There are so many barriers to teens to talk to their parents when they reach adolescence. Unfortunately, when teens seem to withdraw and distance themselves from their parents, the parents tend to give up on communication with their teens.
This is truly not the time to give up on your teen. In fact, you need to press in more. At this time, your teen needs you more
than you can ever know or imagine.
The pressure they face from their peers, social media, and the temptations for simply being a human are massive. So, if you see your teen struggling with challenges and mental health issues, take heart, there is hope.
“Train your child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not depart from it.” Proverbs 22:6.
Mental illness in children is often times hard for parents to detect. Unfortunately, many children are left without mental health care simple because of this challenge.
There are several warning signs of mental illness in children and teens and how you can help your child. With all of the after effects of trauma and loss suffered through the floods, it is paramount for parents to be especially keen on the warning signs of mental illness in their children and teens.
Signs and symptoms to be aware of:
– Showing signs of continuous sadness
– Talking about hurting him/herself
– Behaviour that gets out of control or causes self-harm, and/or harm to others as well
– Poor grades or drop in academic performance
– Changes in diet and sleeping patterns, among others
There are several measures that parents can take to help boost their teens to better mental health. Listed below is a checklist to better mental health for teens; to name a few:
1. Keep communication open between you and your teen. Encourage your teens to share their feelings with you. If you make this a natural pattern, you will be surprised atwhat they are so ready to share with you.
2. Allow your teen space to grow and make mistakes. Give them your most precious commodity; your time. Since adolescence is synonymous with independence, give your teens the love, time, space and support they need to explore and grow.
3. Lots of time in your teen’s life is centered around friends, relationships, physical changes, as well as peer pressure. And for sure, there is no lack of conflicts. It is important to let your teen air out his/her anger and frustrations in a constructive way.
Sometimes there can even be a manifestation of conflicts between you and your teen as well. By sharing your own areas of stress and some personal conflicts, and how you handle it, can also help to boost their self-confidence with their own personal struggles.
4. Help your child to relax. This will help them to manage and reduce their stress levels. www.forbes.com 6 Easy steps To Meditate and Boost Your Mental Well-Being And Career
www.techlowcul.com The Best Mindfulness Practices for Calming Anxious Children.
Turn to the beauty and natural habitat we have in Kenya. The beauty of Kenya is breath taking, especially when you get to the country sides. Personally, this is my favorite escape when dealing with my mental health challenges and stress levels.
5. Exercise! Exercise! Exercise!
6. Encourage your teens to get good
7. Ask for help! Talk about stress and mental health with your teen. Encourage them to ask for help when they feel that things are getting out of control. There is much more that you can do to help your teen deal with mental health Get Started Now!
www.mind.org.uk How To Improve Your Mental Wellbeing.
www.discoverymood.com 10 things Every Teen Should Know About Dealing With A Mental Health Issue.
www.capmh.biomedcentral.com Mental Health and Psychological Wellbeing of Kenyan Adolescents.
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By Doris Foxworth Odito
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