The virus and lockdowns have caused a hidden pandemic – mental illness – to rise. With its continuous spread, it is important to remember that your teenagers can also experience signs of depression and other mental illnesses.
So, what can parents do to help their teenagers cope?
Understanding Mental Health Issues in Teenagers
Most adolescents get moody due to an overload of hormones. But due to the stress and social restrictions brought by the pandemic, teenagers may struggle more than usual. The worst part is that you or they may not realise that they’re suffering.
As a parent, you can help by keeping an eye out for the following symptoms:
- Unusual irritability
- Sleeping too late
- Eating too little/too much
- Low levels of energy
- Inactivity or sluggishness
- Losing interest in their favourite activities
- Withdrawal
- Hopelessness
- Self-harm tendencies
If you notice that several of these signs are persistent for more than two weeks, it’s time to take action. Reach out to your child and let them know that they’re not alone in their struggles.
Helping Teenagers Fight Mental Illnesses
Sometimes, what teenagers need is someone who’ll listen to them. But why is listening effective as emotional support for teenagers?
Listening Makes Teenagers Feel Valued
Adolescence is a confusing period in a person’s life. Along with the biological effects, your children are also starting to feel self-conscious. When they’re experiencing this, it matters to them to know that their feelings are valid.
So, let them vent and take what they’re saying seriously.
Listening Encourages Healthy Coping Techniques
When teenagers know that they can express freely, they will develop healthier coping with overwhelming emotions.
For example, when they encounter something distressing – like the pandemic – they’ll find it easier to vocalise their emotions. And when they understand what’s bothering them, they can find healthy ways to deal with their feelings.
Listening Lightens Emotional Burdens
Most of the time, teenagers aren’t looking for advice. All they need is someone to share their thoughts and feelings with. So, make sure that listening support is available whenever they need it.
Finding Reliable Listening Support
Just like teenagers, adults and older adults also need listening support during the lockdown. Whether it’s for signs of depression or just for someone to talk to, you can never go wrong with listening support.
Talking for Therapy specialises in creating a comfortable talking space for people of all ages. Our advisors are committed to the following quality services:
- Active listening and understanding
- Unconditional emotional support
- Informed assistance on resources and local authority services
- Confidential call sessions
- 24 hours a day and 7 days a week availability
- Wide knowledge of mental health issues (anxiety, emotional trauma, symptoms of depression in men, etc.)
- Strategic listening support
So, if you’re looking for compassionate yet well-informed advisors, let Talking for Therapy help you or your teenager. Feeling emotionally vulnerable during the pandemic is OK, and our advisors are prepared to support you.
No matter where you are in the world, you can book an appointment today. Let’s talk about YOU.
