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We’ve all heard the expression, “The grass is always greener on the other side.” Despite knowing this isn’t exactly true, we can sometimes fall into the trap of believing that other families are doing better in the parenting arena. Gazing through tinted windows into their lives, we convince ourselves that their children are simply more well-adjusted, high-achieving, and problem-free, seamlessly navigating adolescence towards becoming exemplary teens and successful young adults.
It’s time we dispel that myth. The reality is starkly different. Statistics reveal that one in five teenagers suffers from a diagnosable mental health condition, with about one-third displaying clear signs of depression. Yet, a significant number do not receive treatment as their symptoms remain unacknowledged and undiagnosed.
If you find yourself envying that greener grass, take a look around your neighborhood and remember this: one in five families may be grappling with a teen struggling with depression or anxiety, self-harm, substance abuse through alcohol or drugs, or manifesting behaviors like anger, aggression, or withdrawal. Statistically, every classroom in your teen’s school is home to five or six students dealing with symptoms of depression.
If mental health issues remain unaddressed, they can spiral into further complications, including declining academic performance, conflicts with family and friends, substance abuse, fractured relationships, and legal troubles. Moreover, they can increase a child’s vulnerability to suicide, which is the second leading cause of death among youth in Texas.
This makes sense. When someone is unwell—whether it’s due to a simple flu, chronic depression, or severe anxiety—the ability to tackle everyday life becomes compromised, from managing basic tasks to fulfilling the demanding roles of school and relationships.
Here’s another statistic to consider: nearly half of all psychiatric disorders emerge before the age of 14. Yet, on average, there is a nine-year gap between the onset of symptoms and the pursuit of treatment. This delay is too lengthy. Ignoring or failing to act on signs of mental distress robs our children of their health and jeopardizes their well-being during crucial developmental and educational years.
We can improve this situation. Firstly, we can train ourselves to identify signs of a mental or emotional disorder as easily as we recognize the onset of a cold. Common indicators include ongoing irritability, sadness, anger, or social withdrawal, along with major fluctuations in appetite or sleep patterns. Depressed children might feel overwhelmed or fatigued, and may withdraw from activities they once enjoyed. Additionally, symptoms can manifest as chronic pain, headaches, or unexplained stomachaches.
When we notice shifts in behavior or mood, it’s tempting to dismiss them as typical teenage phases or hormonal changes. However, it’s much more prudent to consider that these behaviors may indicate deeper issues and seek professional guidance. Just like any medical condition, a thorough checkup from a healthcare professional is essential.
Unfortunately, the stigma surrounding mental health conditions can prevent many teens and their families from seeking help. This is unfortunate, as depression is highly treatable. A combination of medication and therapy can often lead to effective management of the condition.
Receiving treatment for a mental health disorder early on can diminish its impact on a teenager’s life and equip them with coping strategies to navigate the stresses and challenges they face.
Here’s the reality regarding that green grass: every lawn encounters weeds and brown patches periodically. However, with proper care, these issues can be addressed and the grass can be revitalized to a healthy state. We should strive to do the same for our children.
Learn more about adolescent mental health and suicide prevention at www.GrantHalliburton.org.
How can I tell if my teen is depressed?
Know the symptoms.
It is normal for teens and young adults to experience feelings of sadness or moodiness occasionally. However, when these feelings persist for weeks, it may indicate a more serious issue. Depression is quite common; it affects over two million young people. Here is a breakdown of potential symptoms in a teen:
It helps to know the signs:
- You feel sad or cry frequently, and these feelings don’t subside.
- You experience guilt without a valid reason; feel inadequate; or have lost your self-esteem.
- Life feels meaningless, or it seems like good things will never happen again.
- You often have a negative outlook, or it appears you have no feelings at all.
- Activities you once enjoyed—like music, sports, socializing—no longer interest you; you often prefer to be alone.
- You find it challenging to make decisions. You may forget things easily, and concentrating feels difficult.
