they are fighting these battles as a team, it can create comfort and bravery.
Seek Professional Help
If your teen is struggling with mental health issues, it is a good idea to seek out professional help. A mental health professional can help your teen better understand what they feel and which skills are best for their situation.
You may find that your teen is more willing to talk to a mental health care provider. A therapist can form a relationship with your teen, and together, they can work towards understanding the core issues causing your teen’s depression.
Having a teenager who is struggling with their mental health can be a challenging situation. You desperately want to fix their problems and take away their pain. You may not be able to do that, but you can support them. Have open dialogue and problem-solve together. Encourage positive behaviors and seek out help from a mental health professional. Here at The Guest House, we understand how mental health can affect an entire family. We are ready to support your family and your teen. Call us today to learn more about our treatment options at (855) 483-7800.