Parents
If you are a parent looking for resources on how to best support your adolescents' mental health. You have come to the right place!
Parents have a vital role to play in the mental health of their adolescents. So, Seeking out information on how to help your children get to a better place is a step in the right direction.
On this page you will find important information regarding some tell-tale signs of suicidal behavior to look out for, recommendations made for parents based on research findings and information on how you can actively partake and modify your child's environment.
If you or someone you know are in immediate danger
Please call the helpline below:
800-273-8255 (available 24 hours)
Parent-Child Relationships
Developing a healthy relationship with your children is one of the first lines of prevention and protection from poor mental health. Adolescents spend a big chunk of their time at home with their parents. So, it is important that they feel comfortable enough to talk freely and be their authentic true selves.
Research studies have shown that having a healthy relationship with your children is associated with less mental health problems experienced as an adult (32). Therefore, building trust and dedicating time to family interactions is important. This does not need to be a difficult task. One study published in Frontiers Pediatrics, explained that simply returning home at regular times or not always returning home late can prevent potential behavioral issues (such as conduct issues, emotional problems..) (28).
Another simple task a parent can do to help their child's mental health is to take care of themselves! While this might seem surprising, one study showed that children are more likely to report poor mental health when their parents report poor emotional, physical or mental health (18). This is a win-win situation! Not only does taking care of your health improve your own well-being but, it is also likely to prevent your child from experiencing mental health struggles (18).
If you are a parent in need of parental support and extra parenting resources, please consider clicking here to view this CDC-funded website designed to help parents find support resources.
Fathers are Just as Important as Mothers
Often times, mothers are the parents that come under attack when people have objections to the way a child is being raised. But, the role of fathers can be just as important in affecting children as that of the mothers. In fact, a child's healthy relationship with a father is linked to less internalization of problems (problems with feeling depressed, anxious or having obsessive compulsive tendencies) and less hyperactivity and trouble concentrating (36).
Fathers have the power to possibly improve the mental health of both the child and the mother simply by choosing to be more involved (45). For example, one study found a strong association between the self-esteem of adolescent daughters and the involvement of fathers (3)
Fathers can act as positive role model for their children by partaking in their activities, being expressive and nurturing about their feelings towards them and spending some time with their children visiting new places or simply accompanying them (3)
Tell-Tale Signs of Suicidality
One way parents can take part in their child's mental health is by keeping a watchful eye on their mental state and mood. This can be done by looking for suicidal predictors. Suicidal predictors are features of an adolescent or features affecting an adolescent's life that might increase their likelihood of engaging in suicidal behavior (including thinking about suicide, planning it or attempting it). As you might imagine, suicidal predictors are important in preventing a child's mental health from getting worse. So, parents are the first important preventative point for their children and should know what exactly to look out for.
If while browsing, word seems unfamiliar to you, please remember to visit the Key Terms & References page by clicking here for additional explanations or definitions
According to Centers for Disease Control, the second-leading cause of death among adolescents aged 13-19 years old is suicide. These rising numbers require increased-awareness of children and teen mental health among families.
Suicide Predictors
Precursors associated with an increase in suicide-risk in adolescents to look out for:
1. An increased level of internet and social media use
2. Low Socioeconomic status
3. Single or stepparent households
4. Adolescents feeling sad/hopeless
5. Substance abuse (alcohol, nicotine, illegal drugs)
6. Engaging in Physical Fights at school
7. Having sex at an early age
8. Previous suicide attempts
9. Low family cohesion (not enough family time or bonds with family members)
10. Suicidal ideation
11. History of sexual abuse
12. Family conflict
13. Rejecting-Neglecting and Authoritative parenting styles
Possible Parental Controls of Screen Time
One common precursor that is thought to be linked to an increased risk of suicide is social media and Internet use. So, how can you help your children use social media in a healthy manner?
