Teen mental health: Tips from Polokwane psychiatrist

POLOKWANE – According to Sadag, Teen Suicide Prevention Week is observed annually during the second week of February. This year, the theme is “Your Feelings Matter, Let’s Talk,” highlighting the importance of acknowledging others’ feelings and their need for emotional support.

Review spoke to Zelda Buitendag, clinical psychiatrist about mental health and teenagers.

“Children deal with a lot of different issues, such as anxiety and depression. They face extreme pressures like their future, good grades, being able to study further or to perform on the sports field or in cultural activities.”

Teenagers have tough schedules that do not allow enough time for rest, relaxation and fun. They experience bullies and discrimination based on sexual orientation, weight, race and gender.

“There are a few signs parents may notice if their child suffers mentally. Normal teenager behaviour such as mood swings, irritability, anger and tearfulness will be noticeable but so will other signs.”

Signs:

• Distinguished changes in sleep patterns, weight and eating habits.
• A loss of interest in the things they normally love or quitting activities that they enjoy.
• They will withdraw from their friends and family.
• They will cancel plans with little or no explanation.
• They may start to struggle academically and their marks will decline.
• Sometimes they may have new friends that you have not met before.
• You will see something is wrong, but they will not want to speak to you about it.

“Other signs are those of drug and alcohol use and self-harm like cutting and burning. It is noteworthy that having just one of these symptoms does not mean your teenager is experiencing a crisis. Biological changes can affect your child’s mood and school performance. If you consistently see one or more of these symptoms it is time to have an open conversation with them about mental health.”

Ways to have open conversations with your child:

1. Make it safe for your child to talk to you without judging, lecturing and punishment.
2. Listen more than you speak.
3. Avoid putting your child in defence. Do not attack them, but rather tell them what you notice and ask if something is bothering them.
4. Do not push your child. There will be some silences as your child try to figure out what to say.

“Social media such as Facebook, Instagram and TikTok play a big role in a young person’s mood. Teenagers spend a lot of time on social media. Researchers are still learning a lot about social media and how it can affect your mental health.”

Most common mental health conditions in teens:

• Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder(ADHD).
• Anxiety.
• Depression.
• Eating such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa.
• Self-harm

“Allow room for your child to experience failure, rejection, and disappointment within safe parameters. These negative experiences build resilience. Parents must keep in mind that they cannot always prevent a child from going through tough experiences or protect them from them. If the child does not cope with such experiences, seek professional help.”

“Keep in mind that mental health is not just about responding to problems. It is important to promote positive mental health and resilience in every day, proactive ways. Even if your child is doing fine, help them find time for self-care and mood-boosting healthy habits.”