Top 10 Tips for Parents with Teens Struggling with Mental Health This Summer
By Edie Stark
Blog Take Away:
Summer, with its long days and relaxed schedules, offers a respite from the rigors of the school year. However, for teens grappling with mental health challenges, this season can also be a period of heightened stress and uncertainty. Stark Therapist Group specializes in teen therapy, we have seen how the lack of structure and increased downtime can exacerbate issues like anxiety, depression, and loneliness. To help parents support their teens through this difficult time, we’ve compiled a list of ten essential tips to guide you in fostering a supportive and nurturing environment this summer.
1. Establish a Daily Routine
Even without the structure of school, maintaining a daily routine is crucial. A consistent schedule provides a sense of stability and predictability that can help reduce anxiety. Encourage your teen to have regular wake-up times, mealtimes, and bedtime. Of course, allowing for flexibility is important too- let your teen enjoy their more relaxed schedule :)
Why It Matters: Routine helps teens feel more in control of their day, reducing stress and promoting better mental health.
2. Encourage Creative Outlets
Creative activities like drawing, writing, music, or crafting can be therapeutic for teens. Encourage them to explore hobbies that interest them and provide a productive way to express their emotions and relieve stress.
Why It Matters: Creative outlets offer a means to process feelings, boost self-esteem, and achieve a sense of accomplishment.
3. Foster Social Connections
Isolation can worsen mental health struggles. Encourage your teen to stay connected with friends and family. This can be through in-person activities, video calls, or participating in group activities like clubs or community events.
Why It Matters: Positive social interactions provide emotional support, reduce feelings of loneliness, and foster a sense of belonging.
4. Promote a Tech-Free Time
Encourage your teen to take breaks from screens and engage in offline activities. Excessive screen time, especially on social media, can increase feelings of anxiety and depression.
Why It Matters: Reducing screen time helps teens disconnect from potential online stressors and engage more with the real world.
5. Teach Stress Management Techniques
Equip your teen with tools to manage stress, such as deep breathing exercises, mindfulness, and gentle movement. These techniques can help them stay calm and grounded during challenging times.
Why It Matters: Effective stress management is essential for navigating both daily stressors and more significant life events.
6. Create a Safe and Supportive Environment
Ensure your home is a safe space where your teen feels comfortable expressing their emotions. Be empathetic, listen actively, and avoid judgment. Showing that you understand and respect their feelings can make a significant difference.
Why It Matters: A supportive environment fosters open communication and helps teens feel valued and understood.
7. Set Realistic Expectations
Be mindful of the pressures you place on your teen. Set realistic and achievable expectations for their academic performance, social interactions, and responsibilities. Understand that each teen’s capacity to handle stress is different.
Why It Matters: Setting realistic expectations can reduce feelings of inadequacy and stress, promoting better mental health.
8. Provide Opportunities for Skill Building
Encourage your teen to learn new skills or pursue interests that can boost their confidence and provide a sense of purpose. This could be anything from learning to coo or knit, or volunteering a local animal shelter.
Why It Matters: Developing new skills and interests can enhance self-esteem, provide a sense of achievement, and offers a creative way to spend time.
9. Seek Professional Help When Needed
If your teen’s mental health struggles are worrisome or persistent, don't hesitate to seek professional help. A therapist specializing in adolescent mental health can provide targeted support and strategies tailored to your teen’s needs.
Why It Matters: Professional guidance can offer crucial interventions, coping strategies, and a safe space for teens to work through their challenges. Additionally, it leaves you to be the most important thing, their loving parent!
10. Prioritize Family Time
Make time for family activities that everyone enjoys. Whether it’s a game night, a movie marathon, or a day trip, these moments can strengthen family bonds and provide much-needed relaxation and fun.
Why It Matters: Quality family time fosters stronger relationships, provides emotional support, and creates positive memories.
Implementing the Tips
Here’s a practical plan to help you incorporate these tips into your summer routine with your teen:
Create a Weekly Schedule: Collaborate with your teen to create a weekly schedule that includes wake-up times, activities, and downtime.
Plan Family Activities: Organize regular family outings or activities that everyone can enjoy, fostering connection and providing opportunities for fun.
Set Up a Creative Space: Designate an area in your home for creative activities, where your teen can go to draw, write, or engage in other hobbies.
Regular Check-Ins: Schedule regular times to check in with your teen about their feelings and mental health. This could be during meals, walks, or other relaxed settings.
Final Thoughts…
Summer can be a challenging time for teens struggling with mental health, but with the right strategies and support, it can also be an opportunity for growth and healing. By maintaining a routine, encouraging creative outlets, fostering social connections, and promoting open communication, parents can help their teens navigate these challenges and enjoy a more balanced, fulfilling summer.
Remember, the goal is not to fix everything overnight but to create a supportive environment where your teen feels valued, understood, and empowered to take care of their mental health. When in doubt always seek guidance from a professional!
Investing in your teen's mental health this summer is an investment in their future. By following these tips, you can help your teen build resilience, develop healthy coping mechanisms, and strengthen their overall well-being.
Our Services:
Stark Therapy Group offers therapy for all types of eating disorders, including Anorexia, Binge Eating Disorder and Bulimia. We offer a 3-tiered family based support for teens in eating disorder recovery. We also provide cutting edge trauma therapy called Brainspotting. We treat anxiety, depression and general mental health conditions. We offer 3-tiered family based support for teens with general mental health issues. We offer culturally competent therapy for BIPOC folks. We also offer couples therapy. We would love to help you on your mental health journey. Reach out today for a free consultation!