Navigating a child’s mental health: Warning signs & conversation starters

Navigating an adolescent’s mental health as a parent or caregiver can feel overwhelming, but being able to identify key warning signs and knowing how to help can make all the difference.

Everyone goes through ups and downs in life, but just the same, everyone can learn to respond in meaningful ways.

For parents and caregivers, that means having a little patience, knowing when and how to bring up the conversation, and remembering you’re not alone.

Recognizing the signs

Teens can be hard to read. It can be especially challenging to know whether their behavior is a passing phase related to puberty or a more concerning symptom of a mental health condition.

Heather Thelaner, MS, LMFT, with Mary Bridge Children’s Adolescent Care clinic, addresses the signs to pay attention to and how to gauge an “off” day versus a persistent pattern.

10 behavioral signs to watch for:

• Risky behavior such as running away, reckless driving, unsafe sex
• Drug or alcohol use
• Noticeable changes in eating habits or weight
• Withdrawing from activities or isolating from friends or family
• Sudden decline in academic performance
• Drastic changes in sleep habits
• Severe mood swings or aggression
• Intense worries or sudden overwhelming fear
• Extreme difficulty concentrating
• Self-harm or suicidal thoughts

Talking about mental health

Starting the conversation about mental health can feel daunting at times — or you may worry about saying the wrong thing. But keeping that line of communication open is key to building trust and creating a safe space where children and teens feel heard and supported.

This video offers practical strategies to help you approach these discussions with confidence and compassion.

Talking to children about distressing events:

• Keep in mind your child’s age, development and individual need for information
• Kids need to feel safe — allow them to set the pace
• Start with open-ended questions and check-ins
• It’s OK if conversations are short, just be sure to check in a few days later in case they have more questions
• Provide concrete and relatable information, especially with older children who are more likely to fill gaps with misinformation they hear or find online

You’re not alone: Find support

Parenting through the adolescent years can be tough, and it’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed at times. We’re here to remind you that you’re not alone — many parents face similar struggles.

Through all the ups and downs, prioritizing your own mental health is just as important. In this video, you’ll get tips on ways to support your mental health and learn about the many resources MultiCare offers you and your child.

7 strategies to support your mental health:

1. Take a few minutes for yourself every day.
2. Pause and check in with yourself every day.
3. Don’t wait to seek help.
4. Be mindful of what you commit to.
5. Spend meaningful time with your family every day.
6. Don’t take adolescent behavior personally.
7. Schedule regular time to talk with your spouse, your partner or someone close to you.

At the end of the day, the most important thing to remember is that you’re not alone in trying to care for your children or those you care for, coach or teach. Conversations may be hard or awkward at first, but knowing there’s a safe space could make all the difference in a young person’s life.