By Vanita Halliburton | Contributor
We’ve all encountered the adage, “The grass is always greener on the other side.” Despite our better judgment, we often find ourselves believing that other families are managing the challenges of parenting more successfully than we are. We might picture these families using their time in social isolation to whip up delightful dinners every evening, engage in deep conversations with their teenagers, and impart valuable life lessons. Looking through idealistic lenses into their homes, we might mistakenly perceive their children as well-adjusted, high-achievers navigating adolescence without difficulty, effortlessly transforming into exemplary teenagers and thriving young adults.
It’s time to dispel this illusion. The reality is starkly different. Current statistics reveal that one in five teenagers grapples with a diagnosable mental health disorder, and nearly one-third exhibit evident symptoms of depression. Unfortunately, many of these youths are not pursuing treatment, often because their signs and symptoms remain unnoticed or misinterpreted.
If you’re still longing for that proverbial greener grass, take a moment to observe your surroundings: one in five families may have a teen dealing with depression, anxiety, self-harm, substance abuse, or displaying troubling behaviors like aggression or social withdrawal. Statistically, each classroom in your teen’s school has about five or six students showing signs of depression.
If left unaddressed, mental health challenges can snowball into various issues such as declining academic performance, family and friend conflicts, substance misuse, strained relationships, or legal troubles. Tragically, they can also heighten the risk of suicide, which stands as the second leading cause of death among young people in Texas.
This is completely understandable. When a person is unwell—be it from a common cold, clinical depression, or severe anxiety—the ability to navigate day-to-day life becomes extremely difficult. Completing even the simplest tasks can feel overwhelming, particularly in the demanding contexts of school and interpersonal relationships.
Consider this alarming figure: roughly 50% of mental health disorders manifest before the age of 14, yet an average of nine years passes between the onset of symptoms and the initiation of treatment. This delay is far too lengthy. Failing to acknowledge and act upon signs of mental distress can strip our children and adolescents of vital opportunities for health and hinder their development during critical learning years.
We have the capacity to improve this situation. Initially, we can learn to identify the signs of emotional or mental disorders just as easily as we recognize the onset of a cold.
Typical symptoms of depression may include ongoing irritability, sadness, anger, social withdrawal, and significant changes in appetite or sleep. A depressed child may feel overwhelmed, fatigued, or disinterested in activities they once enjoyed. Other indicators can involve chronic pain, headaches, or stomach issues.
When we notice such changes, our instinct might be to attribute them to typical teenage mood swings or hormonal fluctuations. However, it’s far more prudent to explore the possibility of other underlying issues and seek a professional evaluation. Just like any other health condition, it’s crucial to consult with a qualified healthcare provider.
Regrettably, the stigma surrounding mental health can deter adolescents and their families from reaching out for help. This is unfortunate, as depression is often highly manageable. Many individuals with depression find relief through medication, therapy, or a combination of both. To improve access to care, numerous mental health providers now offer telehealth services, alleviating some obstacles to obtaining assistance.
Early intervention for a mental health disorder—particularly at the onset of symptoms—can significantly mitigate its effects on a teenager’s life and equip them with essential coping strategies to manage life’s pressures.
Here’s the reality regarding that green grass: every yard experiences its share of weeds and patches of brown. Yet, with proper attention, these issues can be addressed, restoring the lawn to a healthy state. We should strive to do the same for our children.
For more information about adolescent mental health and suicide prevention, visit granthalliburton.org.
How can I determine if my child is suffering from depression?
Recognize the symptoms.
It’s natural for teenagers to experience feelings of sadness or irritability at times. However, if those feelings persist for weeks, it may indicate a more serious issue. Depression is alarmingly prevalent, affecting over two million young individuals. Here are some symptoms commonly observed in teens:
- You experience prolonged sadness or find yourself crying frequently.
- You feel an unearned sense of guilt or inadequacy, and your confidence has diminished.
- Life appears devoid of meaning, and you struggle to envision positive outcomes.
- A predominant negativity pervades your thoughts, or you feel emotionally numb.
- You lose interest in activities you once loved—like music, sports, or socializing—and prefer solitude.
- Decisions become daunting, your memory falters, and concentrating is challenging.
- You experience heightened irritability, overreacting to minor annoyances.
- Your sleep patterns alter dramatically; you may sleep excessively or hardly at all.
- Your eating habits fluctuate; either you have lost your appetite or are overeating.
- You might resort to drugs or alcohol as a coping mechanism.
- Unexplainable aches and pains are frequent and persistent.
- Fatigue and restlessness seem constant.
- Thoughts of death or suicide may enter your mind.
Know the appropriate steps to take.
- Seek professional guidance without delay; do not wait for depression to resolve on its own.
- Consult a physician who can rule out physical ailments contributing to depressive symptoms.
- Understand treatment options, which typically involve medication, therapy, or both. Therapy often assists individuals in developing healthier ways to tackle problems and transform negative thought patterns.
- Commit to the plan. Attend therapy sessions regularly and continue taking medications unless advised otherwise by your healthcare provider.
- Prioritize health through proper nutrition, exercise, and sufficient sleep.
- Engage in uplifting activities.
- Maintain a journal to track emotions, identifying triggers and useful treatment methods.
- If you experience suicidal thoughts, confide in someone and call 800-273-8255 to speak with a trained counselor.
Need immediate assistance?
If you or someone you know is grappling with thoughts of suicide or self-harm:
Call 911 or visit the nearest emergency hospital.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
800-273-TALK (800-273-8255)
suicidepreventionlifeline.org
Crisis Text Line
Text HELP to 741741
crisistextline.org
The Trevor Project Helpline for LGBTQ+ Youth
866-488-7386
thetrevorproject.org
If you need mental health resources:
Here For Texas Mental Health Navigation Line
972-525-8181
granthalliburton.org/navline
This free service, offered by the Grant Halliburton Foundation, is available Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. to assist individuals of all ages in finding mental health and addiction resources, including telehealth services. Spanish language assistance is also provided.
HereForTexas.com
This website, created by the Grant Halliburton Foundation, offers extensive information on mental health topics, resources, and professionals located in North Texas.
Pandemic resources available at granthalliburton.org/pandemicresources
Information regarding the virus, mental health websites, helplines, articles, and workshops produced by the Foundation to help manage stress and adversities during this time.
Teen Resources
granthalliburton.org/forteens
Selected by the Grant Halliburton Foundation, this is a collection of additional websites, podcasts, applications, and crisis lines that are safe and relevant for teens.
About the Grant Halliburton Foundation
The Grant Halliburton Foundation strives to enhance the web of mental health resources for children, adolescents, and young adults, advocate for improved mental health, and work towards preventing suicide. Established in 2006 following the tragic suicide of a Dallas teen who faced depression and bipolar disorder, the Foundation aims to provide families and young individuals with the tools to recognize mental illness and its signs through various educational initiatives, conferences, collaborations, and community support. Annually, the Foundation reaches over 49,000 students, parents, educators, and professionals with mental health education, training, and support. To learn more, visit GrantHalliburton.org.
ABOUT VANITA HALLIBURTON:
Vanita is the co-founder and executive chair of the Grant Halliburton Foundation, established in 2006 after the loss of her son, Grant Halliburton, to suicide. She frequently presents on youth mental health and suicide prevention, sharing her heartfelt experiences regarding her son’s struggles with depression and bipolar disorder, his suicide at 19, and the importance of a community-focused approach to suicide prevention.