1. Research shows that parents who provide a more positive and supportive atmosphere for communication decrease the fear of missing out brought on by social media in their children
2. Limit screen time and spend more quality time as a family (example: refrain from using phones at the dinner table, have dinner together twice a week and show interest in the adolescent's activities and hobbies)
3. Set a good example; limit your own screen time if you expect a child's screen time to be limited
4. Teach digital literacy in your children. You can do this by encouraging them to think critically about the accounts they follow. Use the 3 Cs model of digital literacy (Content, content, individual child)
Social Media Whistleblower
On October 4, 2021, the data scientist and former Facebook employee, Frances Haugen revealed that facebook has been withholding important data regarding its harmful effects on adolescent mental health. Leaked internal reports revealed that Facebook consistently put profit of the company ahead of adolescent mental health.
As a parent, you likely hear a lot of opinions about your parenting style and how to best handle a depressed or anxious child. Seeing as there is a lot of debate in the parenting world, avoiding mistakes is crucial. One way to reduce common errors in the parenting of suicide-risk children is to look to scientific peer-reviewed journals for advice. Outlined below, is an index that encompasses different findings of research papers that explored parenting in relation to suicide-risk adolescents. Pressing on a topic that interests you from the index list will take you to the appropriate finding and link you to the research paper.
Relevant Research Findings
Index of Research Findings
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Creative Approaches for Symptom Management (Acupuncture)
Parents might consider providing more enforcement and encouragement to their children (Spend more quality time with your child, do not use authoritative tone and frequently show interest in your child's life)
Enforcement & Encouragement
Special attention should be paid to internet use in suicide prevention programs and adolescents.
Set parental controls on Internet use (all people use devices in one room), set quiet hours
Internet Use & Suicide Prevention Programs
To reduce risk of suicidality in adolescents, avoid using a rejecting-neglecting parenting style. Ensure that warmth is exhibited to adolescents from both parents involved. Additionally, controlling behavior should be avoided.
Parenting Style
Parents who are highly educated could ensure that unconditional support is made known to their children. This avoids the risk academic stress. Particularly, for girls.
Parents who are single should pay special attention to their children since they are at increased risk of suicide
Parental Support
Parents should recognize that adolescents who are already diagnosed with at least one disorder might be at a higher risk for suicidal behavior, plans and attempts. Therefore, early intervention therapy could be crucial in preventing suicidality
Previous Diagnosis
Parents should recognize that “Pervasive Feelings of Influence”- emotions that influence thoughts about one's self- and “Feelings Trigger Action” - impulsive behaviors as a reaction to emotions- as potential risk factors in their children.
1. "Feelings Trigger Action" were associated with suicide attempts
2. "Pervasive Feelings of Influence" were associated with suicide ideation
Recognizing Potential Risk Factors
Family conflict and poor academic performances are often associated with a greater use of smartphones, which is another risk factor of suicide attempts. Parents could consider limiting smartphone usage by involving their children in engaging hobbies and activities
Screen Time
Parents should monitor their children’s symptoms and seek treatment in a timely manner. 70% of referrals end up following through with the referral.
Symptom Monitoring
If an adolescent is at particular risk of suicide, close monitoring must be done. It is also important to recognize that a female favored suicide method is intoxication while a male favored suicide method is the use of firearms. Therefore, appropriate measures must be taken to restrict access to these methods
Suicidal Hotspots
Seek health services for children exhibiting risk factors. Risk factors could include: eating disorders, substance use disorders and anxiety. Treating these disorders in a timely behaviors is important. However, less than one in 5 seek help for these suicide-risk behaviors.
Use of Services Available
What is Needle Acupuncture?
Needle Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese-based medical practice that includes the insertion of needles at various points in the body. It is usually used to manage pain, well-being and stress. Typically, it is recommended as a source of support alongside primary medical or psychological treatments and not as a treatment of its own. For more information on acupuncture, please click here
Research Findings on Acupuncture
Positive results have been reported by studies that examined the use of acupuncture to manage the challenges of of anxiety and depression (33). One study reported a remarkable decrease in the symptoms of individuals diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder or minor depression (17).
