The teenage years are a time of accelerated growth and development. Teenagers go through physical changes, as well as mental and social changes. It is during this time that teenagers develop their view of the world. They also start to become more independent as they start the slow process of learning who they are and what they want to do in life.
Anyone who goes through a period where many changes occur can face challenges. For teenagers, as they strive to become more independent, crave social acceptance, and develop romantic relationships, whatever transpires can have an effect on their mental health, which makes this a critical time to learn emotional habits that are important for well-being.
If you want to help your teenager have better mental health, here are several useful tips that you can share with them.
#1 Reinforce Your Teen’s Strengths
Every individual has their set of strengths. Acknowledging your teen’s strengths — such as kindness, compassion, loyalty, trustworthiness, creativity, intelligence, and diligence — and urging them to focus on these strengths can have an empowering effect. Doing so helps them feel less vulnerable and more confident in themselves.
#2 Teach Them Affirmations
Affirmations is positive self-talk that can helps your teen take on the challenges of the day. Saying “I am unique,” “I am enough,” and “I am courageous” reminds your teen of their power and is a useful technique for when they are feeling defeated by negative words directed at them, whether online or in person.
#3 Advise Your Teen to Choose Their Friends Wisely
Choosing friends based on their positive inner qualities, such as optimism, open-mindedness, bravery, and good morals, can be very beneficial for your teen’s mental health. Teens face a lot of peer pressure, and having a supportive group of friends creates a calm and comforting atmosphere for your teen.
#4 Model a Purpose-Driven Life
As teens try to figure themselves out and their place in the world, they may feel lost without purpose. They usually look to their parents, which means you too should try to live a life with purpose. Volunteering and engaging in activities together that entail you giving something of yourself teaches your teen the joy of giving and helping others out. Living a life with purpose is living a fulfilling life.
#5 Teach Your Teen How to Use Social Media Responsibly
Social media has really changed the way teens try to gain social acceptance, however, social media presents a manicured version of life, where everyone seems to be living their best life online. Help your teen become more discerning when consuming media, and try to set limits on how much time they can spend on social media. The greater the amount of time spent on social media, the more likely your teen will struggle with mental health issues such as anxiety and depression.
Mental Health Treatment for Teens in Danville, Martinsville, and Richmond, Virginia
If your teen is dealing with mental health issues, give them the tools they need to overcome struggles and come out the other side better and healthier. Look to us at EPIC Health Partners for comprehensive mental health treatment for your teen.
We treat a wide range of mental health issues affecting teens, from eating disorders to generalized anxiety disorder to depression, with the use of therapeutic interventions. We will help your teen identify problems impacting their life, identify their feelings, and develop age-appropriate socialization and adaptive skills.
EPIC Health Partners offers person-centered care to meet the needs of your teen. We also make sure your teen has access to telepsychiatry services for direct and convenient communication with our practicing psychiatrist.
For questions about our psychiatric services or to schedule an appointment with one of our providers, call our clinic today at (434) 835-4601 or use our convenient appointment request form. If your teen is suicidal, contact 911 and/or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline toll-free at (800) 273-TALK (8255) or text “HOME” to the text number 741-741.
