The past year has been tough on everyone, especially young people. Your teens and adolescents may be struggling with mental health challenges due to the global pandemic’s impact. It’s more important than ever to check in with them and see how they’re coping.
While extended time at home has disrupted normal routines, it also provides an opportunity to connect more deeply with your kids. Taking time to talk openly about their feelings and experiences can help support their emotional wellbeing during this difficult period. Don’t hesitate to start these important conversations – your teens need your support and understanding now more than ever.
Previous statistics
You might be surprised by the recent trends in adolescent mental health. The numbers paint a concerning picture:
Anxiety: 4.4 million youth ages 3-17 were diagnosed with anxiety in 2019. This represents 7.1% of kids in that age group.
Depression: In 2017, 9.4% of teens aged 12-17 experienced major depressive symptoms.
Bullying: A 2019 survey found that over half of teens view bullying as a significant issue among their peers.
Suicide: Tragically, suicide was the second leading cause of death for 10-34 year olds in 2018.
Self-harm: Non-suicidal self-harm rates ranged from 6-30% in 2018, varying by gender and location.
These statistics highlight the urgent need for better mental health support in schools and communities. While the data is alarming, it’s important to note that some areas have shown improvement. Teen drug use and pregnancy rates have reached record lows.
It’s worth noting that these figures predate the COVID-19 pandemic. Early reports suggest that mental health challenges have likely increased since 2020, though final data is still pending.
Start asking
Talking to your kids about mental health can feel awkward. Silence, glares, and tech distractions might make it tough. But pushing through this discomfort is key for honest, caring chats.
Your children or their friends may be facing challenges. Pick a good time to talk – maybe in the evening on their bed or the couch. A snack can help ease tension. Car rides work too, as they limit eye contact and have a set timeframe.
Try these conversation starters:
- “How are you feeling today?”
- “What’s been on your mind lately?”
- “Is there anything you want to talk about?”
Remember, the goal is to create a safe space for your teen to open up. Listen without judgment and show you care. If needed, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. Therapy can provide a supportive environment for teens to express feelings and develop coping strategies.
20 Mental health check-in questions
Ready to start asking? Here’s a list of things to ask your kids.
(Hint: don’t try to ask every single question on this list in one setting. Select just a few for your first conversation.)
- Do you feel like your friends/family are supporting you recently? Why or why not?
- What’s been stressing you out lately?
- The pandemic has impacted a lot. What do you feel like you will miss because of it?
- How has the pandemic impacted your faith?
- What’s something exciting that you’re looking forward to?
- Do you feel like you have too much to handle, or do you think you are managing your time well?
- Who do you miss the most right now?
- Do you ever need someone to talk to, but don’t know who?
- What does your ideal day look like?
- Are you eating, exercising, and sleeping well? How can I help you eat, exercise, or sleep better?
- Do you feel like you have a positive or negative view of life right now?
- What’s your favorite way to relax or de-stress?
- Tell me something that you are dreading.
- Have you ever felt so sad or lonely that you wanted to hurt yourself?
- What do you need right now that you don’t have?
- How are things going with your friends? Do you still get to talk/see them?
- Do you feel anxious? If so, what triggers that, and what does anxiety feel like to you?
- What’s the biggest problem that you’re facing right now?
- If you could do anything right now, what would you do?
- I love you and care about you. What’s the best way we can regularly connect about these things? Or how can I help/encourage you going forward?
These mental health check-in questions can help you understand your teen’s emotions, stress levels, and coping strategies. They cover topics like anxiety, depression, self-care, and relationships.
Remember to ask only a few questions at a time. This helps keep the conversation natural and not overwhelming. Your goal is to create a safe space for open, honest discussion.
Pay attention to your teen’s body language and tone as they answer. These can give you clues about their true feelings. If they seem uncomfortable, don’t push. You can always come back to the topic later.
Be ready to listen without judgment. Your teen might share things that surprise or worry you. Stay calm and supportive. If needed, seek professional help to address serious concerns.
Reassurance
Your child needs your support and understanding. Listen carefully to what they say and don’t say. Pay attention to their stresses, joys, and coping methods.
When they open up, reflect their words back to them:
- “It sounds tough not connecting with friends like before.”
