by This story is about suicide. If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, please contact the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
The mental health crisis has hit thousands of Americans — teenage girls harder than most.
Whether it’s the negative effects of social media, sexual violence, or sheer sadness, teenage girls are experiencing a mental health crisis in multiple ways.
It’s believed that preventing a mental health breakdown is better than treating it, doctors and experts interviewed by Fox News made clear.
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Fox News correspondent Gillian Turner joined the “Special Report” on Thursday night to discuss ways to help teenage girls with their mental health struggles.
Teenage girls can be some of the most difficult people to help educate about mental health issues. “Nourishing relationships, even having an adult or two who really believe in young people and can support them, can be very, very helpful,” said one expert. (iStock)
dr Anisha Abraham of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) spoke to Fox News about the top ways adults can help teenage girls.
“It’s so important to make sure we take the time to get young people into resources before it becomes a life-threatening emergency,” she said.
Connection might be the most important thing, she said.
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“Nourishing relationships, even having an adult or two who really believe in young people and can support them can be really, really helpful,” she said.
Although getting teenagers to open up about their feelings and potential struggles might be difficult, Dr. Janette Nesheiwat to create a non-judgmental space.
“That first step [is about] Opening up lines of communication,” the Fox News contributor said of effective ways to get teenagers to talk about what they’re going through.
dr Delaney Ruston said cultivating a nonjudgmental zone is important in getting a teenager to open up. (Fox News)
Some examples might include asking them about their day, how school was, and how they’re feeling — but teens tend to be easier to read, according to one doctor.
dr Delaney Ruston, who directed Screenagers in 2016, a film about the decision to give a teenager a phone, told Fox News that when a teenager is struggling, there can be clear signs.
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When people don’t feel good, “they lose their motivation to do things that used to bring them joy,” she said.
“Don’t accept the ‘I’m fine mom’ — pay attention to her behavior.”
Some of those signs, said Dr. Ruston, could be mood swings, a dramatic change in body weight, lack of motivation, bad grades, or poor sleep.
Mom Kellie Zuba (pictured here) said parents need to make sure they check on their kids and their mental health. (Fox News)
Kellie Zuba is the mother of teenage Caroline, who attempted suicide and was hospitalized six times for mental health issues.
Zuba told Fox News it’s important to check kids regularly to make sure they’re okay.
“Don’t accept the ‘I’m fine mom’ — pay attention to her behavior.”
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She added, “It can happen to anyone.”
Turner also mentioned using the pediatrician as a guide if you think your child is struggling with mental health issues.
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Call 988, the National Mental Health Crisis Lifeline, if you or someone you know needs help.
Fox News’ Alexandra Rego contributed coverage.
