By -Reena Chopra, well-known child psychologist and founder of Saar Holistic Wellness, Chandigarh Social stigma and misconceptions about mental health prevent many parents and teenage children from seeking professional advice. In this essay, I focus on adolescent mental health and how parents can support their children’s emotional well-being. Adolescence is characterized by dramatic physical, emotional, and social changes, which are both exciting and challenging. For many children, navigating these roller coaster changes are emotionally demanding and draining. It’s an important parental duty to support children during this turbulent phase. However, there is lack of awareness and knowledge about ways and means parents can support teenage children’s mental well-being. Moreover, social stigma and misconceptions about mental health prevent many parents and children from seeking professional advice. In this essay, I focus on adolescent mental health and how parents can support their children’s emotional well-being. Common mental health problems Adolescence is a time when most teens experience heightened emotions, peer pressure, academic stress, and the urge to become independent. While these challenges are normative, sometimes they trigger anxiety, depression, and eating disorders in teenage children. The World Health Organization estimates that 10-20 percent of adolescents globally experience mental health problems. Among them: Anxiety disorders — characterized by excessive worry, fear, and nervousness. Depression — persistent melancholia, hopelessness, and lack of interest in activities. Eating disorders — anorexia or bulimia. Substance abuse — turning to drugs or alcohol to cope with stress. Self-harm — deliberately hurting oneself as a coping mechanism for depression/anxiety. It’s important to remember that mental health problems are not a sign of weakness, but a sign that professional help and support are needed. Mental health stigma Despite growing awareness of mental health issues, teens struggle to talk about their psychological problems. Mental health stigma is defined as “negative or discriminatory attitudes that others may have about mental illness”. This stigma often makes teens feel ashamed and embarrassed to admit they are struggling emotionally, leading them to conceal symptoms and avail professional help. Major reasons why teens avoid discussing mental health include: Fear of being judged or misunderstood. Many teens worry that their friends, family, or peers will view them as weak or broken if they open up about their mental health struggles. Misconceptions about mental health. There is a general belief that mental health illnesses only happen to “other people” or that they should just “rough it out” on their own. Lack of awareness. Teens may not fully understand and/or recognize signs and symptoms of mental illness. Addressing mental health stigma requires open conversations and education. By normalizing discussions about mental health, parents can change children’s mindsets. Warning signs and symptoms It’s difficult for teens to recognise mental health problems in themselves. They believe it’s normal to experience mood swings, stress, and sadness during adolescence. Therefore, it’s important for parents to keenly observe their children’s behaviour. Some warning signs: Persistent sadness or hopelessness. Feeling down most of the time, even when there’s no clear reason. Withdrawal from friends and…
