#116: Teens Take a Beating in Mental Health

FROM THIS SHOW…

Can you remember being a teenager, and the kinds of things that brought your world crashing down? Every day can be a trigger for disasters. And young people these days face extreme and unique challenges to their mental health in this rapidly shifting culture storm. As if they didn’t have enough to worry about!

Today on The Bipolar Now Podcast, Mike and Lise sit down to discuss the kinds of issues kids are likely to be caught up in, using Lise’s decades-long career in education and her current work with adolescent girls as a backdrop. If you’re a parent of a teen, you’ll recognize the signs of crisis in their mental health. And you’ll get some practical strategies for finding the help that both you and your young adult will need to thrive once again.

Definitely don’t give up on our youth generations, and definitely do not miss this show!

Listen to the podcast:

Click here to listen on Apple Podcasts!  With every past episode at your fingertips, plus special Bonus Content with my guests, what's not to love! And if you're feeling generous, would you please leave me a review? It is a special treat to read each and every one of them. Just write about your favorite part of the show! :-) 

TAKEAWAYS

• A good teacher can spot a child’s invisible clues that their mental health is barely functioning. But more often than not, kids go through school without any kind of support in this area of their development.

• Teenagers are extremely sensitive to what’s acceptable and what’s not. And they will rarely seek out help when their mental health falls into crisis mode. Your child will fight you if you take them to counseling, so you must be resolved to take action.

• Children with a condition of mental illness are not doomed to a troubled life. Seeking help at the first signs can radically change their life and their outlook. Young adults have to work hard to enjoy their lives, so walk by them and set them up for success!

Lifer Discussion Guide

Use the questions in today’s Lifer Guide to assist you over any hurdles you may have to clear as you address your mental health. These are special conversations!

“Lifers” are people who have unwavering faithfulness. This assures you that they’ll stick by you through all the highs and lows that are normal for a life with mental health challenges. If you haven’t nominated a lifelong family member or friend as part of your non-medical support team, what are you waiting for? :-)

The Questions:

1) Has your child displayed any symptoms or signs of mental illness recently? / What changes in their attitude or behavior do you notice that might be telling?

2) How does your family feel about mental illness? / Would you be supported if you chose to get your child help in this area?

3) Who can you lean on most when your teen is troubled by their mental health? / What will you do to find support for yourself at the same time as finding help for your child?

Join the Tribe!

Once you’ve had a chance to talk or journal about these things you might have a question from this episode. If so, make sure you head on over to The Bipolar Now Podcast Network on Facebook! There’s quite a few people over there who are also taking a new step in their mental health. And we’d love for you to share your story with us when you’re ready. So don’t miss out!