Your Teenager's Emotional Wellbeing
Recent studies show youth anxiety and depression have now doubled compared to pre-pandemic times. Missing out on social, physical and educational interactions and the uncertainties of the past 18 months have taken a significant toll.
It’s important to know that mental health concerns look a bit different in children and teens. For example, an adult with depression may become isolated, excessively sad, withdrawn or tearful. However, teen expressions may include aggression, acting out, talking back and defiance. Some children fixate, talking about the same thing over and over, or become preoccupied with worries.
A significant behavior change can also be an indication of an issue, such as shifts in a teenager’s sleep-wake cycles (oversleeping/unable to sleep) or changes in their food intake (overeating/under eating). Anytime you notice a general change in your child’s demeanor or functioning, outside of what’s typical, pay attention to it and follow up with a doctor or a mental health practitioner.
You can monitor your teen’s wellbeing by asking questions and providing them with a safe space to share. In most cases, teenagers want to open up but resist because of concerns that they won’t feel heard. Having frequent check-ins and exercising patience, compassion, and empathy will help develop trust. However, if they’re not ready or willing to talk to you, try seeking additional professional assistance.
