KIDS IN CRISIS
ehaviour but this can be a dangerous ereotype as changes in mood can so be a sign your teen is struggling motionally. This is why the most mportant aspect of any parent-child lationship is communication. While you may find your child isn’t een to talk at first, persevering until hey see a daily check-in chat as part f your family routine ensures two hings. Firstly, they know you are enuinely interested in their life and, condly, you are likely to recognise if hey are struggling at an early stage. Other signs that a teenager could be nhappy include if they withdraw to their bedrooms for long periods of time or stop socialising with their pals.
Some teenagers struggle with hormonal changes during puberty. Slamming doors, screaming blue murder and being disrespectful can be mistaken for unacceptable behaviour. However, these types of behaviour are often more to do with your child feeling overwhelmed and seeking an outlet for their unmanageable emotions.
Teens often struggle to express their feelings because they don’t fully understand what is making them so unhappy in the first place.
If you think your teen is struggling with explosive moods, they may require some extra advice from a healthcare professional. HOW TO TALK ABOUT MENTAL HEALTH Start talking to your children about mental health – what it is, why it is important and what you can do to positively maintain it – as early as you can. If you make it clear you are comfortable talking about anything and everything to do with mental health, they will see it as something natural to discuss.
If you have concerns about your child’s mental health, it’s best to discuss it without having an obvious agenda. Instead, throw it into conversation when you are walking the dog, cooking or in the car.
Simply suggesting you have noticed they are quieter than usual or don’t seem quite as positive, is a good way to show you’ve been paying attention. Sometimes, with the best will in the world, your child will not wish to engage and that’s OK. Remind them that they are loved and that you’re always there for them. Explain that nothing they could tell you would ever stop them being loved and that even when they feel alone, they are not. Finally, make it clear that you are always there if they need a chat, a cup of tea or a cuddle. If you or someone you know is struggling, you can contact The Samaritans on 0116 123 24/7 or Breathing Space on 0800 838587 from 6pm to 2am Monday to Thursday and from 6pm on a Friday to 6am on Monday.
r child’s mood seems low y length of time.. explain el they may be struggling