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Mental Health
For Parents of Grades 7-12
Did you know...
The World Health Organization’s definition of health includes physical, mental, and social wellness. Adolescent mental and social health is at a crisis point. Social wellness is at risk daily from the usual relationship pressures, but our teens have the added strain of excessive social media exposure and a pandemic crisis requiring increased distancing.
One-in-five Americans has experienced some form of mental illness; therefore, early detection, awareness, and treatment are key to prevention. Research indicates that 70 - 90% of people who seek proper treatment for mental health disorders witness a significant reduction in symptoms,1 so young people need to know that there are adults who will listen and support them in a judgement-free environment.
Some teens report being afraid to talk to parents about their mental health, concerned with possibly being misunderstood or creating more burden for parents. They need to know that reaching out to loved ones is a critical and necessary part of healing. We have included links to resources for you to become more familiar with varying mental health stressors and coping techniques.
115 Mental Health Facts You Should Know.
USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work.
Read More
Parent Tips
Sharing
Encourage your child to share feelings and experiences.
Do Not Trivialize Feelings
Be careful not to trivialize their feelings or their problems. Avoid telling them something is “not a big deal.”
Allow Silence
Allow for silence as they carefully think to articulate the complexity of their feelings.
Spend Some Time
Spend time learning about mental health and getting help.
Use Resources
Use resources below to learn warning signs for depression, anxiety, and other mental health concerns.
Be Careful
Be careful about using labels that can minimize a serious diagnosis or categorize “types of people.”
Sharing
Encourage your child to share feelings and experiences.
Do Not Trivialize Feelings
Be careful not to trivialize their feelings or their problems. Avoid telling them something is “not a big deal.”
Allow Silence
Allow for silence as they carefully think to articulate the complexity of their feelings.
Spend Some Time
Spend time learning about mental health and getting help.
Use Resources
Use resources below to learn warning signs for depression, anxiety, and other mental health concerns.
Be Careful
Be careful about using labels that can minimize a serious diagnosis or categorize “types of people.”
Resources
NAMI: National Alliance on Mental Health
Includes facts, programs, discussion groups, helpline (available en espanol)
The Parent Resource Program by The Jason Foundation
Information regarding suicide
SAMHSA Treatment Locator
Provides referrals to low cost/sliding scale mental health care, substance abuse and dual diagnosis treatment.
Phone: 800-662-4357
HealthyChildren.org
Adolescent Depression.
Sponsored by the American Academy of Pediatrics (available en espanol)
Dial 2-1-1
Dial from a local phone or use website to search for organizations that offer local support resources and services.
Suicide Prevention Lifeline
Seek immediate assistance if you think your child is in danger of harming themselves or others.
You can call a crisis line or the National Suicide Prevention Line at 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
(available en espanol)
Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA)
prevention, treatment, symptoms Phone: 240-485-1001
Video on Teen Suicide Prevention
Mayo Clinic 3:47 June 5, 2013
Watch Video
NAMI: National Alliance on Mental Health
Includes facts, programs, discussion groups, helpline (available en espanol)
The Parent Resource Program by The Jason Foundation
Information regarding suicide
SAMHSA Treatment Locator
Provides referrals to low cost/sliding scale mental health care, substance abuse and dual diagnosis treatment.
Phone: 800-662-4357
HealthyChildren.org
Adolescent Depression.
Sponsored by the American Academy of Pediatrics (available en espanol)
Dial 2-1-1
Dial from a local phone or use website to search for organizations that offer local support resources and services.
Suicide Prevention Lifeline
Seek immediate assistance if you think your child is in danger of harming themselves or others.
You can call a crisis line or the National Suicide Prevention Line at 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
(available en espanol)
Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA)
prevention, treatment, symptoms Phone: 240-485-1001
Video on Teen Suicide Prevention
Mayo Clinic 3:47 June 5, 2013
Watch Video