Conflicts and challenges in the teenage years are normal and can help teens develop resolution skills, resilience and independence. It’s a tough time; dealing with school pressures, hormonal changes, developing identity and navigating relationships. Throw a pandemic into the mix and it’s a recipe for combustion. 

So, what can you do to help your teen stay on track with their mental health? There are three essentials: Nutrition, Exercise and Sleep.

These cornerstones for good mental health are often lacking. Encouraging a balanced diet, regular daily exercise and adequate sleep will help our teenagers face the world at their physical best. Once these needs have been met, we can look at other ways to promote mental wellbeing.

• Get out there and do stuff. Get out into nature and explore, develop hobbies, try different sports and forms of exercise. Build these into your everyday life with your teen – you’ll all benefit.

• Hang out together. Spend time doing things together. Work independently in the same space – you can work while they study. Cook a meal together, watch a movie, be relentlessly present. Encourage time away from screens, in fact, take control and establish ground rules for everyone in the house (including the adults) about phone use.

• Manage your expectations. Expect inconsistencies – your teen is still not an adult but they aren’t a child either. They can be confused and frustrated with their efforts to manage their emotions. Allow them to grow and change. 

• Communicate. Start communicating by listening. Be open and direct, leave no room for interpretation. Be honest. Ask open-ended questions and allow them to direct the conversation. Observe their body language as well as their words. Don’t try to fix things for them,
let them talk through how they can work it out themselves. Encourage them to try. 

If your teen has been affected by recent suicides, spend time with them in that space and allow them to process and grieve. Don’t be tempted to fill the silence, or downplay their feelings, just let them know that you are listening. Teenagers who are withdrawing from social connections and becoming increasingly isolated need attention. Know your limits and seek professional help if you are concerned about your teen’s mental health.
 

Need to talk?

• Kids Helpline – 1800 551 800

• Beyond Blue – 1300 22 46 36

• Lifeline – 13 11 14

• Headspace – 1800 650 890

• Suicide Call Back Service – 1300 659 467

• QLife – 1800 184 527