- “Missing out on prom must be really disappointing.”
- “I get why you feel that way.”
This helps them feel heard and validated. It shows you’re truly listening.
Remember to:
- Cheer their wins
- Acknowledge their losses
- Be their biggest supporter
Let them know you’ll always love them, no matter what. Your reassurance can aid healing and growth. It helps build their confidence and sense of self-worth. With your guidance, they can explore their strengths, values, and dreams.
What if…
You might hear your child say things like “I think I’m depressed” or “I hate my life.” They may talk about feeling lonely, anxious, or having problems with friends. These are tough moments that need careful handling.
Listen closely and repeat what they say. This shows you’re paying attention. Give them emotional support right away. Let them know you’re there for them.
The next step is getting help. A counselor can guide your family through this tough time. Redeemed Life Counseling offers many helpful resources. Their team is ready to work with you and your child. Reaching out for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Social media caption
Are chats with your teen full of silence, glares, and tech distractions? You’re not alone. Break through the awkwardness and start talking about mental health with your kids.
Try these 20 Mental Health Check-In questions to get the ball rolling:
- How are you feeling today?
- What’s been on your mind lately?
- Is there anything you want to talk about?
Remember, #conversationsmatter when it comes to teen mental health.
Frequently Asked Questions (for teens)
What signs should I look out for to identify stress or anxiety in my daily life?
Signs of stress or anxiety can include:
- Trouble sleeping or changes in sleep patterns
- Feeling tired or having low energy
- Muscle tension, especially in your neck and shoulders
- Headaches or stomach aches
- Feeling irritable or on edge
- Racing thoughts or trouble concentrating
- Changes in appetite
Pay attention to your body and mind. If you notice these symptoms often, you may be dealing with stress or anxiety. Mental health issues are common among teens, so don’t hesitate to seek help if needed.
How can I effectively communicate my emotional needs to my friends and family?
To communicate your emotional needs:
- Choose a good time to talk when everyone is calm
- Use “I” statements to express your feelings
- Be specific about what you need
- Listen to their responses without getting defensive
- Practice active listening
For example: “I feel overwhelmed when I have too much homework. Can we talk about ways to manage my schedule better?”
Remember, it’s okay to ask for help. Your loved ones want to support you, but they can’t read your mind.
What are some strategies I can use to cope with feelings of loneliness or depression?
Coping strategies for loneliness or depression:
- Reach out to friends or family, even if it feels hard
- Join a club or group with shared interests
- Exercise regularly – it boosts mood and energy
- Practice mindfulness or meditation
- Keep a gratitude journal
- Set small, achievable goals each day
- Seek professional help if feelings persist
Remember, these feelings are temporary. You’re not alone, and there’s no shame in asking for support.
As a teenager, how do I differentiate between normal mood swings and something more serious?
Normal mood swings:
- Short-lived (hours to a few days)
- Don’t significantly impact daily life
- Often tied to specific events or situations
More serious concerns:
- Persistent negative feelings lasting weeks or months
- Major changes in sleep, appetite, or energy levels
- Withdrawal from friends and activities you used to enjoy
- Thoughts of self-harm or suicide
If you’re unsure, talk to a trusted adult or mental health professional. They can help you figure out what’s going on and get support if needed.
What healthy habits can I establish now to support my mental well-being throughout my teen years?
Healthy habits for mental well-being:
- Get enough sleep (8-10 hours per night)
- Eat a balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables
- Exercise regularly
- Limit screen time, especially before bed
- Practice stress-management techniques like deep breathing or yoga
- Spend time outdoors in nature
- Maintain social connections with friends and family
- Pursue hobbies and interests you enjoy
- Learn to set boundaries and say no when needed
How can I maintain a positive self-image in the face of social media and peer pressures?
Tips for maintaining a positive self-image:
- Limit social media use and follow accounts that make you feel good
- Remember that most people only share their best moments online
- Focus on your strengths and accomplishments
- Practice self-compassion and positive self-talk
- Surround yourself with supportive friends
- Set realistic goals and celebrate your progress
- Engage in activities that make you feel confident and capable
- Question unrealistic beauty standards or expectations
Teen Social Anxiety
