Mental health: how do I know if my teenager needs help?

In this article, we will discuss why adolescent mental health is so important and how to tell whether what your young person is experiencing is normal or something to worry about. We will also explore how to make it easier to communicate with your teen and the warning signs that indicate you should seek professional help. Finally, at the end of this article you will find additional resources for parents (and other adults) who want to understand and support their adolescent.

Understanding mental health in adolescents

Adolescence is a time of major change. From puberty to adulthood, in addition to having a brain that is still developing, adolescents experience a multitude of hormonal, physical and physiological changes. During this time they also have all kinds of new experiences and must build their identity and self-esteem (sense of belonging, self-confidence, sense of competence and sense of identity) which will form the basis of the adult they will become. Their brains are also much more sensitive to drugs than an adult brain, and their use can complicate or even delay its full development.

All of these factors have a considerable impact on how adolescents feel and on their mental health, so it is normal, even almost predictable, that they go through emotional roller coasters and heightened stress that can sometimes be hard to manage. That is why it is important for the adults around them to support them and help them take care of their mental health.

What should I do if I think my young person has a mental health problem?

Is your child or a young person in your circle behaving in a way that worries you? The first thing to do is observe the adolescent and give them the opportunity to express themselves. Although young people who are going through difficult times do not necessarily have the reflex to talk to their parent right away, don’t hesitate to open the discussion. Tell them how you feel and what your concerns are and listen to theirs if they confide in you. Be sincere and remind them that you are there if they need you. You can also suggest doing an activity with them that will help them better manage stress and emotions such as sports, meditation or art. Stay alert for unusual behaviors or drastic changes, and remember that only a health professional can diagnose a mental health disorder.

Some tips to help you communicate with your adolescent

Communicating is not always easy, especially during periods of major change. Here are some tips designed to make communication with your teen easier:

Choose a suitable time for the discussion

Want to address a delicate topic like sexuality or menstruation? Family dinner might not be ideal. Instead choose a time when you will be one-on-one with your adolescent and can devote time to them.

Ask simple questions, listen kindly and observe

It might be tempting to give advice or refer to your own personal experience. But your child needs to be listened to with openness. Let them speak without interruption and show interest in what they say. Do not minimize what they are going through and avoid comparisons. Instead try to validate their emotions, experiences and feelings.

Keep an open mind – even when it’s not easy

What your young person tells you may shock you. But it is essential not to make a hasty judgment or use hurtful words toward them. That could weaken your relationship and break the trust they have in you. Your child needs to feel welcomed with kindness and not judged.

Mention your concerns

Talk about what worries you, your feelings and the facts you have observed. Reaffirm that you are available and listening.

Turn to their support network

Your adolescent may be reluctant to discuss their problems with you. Make sure they have a trusted resource person they can turn to if needed. This could be a counselor, a teacher, a family member, etc. – as long as your young person feels free to express themselves.

What warning signs should you recognize?

It is normal for your young person to experience temporary lows and negative emotions. But some behaviors are warning signs that must be taken seriously. Note that warning symptoms can differ from one person to another.

Drastic or unusual change in behavior and loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities

Has your child who used to go out a lot started to isolate themselves and lock themselves in their room? Is your adolescent no longer showing interest in activities they used to enjoy? These are warning signs. Try to open the conversation and understand the reason for this change in behavior.

A persistent low mood

It is normal to experience negative emotions. However, depressive moods that seem to persist over time require a professional evaluation (seek a medical or psychosocial referral).

Alcohol or drug use

Adolescence is a period of exploration and some adolescents choose to experiment recreationally with alcohol and/or drugs. However, regular, increased or abusive use is a warning sign that should be taken seriously.

Signs of self-harm

Although most self-harming behaviors are attempts to cope with stress rather than suicidal acts, it is important to address the underlying causes of these behaviors so the situation does not deteriorate.

Suicidal thoughts

A suicidal message communicated directly or indirectly should not be taken lightly. If your young person expresses great distress or suicidal ideation, it is an emergency. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. You can also contact the Suicide Action helpline to obtain support for the appropriate steps.

Be especially attentive to these signals during periods involving life events that disrupt emotional stability, such as a move, a breakup, academic failure, bullying, relationship conflicts, the death of a loved one, etc., which can be highly anxiety-provoking for your child.

How can I obtain professional mental health help for my child?

First of all, it is important to remember that there is no shame in asking for help for your child. Consulting a resource person or a mental health professional can help you see things more clearly and find the support needed for their well-being.

Initially, you could contact the educators and psychoeducators at the school they attend. They could guide you to additional resources and tools available in the school environment and externally. If your child shows signs of depression, major anxiety or persistent malaise, you could make an appointment with their family doctor / pediatrician. They can do a first assessment of your young person’s health, rule out physical health problems and refer you to a mental health specialist if necessary.

You can also contact the local community service center (CLSC) nearest you, which can also offer different types of support and personalized resources and will be able to assess your situation to find resources adapted to your needs. Finally, you can also refer to one of thethree Familio mental health clinicsto have quick access to quality mental health services and qualified professionals.

In conclusion

In any case, it is essential to understand that adolescence is a period of transformation and self-discovery that can be difficult for young people and their parents to go through. Mental health is an essential component of this transition, and it is important to know how to identify the warning signs that may indicate your young person needs help. If you think your child has a mental health problem, it is crucial to observe them and allow them to express themselves, while remaining attentive and keeping an open mind. Stay alert to warning signs, and do not hesitate to seek additional resources and help to support your child and yourself during this transition period.

Mental health resources

Fondation jeune en tête

https://fondationjeunesentete.org/
La Fondation Jeunes en Tête offers a multitude of resources to help young people take care of their mental health. A wide variety of tools and programs are available online to help you better understand your teen’s mental health. Their podcast,Better understanding teens’ mental healthwith Fondation Jeunes en Tête, is also a quality resource for better understanding adolescent mental health.(https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy8zZDNjNWY5MC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw?sa=X&ved=0CAMQ4aUDahcKEwi408TLwqn9AhUAAAAAHQAAAAAQAQ)

Jeunesse j’écoute

https://jeunessejecoute.ca/
Jeunesse J’écoute is an organization that provides telephone chat, text messaging and online chat services for adolescents open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Their website also contains relevant tools and resources aimed at helping young people face personal, family, school and social challenges.

Les Éditions Midi trente

https://www.miditrente.ca/fr
Les Éditions Midi trente publishes books and practical intervention tools specializing in education, mental health and psychology for toddlers, children, adolescents, parents and even educators.

Ligne Parents

https://www.ligneparents.com/LigneParents
Ligne Parents is an organization that offers a telephone listening and support service for parents and caregivers. The counselors provide empathetic listening, advice and resources to help parents in their educational and family roles.

Suicide Action Montréal

https://suicideactionmontreal.org/
Suicide Action Montréal is an organization offering suicide prevention, support and accompaniment services to people in psychological distress and their loved ones. Services include a 24/7 helpline, psychosocial interventions, support groups, training and awareness workshops, as well as presence in living and community environments.

Tel-jeunes

https://www.teljeunes.com/
Tel-Jeunes is an organization offering a telephone listening service (6 a.m.–2 a.m.), by text (8 a.m.–10:30 p.m.) and online chat (8 a.m.–10:30 p.m.) for young people and adolescents. Their website also offers blog articles, advice and resources to help young people with their personal, family and social concerns and difficulties.