{"id":19203,"date":"2021-05-21T16:42:24","date_gmt":"2021-05-21T23:42:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.embarkbh.com\/?p=19203"},"modified":"2024-02-27T12:02:30","modified_gmt":"2024-02-27T19:02:30","slug":"the-importance-of-teen-adolescent-mental-health","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.embarkbh.com\/blog\/mental-health\/the-importance-of-teen-adolescent-mental-health\/","title":{"rendered":"The Importance of Mental Health for Young People"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

This past year and a half, our collective mental health took on a whole new set of challenges. In just a few short days, the institutions that gave our days structure shut down. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The pandemic changed the way we all interacted with each other, and it had a profound effect on our mental health<\/a>. So, now is an excellent time to ask, \u201cWhat is mental health, and why is it so important for our adolescents<\/a> and young adults?\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Our Children Need Us to Protect Their Mental Health <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

According to the <\/a>Centers for Disease Control<\/a>, <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u201cMental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress<\/a>, relate to others, and make healthy choices.\u201d <\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

Mental health is not only crucial for enjoying our present<\/em> experiences but for creating our future. When kids learn to ask for what they need emotionally and mentally and have these needs met, they learn the skills<\/a> to be healthy adults in the future. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The pandemic made it easier \u2013 and harder \u2013 to look after teen\u2019s mental health  <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Many families found that they noticed behaviors they hadn\u2019t previously, because they were together with such consistency.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For example, parents might have noticed that their kids were sleeping more, eating less, or became tense and frustrated easily in new situations. They noticed emotional breakdowns that were outside of the norm. They saw alcohol missing, or they were home to smell smoke coming from their teen\u2019s bedroom. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Being a typical teen has gotten harder <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Teens are hard-wired for social interaction and emotional stimulation<\/a>, according to the New York Academy of Sciences. This past year and a half, it\u2019s been challenging for them to meet those needs because online classrooms don\u2019t facilitate these opportunities.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Due to the pandemic, some people ended up prioritizing their physical well-being over their mental well-being. We embraced isolation even though it\u2019s not good for people \u2013 especially not teens. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cPart of who we are is based on our relational capacities \u2013 the social relationships that we have,\u201d says Mark White, MA, LPC, LMHC, MAC, executive clinical director of Embark\u2019s Dragonfly Transitions<\/a> program. \u201cThe more in-person interactions people can have, the better.” <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAnd that was something that pre-dates COVID. So, many of our young adults at Dragonfly have spent inordinate amounts of time by themselves, in front of a screen. We knew that pre-COVID, and COVID just applied a blast furnace to that dynamic,\u201d he said.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, what can parents do? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u201cI think it\u2019s important for people to be really intentional about planning in-person social activities as it makes sense with everyone\u2019s local and regional health situations.\u201d<\/em> <\/p>\nMark White, Executive Director, Dragonfly Transitions<\/a><\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

You Think Your Teen is Struggling, What Do You Do? <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When you see your teen may be having mental health issues, the first thing to do, according to the CDC, is talk with them. Here\u2019s how to make your approach less of a potential conflict: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  1. Prepare for the discussion. Look up reputable sources on how to talk with teens about anxiety and depression to inform what you\u2019re going to say. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Find a good time to talk (the middle of a stressful situation isn\u2019t ideal). As much as possible, create a supportive environment. A quiet location without distractions will help you actively listen. Be sure to put away cell phones and other screens.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Use \u201cI\u201d statements to explain your concerns. For example, \u201cI have been concerned about how long you\u2019ve been sleeping,\u201d is less blaming than, \u201cYou\u2019ve been sleeping all day.\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    There still could be tension and conflict. But, it\u2019s essential to start the conversation and allow your teen to come back to it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    When your teen asks for help first, keep these things in mind: <\/p>\n\n\n\n