7 Ways to Support a Teen Struggling With Their Mental Health
May 04, 2026
The teenage years pose many challenges for kids and their parents, but they also offer many opportunities for joy and bonding.
At Greenwich Avenue Psychiatry, we pride ourselves on assisting young people and families as they navigate these tumultuous waters. Today, we’d like to provide some guidance on how parents can support their teens’ mental health.
Far too many families avoid discussing mental health. Often, that’s due to a lack of information on the topic, but it can also send a message to kids that mental health issues are something to be ashamed of or to hide from others.
Take steps to discuss mental health issues frequently and in a general manner. When you mention the importance of mental health or talk about challenges you’ve faced, you are permitting your kids to broach the topic on their own.
Most teens become more aware of their health as they go through puberty and see the changes this transition brings. Some focus on health when they train for sports or when they face an injury or illness.
Mental health doesn’t always get the same attention. Parents can help by talking about how interconnected mental and physical health are. That could be pointing out how stress over an can lead to an upset stomach, or how sleep problems can be tied to worries about peer relationships.
Life can get very hectic for parents with teens. It can seem like you’re stuck on an endless treadmill of school events, athletic practice, family obligations, and social events. It’s not uncommon for both parents and teens to feel as though they aren’t really connecting as much during this phase of life.
Be sure to remind your teen that even when life is busy, you’re never too busy to listen to their concerns. Make this a message you repeat again and again, and your teen will know that they have a resource to turn to if the need arises.
The best time to research available school and community mental health resources is well before you need to access those services. Try to keep an eye out for programs or resources, and consider setting aside a couple of hours to dig deeper into researching what’s available in your area.
You might also think about creating a document to keep track of mental health resources. You can add links and update information as needed.
One of the biggest challenges teens face is learning how to set and enforce boundaries. This can make it hard to complete homework, socialize, and avoid too much exposure to social media.
You can talk to teens all you like, but they often respond better to observing the choices you make in your own life. Model healthy boundaries by declining certain invitations or solicitations for help that come your way. Discuss how important it is to put your own mental health first while remaining engaged in healthy relationships and community service.
It may seem at odds with the advice above, but volunteering to spend time with others is an excellent way to enhance mental health. The key is drawing healthy boundaries around time commitments.
For teens, volunteering can take many forms, but service to others helps build a sense of self-worth and often provides much-needed perspective.
We’re learning more and more about the negative effects that social media can have on young people. Pay close attention to how your teen interacts with social media and the extent to which it influences their life.
In some cases, it might be necessary to set strict limits on social media access, especially if a teen has developed problematic habits regarding online interaction. This is definitely an area where early intervention is best practice, so be sure to talk with younger children about the pros and cons of social media as well.
If you’re concerned about your teen’s mental health or just want to get a “check-up” on how your teen is handling the stresses of modern life, the team at Greenwich Avenue Psychiatry is here to assist.
You can call our office to schedule a visit or use online booking. One of our mental health professionals can sit down with your teen to discuss any areas of concern or to just help them create a framework for managing their own mental health as they move closer to adulthood.