Mental illness affects tens of millions each year. According to USA Today, more than 17 million teenagers have a mental, behavior, or emotional disorder.
However, estimates suggest that only half of the people with mental illness receive treatment.
Many parents are unsure of the warning signs of mental illness in their teenagers. We were all teenagers once — and moodiness and withdrawal are common traits we all experienced at one adolescent stage or another.
However, disorders like depression, anxiety, and attention deficit disorder (ADD) do occur during childhood.
Many adults in treatment say they wish they had received treatment earlier in their lives, as they were affected by these disorders during childhood.
While parents want to be proactive and get in tune with their teens’ needs, they often struggle with “what” to look for and when to seek support services as a family.
Parents play an integral role in connecting teens with mental-health treatment and, if there is a diagnosis, helping their child to learn and live with the diagnosis.
“Some parents are initially hesitant about seeking support as they sometimes take offense, seeing their child’s issues as a direct result of their parenting skills,” said health journalist Kelly Burch on website The Fix. “Myths and stigma about mental illness can hinder access to treatment, so it’s important to remember that mental illnesses are biological conditions, not caused by bad parenting, personal weakness, or character flaws.”
However, just as physical illnesses require expert care, so do mental illnesses. One area
resource, the Mental Health Association (MHA) of Rochester/Monroe County, fosters an environment to build skills and provide support to individuals facing a mental health challenge, empowering them to make informed decisions on their self-directed path to wellness.
MHA’s Teen Support Group called P.E.A.C.E. (Peers Encouraging a Caring Environment), is specially geared for teens ages 13 to 18, with three locations serving the Greater Rochester area. The group encourages open and honest sharing of thoughts, emotions, and dreams among peers.
MHA also has a support group for Parents of Teens who are raising a teenager with behavioral and/or emotional challenges. The groups provide an opportunity to meet, talk, listen, and learn about the ups and downs of raising a teen.
Both groups meet Mondays from 6 to 8 p.m.
“Unique to the Mental Health Association, our trained Family Advocates all have personal experience with what families are going through,” said Adrian Wright, MHA’s director of Family Support Services. “They have all lived and walked in the shoes of the families they serve.”
Open dialogue between parents and children is very important, Wright noted, but cautioned, “Sometimes parents are very quick to be a friend to their children, rather than act as a guiding force.”
Regarding what to look for as outward signs of potential issues, Wright advises: “Look for extremes in your child’s behavior —if they are not eating, not engaging. If they consistently lose eye contact. And check their phones!”
“Relationships between parents and their teens are not easy in today’s world,” she said. “Social media makes it hard to monitor our children 24/7.”
Concerned parents should talk to their child’s teachers.
“Teachers are definitely an ally,” Wright said. “They are with your children as much as you are.”
Parents should also talk with their child’s friends, asking if they have noticed anything out of the ordinary.
They should then share with their child’s pediatrician what has been observed first-hand and the information learned from teachers and friends. The pediatrician will be able to direct parents to available resources.
Identifying mental health issues early will help parents and teens find the right resources for them, giving kids the best opportunities to lead full and productive lives.
“It takes parents, teachers, neighbors, and friends doing it together to raise healthy children,” Wright said.
With good mental health, teens will have increased positive interactions and a focused ability to learn, allowing them to live their best life.
Learn more about the Mental Health Association of Rochester at mharochester.org
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