Helping Teens with Mental Health

Mental Health in Teens continues to be a concern for many parents. According to the World Health Organization, 1 in 7 adolescents experience a mental health disorder.  Increasing your own understanding of the risk factors, red flags, and ways to help can have positive effects on the adolescent in your life.

If you are looking for Counseling near me in Collingswood then reach out to the experts at Mind, Body, and Soul Counseling and Therapy. Our experienced team can help equip your teen with the tools to better manage their triggers.

Understanding Risk Factors and Red Flags

Risk Factors are situations or characteristics that increase the likelihood of negative outcomes. Risk factors can include hereditary factors, family dynamics, community or social situations, psychological predispositions, or life events. Below are some risk factors that increase the likelihood of mental health disorders in adolescents.

• Poor self-esteem
• Insecure attachment style
• Parent-child conflict
•Household or family conflict
• Parental substance abuse
• Peer rejection
• Poor academic achievement
• Poverty
• Community violence
• Trauma
• Loss of close friendships or relationships

Red Flags are warning signs that may indicate that an adolescent’s mental health is declining. A few Red Flags of mental health impairment in teens are listed below.

• Losing interest or motivation for previously enjoyed activities (such as school, sports, friends, or hobbies)
• Isolation or withdrawal from friendships or family
• Major changes in friendships
• Excessive sleeping or fatigue
• Signs of substance abuse
• Increase in risky behaviors
• Weight change or changes in eating habits
• Dieting or excessive exercise
• Academic changes (homework refusal, skipping school, school refusal, receiving poor grades in previously enjoyed courses)
• Signs of self-harm (cuts or burns that cannot be explained)

Ways to Help a Teen with Mental Health Issues

• Help your adolescent feel connected to family, friends, and community
• Communicate openly and often (Such as talking at family dinner, the car ride to sports games, or regular check-ins)
• Try to “Listen, more than you speak”
• Model your own healthy behaviors, such as decision-making skills and self-care
• Spend time with your adolescent
• Encourage engagement in academics
• Model and promote healthy self-esteem and positive self-talk
• Educate your child about coping skills from a young age
• As a family, provide structure, warmth, and support
• Set clear and achievable expectations for behavior and values
• Encourage a balanced schedule of relaxation and scheduled activities

If your adolescent is struggling with their mental health, showing red flags of mental health concerns or expressing interest in starting counseling near you in Collingswood, reach out to Mind, Body, and Soul Therapy & Counseling at 856-263-3416. We have offices in Moorestown and Collingswood, and we provide both in-person and online therapy sessions for people of all ages. We have therapists who specialize in working with the adolescent population, as well as therapists who offer family therapy.