- You experience frequent irritability. Minor matters provoke you into losing your temper or overreacting.
- Your sleep habits change; you may be sleeping much more or significantly less than before.
- Your eating habits alter; you’ve either lost your appetite or are overeating.
- You’re using drugs or alcohol to cope with emotional pain.
- You start experiencing persistent aches or pains that don’t go away.
- You feel restless and fatigued most of the time.
- You contemplate death or feel as though you are dying; thoughts of suicide cross your mind.
Know what to do.
- Seek professional help. Don’t wait to see if depression improves on its own.
- See a doctor. They can rule out physical ailments that might cause depressive symptoms.
- Understand treatment options. Most effective solutions involve medication, therapy, or both. Therapy can assist a person in finding constructive problem-solving approaches and altering negative thought patterns.
- Stick with the treatment plan. Don’t skip therapy sessions and avoid discontinuing medication without consulting your doctor.
- Stay healthy. Maintain a balanced diet, exercise, and ensure you get adequate sleep.
- Engage in positive activities.
- Keep a journal. Document your feelings to identify triggers and effective strategies for dealing with depression.
- Reach out if you’re feeling suicidal. Call 800-273-8255 for support from a skilled, trained counselor.
Need help now?
If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide or self-harm:
- Call 1-800-273-8255, a 24-hour crisis hotline that connects you with mental health resources in your area.
- Dial 911 or head to the nearest emergency department.
- Contact the Trevor Project at 1-866-488-7386, a 24-hour toll-free confidential helpline for LGBTQ+ youth.
For further information and resources:
Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance
www.dbsalliance.org
(800) 826-3632
Depression Screening
Click Here for MHA Screening Resources >>
Grant Halliburton Foundation
(972) 744-9790
Half of Us
Online resource designed for college students
www.halfofus.com
Mental Health America
www.nmha.org
(214) 871-2420
National Alliance on Mental Illness
www.nami.org
(214) 341-7133
National Institute of Mental Health
www.nimh.nih.gov
(866) 615-6464*
ULifeline
Online resource for college mental health
www.ulifeline.org
The Grant Halliburton Foundation
The Grant Halliburton Foundation was founded in 2006 in memory of a talented artist and musician from Dallas who battled depression and bipolar disorder for several years prior to taking his own life at the age of 19.
In a commitment to halt the tragic loss of young lives to suicide, Grant Halliburton’s family established the foundation with the mission: To prevent suicide, enhance mental health, and strengthen the network of mental health resources for adolescents and young adults.
The Foundation aims to educate teens, young adults, parents, and professionals about mental health and suicide prevention; support young people living with mental illness and their families; and connect community providers and stakeholders to collaborate on increasing the safety net for these young individuals.
Among the various programs the Foundation offers are:
- TAG, You’re It! An educational training initiative that teaches teens, school counselors, staff, parents, and providers how to recognize and support someone in crisis. This program has reached upwards of 6,000 young people and adults within the North Texas community.
- When Life Hands You Teenagers. An annual educational conference tailored for parents, educators, counselors, and those involved in youth mentoring.
- Coffee Days and Dad2Dad. Free peer support groups for parents of youth with mental health challenges, meeting each month to share resources, encouragement, and support.
- I AM H·E·R·E Coalition. The only coalition within North Texas dedicated solely to youth mental health. Over 50 organizations and individuals—including hospitals, agencies, law enforcement, juvenile justice, school districts, and mental health professionals—collaborate on initiatives such as:
- Here For Youth, a forthcoming website with a searchable database of mental health resources for youth in North Texas, set to launch in early 2015.
- The Living Room, a network of free community-based peer support groups facilitating connections among teens facing mental health issues.
- Windows to Hope, a conference designed to empower faith leaders to recognize and assist youth in distress.
In essence, the Foundation’s goal is to positively impact, enhance the health, and save the lives of teenagers and young adults struggling with mental illness. Learn more at www.GrantHalliburton.org.
