Thanks to our partner Suncorp and their Team Girls program.
Here at Business Chicks, we are committed to delivering you with the information and practical tools needed to ensure you and your family not only get through COVID-19, but come out thriving on the other side. After our recent Masterclass on overcoming fear and anxiety with Dr Jodie Lowinger from The Sydney Anxiety Clinic, we’re bringing you more useful advice on ways you can support your teens during this time. We asked Dr Jodie Lowinger for her professional tips on ensuring your family stay well.
How can I support my teen’s mental health during this time?
What are the warning signs I should look out for if my teen’s mental health is really suffering?
Occasional bad moods and acting out are to be expected from our teens, but if you notice any of the following signs, your teen’s mental health could be suffering. Depression is more than just low mood. It causes overwhelming sadness, despair or anger and can fundamentally change the essence of a teen’s personality.
Some signs that a teen may be suffering from depression can include:
- Feelings of sadness, hopelessness, worthlessness and guilt
- Tearfulness or frequent crying
- Loss of interest in activities
- Changes in eating and sleeping habits
- Restlessness and agitation
- Lack of enthusiasm and motivation
- Fatigue and low energy
- Unexplained aches and pains such as headaches and stomach aches
- Problems with school work including concentration difficulties, a drop in grades, frustration with school work and not wanting to participate.
- Withdrawal from friends and family
- Running away from home or talk about running away
- Drug and Alcohol Abuse
- Reckless, high-risk behaviours including binge drinking, reckless driving and unsafe sex.
- Violence and aggression (seen more often in boys who have been victims of bullying).
- Other mental health conditions such as self harm and eating disorders