The Scary Truth About Our Kids' Mental Wellbeing

The statistics are staggering:

• Suicide is the third leading cause of death for 10 to 24-year-olds in Virginia.
• In a 2011 survey of Fairfax County youth, 19.6% of girls and 11.9% of boys said they had considered suicide in the past year.
• Since 2009, 35 teenagers in Fairfax County have committed suicide. And in most cases, their parents, teachers, friends and loved ones never saw it coming.
• 23% of people in their mid-20s are living with their parents. 80% have some form of debt. Half of them make less than $25,000 per year.

Parenting today is harder (and scarier) than ever. No one thinks something bad will happen to their family…but are you doing everything you can to protect your child’s health?

Be proactive! There’s still time to help your child build a life of happiness and success.

Work On Communication

Prying more than a few words out of your monosyllabic teenager may seem like an impossible mission, but keep trying. Kids are still learning how to express themselves during these years and rely on you to help with the process. However angry, frustrated, upset and exasperated you feel with their “sure” and “nope” answers, stay calm. Show that you are listening by shutting down all distractions. Seek your child out and ask open-ended questions. Stay patient and persistent.

Reset Expectations

Not all stress and expectations are bad. But when pressure becomes so overwhelming that kids lose sight of being kids, it’s time to make changes. It’s not the end of the world if your child doesn’t make varsity soccer, drops a few points on the SAT, or gets a B- on an English paper. Help your kids keep an appropriate perspective by talking about realistic expectations. Decide on a balanced schedule that leaves time for homework, activity, friends, family, and relaxation. And remind them constantly that you love and accept them no matter what.

Get Help (For Them And You)

You aren’t expected to have all of the answers. There is no shame – none – in asking for help. Guiding your child from dependence to independence is a huge task. There are many people and programs specializing in relevant issues, from academic support to socialization to coping skills to treatment for depression. You may even want to seek advice for your own issues (no one has everything together all the time). If your kids see from you that getting help is okay, they are more likely to take initiative in the future.

Don’t Freak Out… But Don’t Wait, Either

The statistics on teenage depression, drug abuse, and suicide are rising. These numbers have faces, hopes and dreams, and families who often say they never saw it coming. Don’t wait to get help. Talk to a mental health professional today, not tomorrow. Even if it turns out to be nothing, you won’t regret reaching out, but you might regret waiting. 

Are you ready to take action? Our See Yourself Strong support groups offer local teens and young adults a safe place to learn how to cope with today’s high-pressure environment.

The group will focus on:

• Communication skills
• Stress management
• College and adulthood transitions
• Help for anxiety, depression and self-harming behaviors

Both groups are led by Brittany Lutz, MSW. 

See Yourself Strong for Teens

Ages 14 - 18

Tuesdays @ 5:30 – 6:45pm 

See Yourself Strong for Young Adults

Ages 19 - 25

Thursdays @ 11:30am – 12:45pm

Join us on January 27 and January 29 for free introductory group sessions. Contact us today for more details.