Mental illness is a growing problem in the United States, with one in five people suffering from a mental health disorder at some point in their lives. For teenagers, the statistics are even more alarming, as one in four suffers from a mental illness.
The good news is that early diagnosis and treatment can make a big difference in the long term outcome for these young people. So how do you go about raising a teenager with mental illness?
5 Tips for Raising a Teenager Struggling with Mental Illness
1. Create a support network.
Make sure you have a support network of family and friends who can help you care for your teenager.
2. Get professional help.
Make sure your teenager is seeing a therapist or psychiatrist who can help them get on track with treatment.
Need mental health support? For professional, confidential assistance, contact one of our partner agencies, like Family Service League.
3. Encourage treatment.
Make sure your teenager is taking their medication and attending all therapy appointments.
4. Be positive.
Try to keep your expectations for your teenager positive, even when they are struggling.
5. Be patient.
Raising a teenager with mental illness can be challenging, but your patience and care will demonstrate a high level of love and care. Be patient and never give up on them.
In the US, 1 in 4 teens suffer from mental illness. The good news is that early diagnosis and treatment can make a big difference in the long term outcome for these young people. Seek help today. Click To TweetA RESOURCE TO HELP YOU RAISE TEENS
In his book, The Teenage Brain: A Neuroscientist’s Survival Guide to Raising Adolescents and Young Adults, renowned neurologist Dr. Frances E. Jensen offers a revolutionary look at the brains of teenagers, dispelling myths and offering practical advice for teens, parents and teachers.
This book will provide insight into the teenage mind whether or not they have been diagnosed with a mental illness.
The science is presented by Dr. Jensen in the contexts of daily learning and multitasking, stress and memory, sleep, addiction, and decision-making. He compiles the knowledge we have about the function, wiring, and capacity of the adolescent brain. These discoveries also produce helpful recommendations that will aid adults and teenagers in navigating the perplexing world of adolescent development in this ground-breaking yet approachable book.
Consider this book of you’re raising teens—whether or not they’ve been diagnosed with a mental illness. It’s been called a “must-read” for parents, teachers, school nurses, and many others who live with or interact with teens.
Gain access to even more book recommendations on mental health when you download our free ebook today.
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