Teen Mental Health Month- an Opportunity to Connect
Being a teenager has never been easy, but today's youth are balancing school, sports, jobs, social media, friendships, family responsibilities, and planning for the future. It's a lot for anyone to handle. Feeling stressed from time to time is normal. However, when sadness, worry, or hopelessness begin to interfere with everyday life, we must pay attention. Per the Virginia Youth Survey, almost 40% of teens report feeling sad or hopeless almost every day for two weeks or more; more than 28% reported seriously considering suicide.
As adults, one of the most important things we can do is listen. Teens don’t always need someone to solve every problem; sometimes they just need someone to listen and not judge. A simple conversation can happen during a car ride, while having a meal, watching a movie or just relaxing together. Creating a safe space where our teens know they can talk openly can make all the difference. It's also important for teens to know they don't have to handle everything by themselves. Healthy coping strategies like getting enough sleep, staying active, spending time with supportive friends and family, limiting screen time when it becomes overwhelming, practicing mindfulness, and talking with a trusted adult can help reduce stress and improve emotional well-being. These habits won't solve every problem, but they can be valuable tools for managing some of life’s stressors.
In our schools, help is closer than many people realize. Every middle and high school has a school counselor who is trained to help students work through academic, social, and emotional concerns. Our schools also partner with New River Valley Community Services (NRVCS) to provide licensed mental health counselors right in the school building. Students can often receive counseling during the school day, making it easier to get support without missing appointments or traveling across town.
If you notice that a teen in your life seems withdrawn, is struggling with school, has changes in sleeping or eating habits, loses interest in activities they once enjoyed, or talks about feeling hopeless, don't wait. Reach out to a school counselor, your family doctor, or a mental health professional. Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Connection happens when we check in with the teens in our lives, listen with compassion, and connect them with help when they need it.
If someone is in emotional distress or having thoughts of suicide, immediate help is available. Call or text 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, anytime, day or night. Care is available 24 hours a day to provide confidential support and connect people with local resources. If someone is in immediate danger, always call 911.