While smoking cigarettes and binge drinking alcohol may have been the biggest health risk factors for teens of decades past, today’s teenagers in Washington state are far less likely to use those substances.
That’s great news for the health of our next generation, but Washington’s Healthy Youth Survey shows some other important areas where teenagers could use support: primarily, their mental health.
The most recent data from the statewide survey — which is run in Washington approximately every two years — found that Washington teens rank low on their behavioral health when compared to teens in other states. The Evergreen state ranks 31st out of 50 other states in this category, as more young people are reporting feelings of anxiety and hopelessness.
The good news is, since we know about it, we can help address it. Here are a few ways to help take care of them.
Your teen may be at the age where they respond with one-word answers when you ask how their day was. But it doesn’t mean you should stop trying. To show you’re always there for them, be present and listen when they bring something up, as UNICEF recommends. If your teen is talking, set the phone down, turn around from making dinner, and make eye contact. Ask open-ended questions without judgement or instruction. And it doesn’t hurt to remind them that even if they’re in trouble, you’re always going to be there to support and take care of them.
The coronavirus pandemic is not an easy time to be a teen. They’re missing friends, in-person interactions, and their growing sense of freedom and adventure. That’s why family members should encourage teens to think about the things they can and can’t control, and support them in planning for the things they can, according to CNN. Do they want to go to college? Do they want to find a summer job? Are they interested in learning something new, like an instrument or a sport? The more teens see that they have options, the more they’ll find focus and hope for their future.
Remember, you can’t solve every challenge your teen might be facing when it comes to their mental health. That’s why it’s important to know where to turn for outside support. The Centers for Disease Control has a great list for how your teen can process the stress they’re feeling during the pandemic. Visit The National Institute of Mental Health Information Resource Center for a wealth of information on finding providers for immediate assistance. You can also visit MentalHealth.gov’s resource for parents and caregivers who want to know what questions to ask to better understand teens’ needs.
Questions about your family’s health insurance? Contact a Sea Mountain Health Insurance Specialist.
