The sooner you recognize signs of teen mental health issues, the sooner you can seek help for your son. Male mental health differs from female mental health, and it may be more challenging to get your son to open up than your daughter. At Foothills at Red Oak Recovery, we have a teen treatment center for teen and adolescent boys struggling with mental health or substance use disorders. Here, we have compiled five ways to support your son’s well-being. For more assistance, reach out to our adolescent treatment center today at 866.300.5275.
Warning Signs of Teen Mental Health Issues
Teens and adolescents go through phases as they grow up and discover who they are. You may have noticed that your son goes through emotional ups and downs. So, how can you tell if an outburst or behavior change indicates male mental health issues?
Know the warning signs, which include the following:
- Low self-esteem
- Deterioration in school performance
- Withdrawal from family and friends
- Thoughts of suicide
- Hopelessness
- Constant fatigue
- Poor eating habits
- Feeling guilty and ashamed
- Lack of motivation
Get Professional Help for Male Mental Health
Don’t ignore the problem. Instead, take proactive steps for early intervention. You can take advantage of the resources at your disposal to get help for your son:
- Consult with his pediatrician
- Visit a mental health professional
- If you suspect a substance use disorder, contact a recovery center
- Refer to online resources
At Foothills at Red Oak Recovery, we offer teen therapy services for substance abuse and mental health disorders. These services include a psychological evaluation to diagnose teen mental health issues.
Provide Emotional Support
You can provide emotional support to your son dealing with male mental health issues. Building a relationship of trust can help your son feel more comfortable talking about whatever’s going on.
Here are ways you can build a bridge and support your son:
- Encourage open communication with nonjudgmental listening skills
- Spend quality time with your son doing things you both enjoy
- Practice active listening and don’t interrupt when your son comes to you with an issue
- Acknowledge the importance of their inner turmoil
We offer family therapy in our teen mental health and wellness programs. We know how important it is for the whole family to learn more about your son’s struggle with mental health or addiction.
Don’t Expect Your Son to Grow Out of It
While the teen adolescent years bring tumultuous changes, male mental health issues that developed during this time do not signify a stage of development. If your son exhibits abnormal behavior and struggles to relate to others, getting him help can prevent more serious mental health disorders from developing.
Anxiety, depression, and other issues can lead adolescents and teens to experiment with drugs and alcohol. They may hope to escape the pain and confusion that comes with mental illness. Open a communication channel and seek professional help as quickly as possible to give your son the best opportunity for a normal life.
As part of our comprehensive male mental health services, we offer dual diagnosis therapy for co-occurring substance use and mental health disorders.
Limit Screen Time
Excessive time on the computer or behind a video game console can exacerbate your son’s mental health condition. Gaming addiction can complicate other mental health disorders, such as depression and anxiety. Sometimes, teens turn to video games as a way to escape the pain and discomfort of daily life.
You can show support without being intrusive. Please speak with your child honestly and let him know that you are there for them. Getting your son to open up enables you to spot warning signs that he may need professional help.
Find Teen Mental Health and Substance Use Treatment in NC
At Foothills at Red Oak Recovery, your son can receive mental health and substance use disorders treatment. We customize the treatment plan for each client so that your child gets the meticulous attention and care he needs. Contact us at 866.300.5275, or contact us online for more information on our services or how to get started.
