When it comes to your own mental health, some factors are clear: health concerns, family stressors, workplace issues and community challenges. When you try to understand your child’s mental health, you may not see them facing the same difficulties – after all, they may not have the same workplace concerns.
However, they spend most of their time at school, have important friendships with classmates, and worry about achieving their academic goals. There is a strong connection between school life and teen mental health. Lightfully professionals see teenagers with school stressors frequently.
Common factors can affect a teenager’s mental health
Mental health is complex. The past and present experiences that shape a teenager’s mental health, as well as their family history, are multifaceted. There are some stressors that many teenagers face. Understanding these common stressors may help you better support your teen.
1. Relationships with peers can create stress
Your teen’s friendships are some of the most important relationships outside of their family. You might think that a conflict between friends is no big deal and the kids will make up soon, but your teen may not feel the same way. Plus, they may be dealing with more serious issues, like bullying or a sense of social isolation.
You can ask your child open-ended questions about their social life to learn more. You can let them know that you’re there to listen, when or if they want to talk. You can also look into resources for additional support, such as professional guidance for yourself or therapy for them. If your child has social anxiety, they may find support through Lightfully. We use our Precision Care Model (PCM) to provide personalized treatment.
2. Connections with teachers present challenges
Your child spends a lot of time with their teachers, and these everyday interactions matter to them. These are adults who they learn from, depend on and strive to impress. That means that a positive relationship with a teacher may have a profound impact on your child — but so may a negative, challenging relationship.
If your child’s having trouble getting along with a teacher, ask open-ended questions about it. There may be simple problems, like misunderstandings, that would be easy to solve with your guidance. There may be more serious concerns that require your help. Additionally, you might speak with the teacher to understand both sides of the problem and reach a solution.
If you have concerns about verbal, physical or sexual abuse, contact any school officials whom you trust. Report what you have observed to local social services or police.
3. Responses to current events can affect your teen’s mood
Now that we’ve looked at individual relationships, let’s consider broader influences. Now, take a step back and broaden your view to what many teenagers may face in today’s world. Current issues may be a handful of news articles to you, but they may be pressing everyday realities to your child. Your child may have concerns about social media, bullying or in-school violence.
At home, you can discuss current events proactively. Be open to talking about what they might have heard at school, seen on social media, watched or read. Discuss any action you and your teenager might want to take together, like supporting a cause through volunteer work.
If your child brings up social media, you can talk about online safety. You might reconsider what social media is and isn’t allowed. If bullying or in-school violence weighs on their mind, look into their school’s policies and safety.
Help your child reduce stress at home
Several habits and lifestyle changes can lower your teen’s stress level. Breathing exercises like box breathing can help them shift into a calmer state. A journal or a good conversation with a friend can give them an outlet for their feelings. Regular exercise may help them stay present and support emotional well-being.
Could your child benefit from professional mental health care?
As a parent, you provide care for your child in many ways. Sometimes, outside support is essential — just like seeing a doctor or dentist. You form a team supporting your child’s well-being. A mental health care provider may be a helpful addition to that team.
At Lightfully, we offer four levels of care for people in California. We provide care for teens experiencing mood disorders, anxiety, trauma, suicidal thoughts, or self-harming behaviors.
To talk with a mental health professional about what your child is experiencing, reach out to Lightfully. We offer care for teenagers, young adults and older adults online and in person.
