Reducing the Risk of Mental Health Issues in Teenagers

The transition from childhood to adolescence is a vulnerable time for the development of mental health difficulties and it can bring a marked increase in anxiety and depression.

The push away from family towards peers at this age can leave parents feeling adrift, but parents can have a positive role in how young people navigate the challenges of adolescence.

Untreated, mental health conditions often have an impact into adulthood. Supporting a young person with a mental health difficulty also places enormous stress on parents and family.

Many factors affect mental health and the more risk factors adolescents are exposed to, the greater the potential impact on their mental health. Factors that can contribute to stress during adolescence include facing adversity, the pressure to conform with peers and young people exploring their identity.

Media influence and gender norms can exacerbate the gap between an adolescent’s current life and their perceptions or aspirations for the future. Other important factors include the quality of their home life and their relationships with peers. Violence, especially sexual violence and bullying, harsh parenting and severe and socioeconomic problems are recognised risks to mental health.

So how can parents be there for their children?

Research into how young people develop emotional skills has found that a parenting style that encourages understanding and acceptance of emotions is associated with better mental wellbeing rather than parenting styles that are dismissive, punitive or avoid emotions.

There are many other factors linked to anxiety and depression in which parents can play an important role. Three factors are:

  1. Look after yourself as a priority and practise and model self-care by:
    • Exercising regularly
    • Doing enjoyable activities
    • Getting adequate sleep
    • Eating a nutritious diet
    • Communicating with family members
    • Setting goals and striving to achieve them
    • Practicing relaxation.
  2. Establish and maintain good relationships with your teenager:
    • Show affection
    • Take time to listen and talk
    • Know how to talk about strong emotions and sensitive topics
    • Spend time with your teenager and in family activities.
  3. Be involved and support increasing independence by:
    • Being involved in your teenager’s life
    • Keeping them involved with whole-family activities
    • Avoiding over-involvement and encouraging independence.

Most importantly, choose your battles. The most important ones are those around health, safety, being engaged with school and having positive friendships and out-of-school activities.

If you are struggling, seek help.

Alan Clarke
Paediatric Psychologist