While the transition – both physical and mental can be overwhelming for teenagers, parents must recognize the warning signs of a mental health issue.
Anxiety or mood swings
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It is normal to feel low or sad sometimes, but as a parent of a teenager do watch out for
- Changes in sleep patterns
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Eating disorders
Body image concerns can become obsessive leading to leaving food altogether which can severely affect one’s health. These disorders can lead to life-long battles with anorexia and bulimia.
Change in social behaviour
For a typical teenager, recklessness is common but if grades are falling, attendance in school is scanty and academic performance is turning from bad to worse, you need to worry.
Teenagers experiment not only with fashion and relationships but even with alcohol and drugs. Parents need to be aware of behavioural and physical signs of alcohol and drug consumption like hangovers, slurred speech, etc. Misuse of prescription drugs, stimulants, and anti-depressants is very common. Despite strict government regulations, your kids can procure these drugs over the counter, and hence parents need to be mindful of substances being used for “self-medication”.
It is indeed a challenge for a parent to differentiate between a normal behavioural change and a mental health red flag, but not impossible. It would be an upsetting episode but it’s also important to remain calm and seek counselling or medical assistance before it’s too late. For parents of new teenagers, parents should not be a threat but a medium to open their hearts out and talk.
Disclaimer: Tips and suggestions mentioned in the article are for general information purposes only and should not be construed as professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or a dietician before starting any fitness programme or making any changes to your diet.
