How Online Therapy for Teens in Michigan can help you Support Your Teen Struggling with Their Mental Health
As a parent or guardian, it can be difficult to help teens. You want the best for your teen and them to be healthy and happy. However, when it comes to your teen's mental health, it can be difficult to know how to help. Mental health issues can be overwhelming and stressful. As their parent or guardian, you may feel like you should be able to fix it all—but the truth is, it is complex and requires a lot of patience, care, and understanding. However, there are steps you can take to support your teen.
Having Open Conversations with Teens
One of the best ways to support your teen is to invite them to have an open conversation about their mental health. Let them know you are there to listen and support them without judgment. Don't offer any advice or solutions—instead, validate their feelings and encourage them to talk. Ask questions like “What can I do to help you?” or “Is there anything I can do to make you feel better?” However, don't force them to talk to you if they don't want to—sometimes, your teen may need some space and time alone to process their emotions.
Model Positive Mental Health Habits with the Help of Therapists in Michigan
As you're aware, your teen is older now, but that doesn't mean your behavior won't influence them. Modeling positive mental health habits is essential for helping your teen develop healthy coping skills. Show them that it's okay to take time for self-care and lead by example. As the parent or guardian, practice self-care and talk to your teen about the importance of taking time for themselves. For example, you could model self-care by taking a walk or enjoying a hobby.
This can also look like seeking a therapist for yourself if needed. This can help your teen understand that it's okay to ask for help and talk about their feelings. It also will help to remove the stigma surrounding teen counseling and therapy. This way, your teen won't feel like they have to hide their struggles or face them alone.
Encourage Healthy Habits
There are plenty of stereotypes of teenagers being lazy, but there's a difference between being unproductive and engaging in harmful activities. While it's normal for teens to stay up late or sleep in a little longer, it's essential to support your teen in finding a balance and maintaining healthy habits.
Eating nutritious foods, exercising regularly, and getting enough sleep can improve their mental health. Even encouraging your teen to find a hobby or passion can help them to stay mentally healthy. This can be a sport, art, music, or even volunteer work. They can also do this with friends, or you can do it together as a family.
Avoid Overwhelming
You're concerned for your teen, as any parent or guardian would be, but it's important to avoid overwhelming them. Don't pressure your teen into talking about their feelings or trying to “fix” the problem. Let them know they can talk when they feel ready and that you are there to listen and support them. Encourage your teen to take breaks from difficult conversations, or suggest writing in a journal if they feel overwhelmed by their emotions.
Encourage Teens to Seek Professional Therapists in Michigan
If your teen's mental health is overwhelming and struggling, encourage them to speak with a professional. A therapist can support your teen to open up about their feelings and work through stressful or difficult experiences. This process can be beneficial for your teen in processing any emotions or situations they are facing. Additionally, they can offer helpful advice and tools to help your teen cope with their struggles. For example, they may teach your teen healthy coping strategies such as mindful breathing or journaling. These strategies will help your teen in managing their mental health.
Begin Counseling for Teens in Michigan
You can show your teen that you are supportive of their mental health by finding them teenage counseling in Grand Rapids, MI which specializes in teen mental health. This way, they have specialized help and can discuss their feelings with a professional. Our team of caring therapists would happily offer support from our Michigan-based therapy practices in Grand Rapids, MI, Alpena, MI, and we are expanding into other areas! Additionally, we offer support across the state of Michigan via online therapy. To start your therapy journey, please follow these simple steps:
- Contact Unity Counseling
- Meet with a caring therapist
- Begin Supporting Your Teen's Mental Health!
Other Mental Health Services Offered at Unity Counseling
At Unity Counseling, we understand that you want the best for your teen, and we are here to help. We have a range of services that can benefit your teen's mental health and anyone else in the family. Within our mental health services, our team offers counseling for teenagers, anxiety counseling, depression counseling, and grief counseling. We also offer services, including couples counseling, LGBTQ+ counseling, CBT, EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), and mindfulness. We understand that making in-person appointments can be difficult sometimes, so we are happy to offer online therapy in Michigan. Feel free to learn more by visiting our blog or our FAQ today!