Common myths about adolescent mental health and warning signs for parents
Historically, society’s focus has been on the physical health of children — teen pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases and sports injuries, for example.
More recently, perhaps in part due to the alarming rise in suicides (it is is the second leading cause of death among those ages 10 to 34, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), and the occurrence of school shootings, mental health is getting more of the attention it deserves.
An estimated 17.1 million American children have or have had a mental, behavioral or emotional disorder, according to Child Mind Institute. A majority of these children don’t get the necessary treatment due to a lack of parental awareness or resources, and to the dwindling but still-present stigma surrounding mental illness.
Over time, we have learned a child’s physical and mental health are inextricably linked, and that mental health has a direct impact on his or her well-being and ability to navigate the choppy waters of adolescence into adulthood.
Here's a refresher course for parents on the realities of adolescent mental health, along with a guide to symptoms of a mental health condition to be aware of.
Common myths about adolescent mental health
MYTH: A child with a mental health condition is damaged for life.
Treatment works and recovery is always possible. While some people may have symptoms intermittently during their lifetimes, no one is hopeless.
MYTH: Mental health issues result from personal weakness.
No mental health condition is related to being weak. Rather, such conditions are genetic, environmental, trauma-related or substance abuse-caused, or a combination thereof.
MYTH: Mental health issues result from bad parenting.
Even the best parents are imperfect and sometimes yell or act out like their kids do. Healthy communication and problem-solving strategies are key to helping families work out disagreements.
MYTH: A child can manage a mental illness through willpower.
An adult may be able to get along with stress and anxiety until their brains become overwhelmed. Kids cannot yet do this as readily, as their internal resources are still developing.
MYTH: Therapy for kids is a waste of time.
Therapy works. That said, there is no easy, one-session fix, and not every therapist is a fit for every family. Parents should encourage their child to hang in there for the duration of his or her treatment and to speak up if something isn’t working.
MYTH: Children are overmedicated.
There’s been a lot of discussion and publicity about children and medications, but child therapists and other trained medical professionals practice the “do no harm” credo, using the smallest doses of medication for the shortest periods of time, and avoiding medication when not indicated.
MYTH: Children will outgrow a mental health disorder.
It’s unlikely that children with a diagnosed disorder will grow out of that disorder. In fact, a person who’s experienced one major depressive episode is 85 percent more likely to experience a second. Recovery from mental health problems is not just a matter of “waiting it out.”
Symptoms of an adolescent mental health condition:
- Withdrawal from family, friends and activities.
- Uncharacteristically poor performance and follow-through in school.
- Visible distress, crying, easily hurt feelings and anger.
- Sudden changes in sleeping or eating habits.
- Increased complaints of physical pain, such as headaches or stomachaches.
What can parents do if their child has these symptoms?
- First, take a deep breath and realize you can’t rush in and solve everything at once.
- Talk with your child. Ask, "How are you? How’s school? How’s life?" If he or she acts nervous or angry, back off a bit and change the subject. Circle back later, but keep talking.
- Provide quiet time away from the TV, computer, cellphone and other devices — for your child.
- Connect in nature. Try taking a walk, bike riding and other outdoor activities.
- Dine together with as few distractions as possible.
- Have your child examined by his physician to rule out a physical ailment.
- Ask your child’s teacher or school counselor whether they’ve noticed anything unusual.
- Contact Mental Health of America for its Back to School 2018 toolkit, which offers free tips and information to young people on how trauma can affect their brain and how dramatic events may trigger the onset of conditions such as depression, anxiety and psychosis.
Dr. Randy Brazie is chief medical officer of Terros Health, a non-profit, integrated whole health company.
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