By Vanita Halliburton | Contributor
It’s common to hear the phrase, “The grass is always greener on the other side.” Despite our better judgment, we occasionally convince ourselves that other families manage parenting more effectively than we do. We may think that during periods of social distancing, other parents effortlessly prepared gourmet meals every evening, engaged in substantial conversations with their teens, and imparted crucial life skills. Through distorted perspectives, we envision other families with well-adjusted, accomplished children smoothly navigating adolescence and blossoming into exemplary teens and prosperous young adults.
It’s time to dispel that myth. The truth is quite different. Statistics reveal that approximately one in five adolescents grapples with a diagnosable mental health condition and around one in three exhibit discernible symptoms of depression. Disturbingly, many do not pursue treatment, often due to a lack of recognition and diagnosis of their symptoms.
If you’re still enchanted by the idea of greener pastures, consider this: one in five families may have a teenager facing challenges such as depression, anxiety, self-harm, substance use, or displaying concerning behaviors like aggression or withdrawal. Statistically, every classroom in your teenager’s school contains five to six students dealing with depressive symptoms.
Without intervention, mental health concerns can spiral into additional issues, including declining academic performance, strained relationships with family and friends, substance abuse, and even legal troubles. The severe consequences might extend to an elevated risk of suicide, which stands as the second leading cause of death among young people in Texas.
This reality is quite logical. When a person is unwell—whether it’s due to a common cold, major depressive disorder, or severe anxiety—functioning in daily life becomes a monumental challenge. Tasks, even the simplest ones, feel like insurmountable hurdles, making school and maintaining relationships exceedingly difficult.
Here’s another unsettling statistic: nearly half of all mental health disorders manifest before the age of 14. Alarmingly, an average of nine years elapses from the onset of symptoms until treatment is initiated. This delay is detrimental. Neglecting to recognize and respond to signs of emotional distress can deprive our children of their health and hinder their well-being during crucial developmental years.
We can do better for our youth. First, we must become adept at identifying the signs of mental or emotional disorders just as easily as we recognize the onset of a cold.
Common indications of depression include ongoing irritability, sadness, frustration, social withdrawal, and significant changes in appetite or sleep patterns. Depressed youth may feel overwhelmed or fatigued and may lose interest in previously enjoyed activities. Other potential signs could include persistent aches, headaches, or gastrointestinal discomfort.
When we observe such changes, it can be tempting to dismiss them as typical teenage behavior or attribute them to hormonal fluctuations. However, it’s wiser to investigate the possibility that a deeper issue is at play and consult a professional. Just like any other health concern, obtaining a thorough evaluation from a qualified expert is vital.
Sadly, the stigma surrounding mental health often prevents many adolescents and their families from seeking assistance. This is unfortunate since depression is highly manageable. Through medication, therapy, or a combination of both, most individuals suffering from depression can achieve effective treatment. A growing number of mental health providers are expanding access to treatment via telehealth services, reducing barriers to receiving help.
Getting timely treatment for mental health challenges can significantly mitigate their impact on adolescents, equipping them with essential tools to manage life’s stresses and pressures.
As for the notion of greener grass, the reality is that everyone faces challenges, including weeds and brown patches now and then. However, with attentive care, these issues can be resolved, allowing the grass to flourish as it should. We should extend that same level of care to our children.
Discover more about adolescent mental health and suicide prevention by visiting granthalliburton.org.
How can I identify if my child is experiencing depression?
Understand the symptoms.
It’s entirely natural for teens and young adults to feel down occasionally. However, if those feelings persist for weeks, it might indicate a more serious issue. Depression is prevalent—affecting over two million young people. Here’s a list of possible symptoms in teens:
- Persistent sadness or frequent crying.
- Feelings of guilt without justification; diminished self-worth; a loss of confidence.
- A sense that life lacks meaning or that positive experiences are no longer possible.
- A consistently negative outlook or emotional numbness.
- A disinterest in activities that once brought joy—like music, sports, or socializing—and a frequent desire to isolate.
- Difficulties with decision-making, forgetfulness, and challenges with concentration.
- Increased irritability; minor annoyances may provoke an excessive response.
- Changes in sleep patterns; sleeping much more or less than usual.
- Altered eating behaviors; either loss of appetite or increased consumption.
- Substance use as a coping mechanism.
- Chronic, unexplained pains or discomforts.
- Constant restlessness and fatigue.
- Thoughts about death or suicide.
Know the steps to take.
- Seek professional guidance promptly. Don’t wait for depression to spontaneously improve.
- Consult a physician to rule out physical health issues that might contribute to depressive symptoms.
- Understand potential treatments. A combination of medication and therapy typically yields the best outcomes. Therapy can provide strategies to approach problems more effectively and challenge negative thinking patterns.
- Commit to the treatment plan. Regularly attend therapy sessions and consult a doctor before altering any medication regimen.
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle through proper nutrition, exercise, and sufficient sleep.
- Engage in constructive activities.
- Document feelings in a journal to help identify triggers and effective coping strategies.
- If experiencing suicidal thoughts, reach out for help. Call 800-273-8255 for support from a trained counselor.
In need of immediate assistance?
If you or someone you care about is contemplating self-harm or suicide:
Call 911 or visit the nearest emergency department.
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’re seeking mental health resources:
Here For Texas Mental Health Navigation Line
972-525-8181
granthalliburton.org/navline
This complimentary service from the Grant Halliburton Foundation is available Monday through Friday, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., assisting individuals of all ages in locating mental health and addiction resources, including telehealth options. Support in Spanish is also offered.
HereForTexas.com
This platform, created by the Grant Halliburton Foundation, provides comprehensive information on mental health topics, alongside resources and professionals available in North Texas.
Pandemic resources at granthalliburton.org/pandemicresources
Access information about the pandemic, mental health resources, helplines, articles, and mini-lessons from the Foundation designed to help individuals cope with stress and related challenges.
Teen Resources
granthalliburton.org/forteens
Curated by the Grant Halliburton Foundation, this page features additional websites, podcasts, apps, and crisis lines tailored for teens.
About Grant Halliburton Foundation
The Grant Halliburton Foundation aims to enhance the mental health resource network for children, adolescents, and young adults, advocate for improved mental health, and work towards suicide prevention. Founded in 2006 in memory of a Dallas teenager who struggled with depression and bipolar disorder before taking his life at 19, the Foundation strives to educate families and young people about recognizing signs of mental illness through various means, including training, conferences, collaboration, and community outreach. Each year, the Foundation supplies mental health education and support to over 49,000 individuals, including students, educators, parents, and professionals. For more information, please visit GrantHalliburton.org.
ABOUT VANITA HALLIBURTON:
Vanita is the co-founder and executive chair of the Grant Halliburton Foundation, which was established in 2006 following the tragic loss of her son, Grant Halliburton, to suicide. A passionate advocate for youth mental health and suicide prevention, she shares her experience related to her son’s challenges with depression and bipolar disorder and emphasizes the necessity for collaborative community efforts in suicide prevention.
