5 Signs a Teen’s Mental Health May Be Declining and How to Support Them
Increased Irritability: Teens may snap or lose their temper over minor issues, displaying a consistent pattern of frustration.
What Can Help:
Encourage a daily “positivity scavenger hunt” where they list small, realistic positive moments from their day, fostering gratitude and perspective.
Practice calming techniques like deep breathing or journaling to manage emotional triggers.
Persistent Fatigue: A deep, lingering exhaustion that persists despite adequate rest, unrelated to late nights or physical exertion.
What Can Help:
Try brief cold exposure, such as splashing cold water on the face or taking a cool shower, to boost energy and mood.
Encourage short outdoor time in sunlight to regulate circadian rhythms and improve vitality.
Disrupted Sleep Patterns: Teens may struggle with insomnia or oversleeping, with irregular sleep schedules becoming a norm.
What Can Help:
Establish a tech-free bedtime routine, limiting screens at least an hour before sleep to reduce overstimulation.
Use cognitive shuffling (mentally listing random, unrelated images or words) to quiet an overactive mind and promote restful sleep.
Loss of Interest in Hobbies: Activities they once loved, like sports or creative pursuits, no longer spark joy or engagement.
What Can Help:
Avoid pressuring them to reconnect with old hobbies; instead, invite them to low-pressure, shared activities like a casual walk or watching a favorite show together.
Give them space to decline while keeping the door open for gradual re-engagement.
Social Isolation: Withdrawing completely from friends, family, or social activities, preferring to be alone most of the time.
What Can Help:
Foster gentle connection through small, non-intrusive gestures, like sharing a meal or asking open-ended questions about their day.
Encourage professional support, such as therapy, to provide a safe space for processing emotions, while respecting their need for solitude.
Additional Notes: Always approach these signs with empathy and patience. If symptoms persist or worsen, consider consulting a mental health professional for tailored guidance. Open communication and a supportive environment are key to helping teens navigate these challenges.
About the Writer:
Mrs Uzoamaka Nwachukwu is the Co-Founder of Cope and Live Mental Health Awareness Foundation. She is a highly qualified professional with expertise as a Trained Child Psychologist, Microbiologist, Grief & Bereavement Counsellor, Depression Counsellor, Emotional Intelligence Life Coach, EMDR and CBT Life Coach, and Mental Health First Aider. Her love for children, passion and knowledge make her a leading voice in mental health advocacy.
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