Learning More about Acupuncture
To learn more about the likely positive results of acupuncture, I have decided to interview Dr. Broderick, a licensed physician of Chinese medicine and developmental psychology. In the following videos, we explore what its like to be a patient in a Chinese medicine clinic and how you can go about seeking those services for yourself
Seeking Services Through the New England School of Acupuncture
Patient Experience in a Session with an Acupuncturist
Chinese Medicine in the Treatment of Depression
& Anxiety
Understanding Your Child's Mental Health Through Their Surroundings
One way to view your child's character and mental health is by looking at and carefully studying their environment: who are they interacting with, what their school environment is like and how does your community or neighborhood affect their personality and mental health. All these different aspects of an adolescent's life interact with one another and together, lead to changes in an adolescent's life and health. So, it is important to monitor what combination of factors could be changed or improved upon. The image below is a demonstration of how that could be done. It is meant to be used as a guide to help you think about what changes would have a positive impact on an adolescent's health, not just on an individual level but on an institutional, interpersonal and community level as well.
Each sphere represents a finding from research that could be used as a positive prompt to improve the nature of interactions with your children
McLeroy, K. R., Bibeau, D., Steckler, A., & Glanz, K. (1988). An ecological perspective on health promotion programs. Health Education Quarterly, 15(4), 351–377. https://doi.org/10.1177/109019818801500401
Legislative Action
While parents are able to be sources of support for their own children and adolescents, they are also capable of being part of larger community-level changes. The perspective of parents is unique and is therefore important. It allows the parent to see into an adolescent's life and personal struggles. So, a parent's voice carries extra weight when it comes to designing policies that control or regulate the design of prevention programs and mental health screenings.
If you are interested in being a voice for change by advocating for policy changes in the way mental health disorders are treated, diagnosed or prevented, please click here to view some organizations that focus on the betterment of behavioral healthcare as well as legislative change.
A great starting point in your advocacy journey would be to familiarize yourself with some of the potentially beneficial Acts that were passed by several states across the country. These acts can act as models for the change that we hope to achieve. Three such examples are listed below:
Receiving Services that would Help You Support Your Family
Learning how to deal with a child's declining mental health can cause extra stress on the child's family structure. You might find that as parents, you needed to make some changes to your daily routine to make sure that your child is getting the proper treatment they deserve. However, with that, you might find that you have less time for yourself or for your other children. Moreover, you might grow increasingly anxious over your child's health. If these feelings begin to take a toll on your own mental health, you might benefit from some of the resources listed below!
Find Parents You Can Relate To
In an article published by the Washington Post, Jody Allard, a parent who has learnt to deal with the challenge of suicidal ideation and depression in her family ( specifically, her son), wrote about what helped her cope with this difficult situation. Throughout the article, Jody emphasizes the "need to find parents like you"(Allard, 2016). Family or parent support groups can help lower the feeling of isolation that comes with coping with mental health challenges.
Outlined below are possible sites that can connect you with a support group:
1. National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
The NAMI website has a helpful search tool that will help you find a nearby support group that meets the criteria or expectations you need
2. Balanced Mind Parent Network
The DBSA provides both online and in-person support groups for parents of children dealing with mood disorders.
Helpful Media To Look at
If the source of your anxiety is the lingering questions regarding how to best support your child and if you are doing a good job, it would be helpful to take a look at the mini-series of videos answering these common questions put out by Pleo, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting parents of children with mental health challenges.
Please click here to view the mini-series
Another more personal and helpful resource is the "Is This the Night: Finding Inner Peace: a Self‑care Guide for family & friends impacted by a suicidal crisis" book published by Ana Matulis which parents have found to be generally helpful.
How Can Parents Best Support their Children?
In the follow video, mental health counselors, Cassandra Spina and Gabriela Trainor discuss the dos and don'ts of supporting your child through a rough time.
Have You Ever Wondered How Exactly You Can Show Your Support?
Watch MCPHS University's mental health counselors discuss the importance of having healthy boundaries and understanding the perspective of your child as they navigate life with a challenging diagnosis.