| Many mental health problems begin during the teenage | | | | seem like a long time ago, you can remember what it |
| years, probably because it is such a difficult time. | | | | was like to be that age. Take a moment to think about |
| Teenagers deal with the daily stress of school, peer | | | | what it was like to be a teenager. Instead of belittling |
| pressure, and relationships. They have the added | | | | your teen's issues, or pointing out how small their |
| stress of exams, learning to drive and getting their | | | | problems are compared to those of your adult life, try |
| license, and impending college decisions. For some, | | | | to understand what it is like to be a teenager facing |
| there are also jobs and first monthly bills, like car | | | | the issues a teenager faces. |
| insurance or cell phones. When combined with the | | | | Seek outside help. Many parents are afraid to seek |
| day-to-day stress of home and family life, it can be | | | | outside help, whether a counselor or a friend's advice, |
| overwhelming. | | | | because they think it will make them appear |
| Fortunately, there are things you can do to help your | | | | incompetent. Do not be more concerned with what the |
| teenagers stay mentally healthy. | | | | neighbors will think than you are with your child's mental |
| Stay connected. It is easy for parents and teens to | | | | health. If your child is struggling with problems that you |
| drift apart, sometimes living in almost different worlds. | | | | do not feel capable of helping them handle, find |
| Make an effort to stay connected to your teen. If you | | | | someone who can help you both. |
| know what is happening in their lives, you can spot | | | | Your teen's mental health has bearing on his or her |
| warning signals that your teen is having problems. | | | | mental health as an adult. How they learn to cope and |
| Maintain communication. Keep communication lines | | | | adapt sets the stage for their coping and adapting skills |
| open with your teen. While he or she may not always | | | | throughout life. Taking the time to help them stay |
| want to talk, they need to know they can talk to you. If | | | | mentally healthy now will continue to help them during |
| you put your teen off, constantly interrupt, or belittle | | | | those times when you are not there. |
| what he or she is saying, then your teen will be less | | | | You can help ensure that the choices your teen |
| likely to talk to you about the important issues in his or | | | | makes are healthy ones. While helping your teen stay |
| her life. | | | | healthy requires a little work, the benefits of your |
| Try to understand. Although your teenage years may | | | | efforts will last a lifetime. |