One’s mental health is just as vital as their overall physical health, yet it is often overlooked or stigmatized. For teens, mental health issues can be particularly challenging to navigate.
During adolescence, physical, emotional, and social changes can cause stress, anxiety, and sometimes even depression. As a result, recognizing the signs of mental illness in teenagers and seeking support as early as possible are important.
Signs of Mental Health Issues in Teens
As a parent or caregiver, it can be hard to distinguish between typical teenage mood swings and signs of mental illness. However, some signs include:
- Persistent sadness or mood swings
- Withdrawing from social activities and relationships
- Changes in sleep patterns
- Difficulty concentrating
- A decline in academic or athletic performance.
If you notice these signs in your adolescent child, it is important to seek professional support.
Counselling and Therapy
Psychotherapy provides a safe space for adolescents to talk about their emotions, fears, and concerns. During therapy, they develop healthier coping strategies and improve their communication skills. Counselling can also help teens cope with difficult life transitions and trauma.
Medication for Teen Mental Health
Depending on the severity of your child’s symptoms, medication may be prescribed by a psychiatrist. Antidepressants and anxiety medications are the most commonly prescribed medications during adolescent treatment. However, medication must be combined with other forms of treatment, including counseling.
Teen Mental Health Support Groups
Support groups allow teens to connect with others who are experiencing similar challenges. Support groups provide a community of people who can offer empathy and understanding and provide hope to those struggling with mental illness.
Creating a Safe Space at Home
Parents can help support adolescent mental health by fostering a safe and supportive home environment. Some ways to do so include setting aside time for meaningful conversations and activities, encouraging healthy habits like exercise and nutrition, and avoiding harsh criticism or judgment.
Adolescent Medicine Near Me in Purchase, New York
As we have discussed, recognizing the signs of mental illness and seeking professional support early on is crucial for adolescent mental health.
At BridgeSpan Medicine, our highly skilled team of specialists offers adolescent medical care services, such as sports physicals, sick visits, annual exams, and immunizations, as well as customized counseling services to help you improve and protect your mental health by treating conditions such as
- ADHD (Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder)
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Eating Disorders
- Substance Abuse
- And more
It is important to note that these services may vary based on the specific offerings and programs available at BridgeSpan Medicine. For more detailed and up-to-date information on our teen mental health services, we recommend visiting our official website.
For expert services designed to help improve your teen’s mental health, contact BridgeSpan Medicine today. To arrange a private consultation with one of our providers, call our office today at (914) 698-5544 or use our convenient Online Appointment Request Form.
