Richard L. Fellner
The adolescent years are a very critical period of adjustment for both teens and
families. Teenagers have to adapt to many physical, mental and emotional changes
during this phase of life. As parents and as community members it is important
to be aware and understand how teens develop, the challenges that youth face,
and the ways in which the family can help them to become and stay as physically
and mentally healthy as possible.
Talking to teens about issues of mental health can be
difficult - but it is the best way to understand what they are going through and
if they need to get help. In my experience, it is often easier for teenagers to
open themselves up towards relatives, professional counselors or other
non-family members.
Being a teenager is hard. Teenagers are under stress to be
liked, to do well in school, get along with the family and they have to make big
decisions. Most of these pressures can’t be avoided, so it is perfectly normal
to worry at times. But feeling very sad, hopeless or worthless could be warning
signs of a mental health problem one should seek help for. Such problems are
real, sometimes painful and severe. As a teenager, look out for help if you have
the signs mentioned above or if you:
- Often feel very angry or worried
- Feel grief for a long time after a loss or death
- Feel very fearful at times
- Think your mind is controlled or out of control
- Primarily communicate with others over the Internet
- Spend lots of time on online games
- Use alcohol or drugs
- Are constantly concerned about physical problems or
appearance
- Exercise, diet and/or binge-eat obsessively
- Hurt other people or destroy property
- Do reckless things that could harm you or others
- Feel shy or unconfident amongst others
- Have problems in school but see no way out of it
