Parent views on addressing mental health concerns in adolescents

Implications

Even prior to the pandemic, one in five adolescents had a diagnosable mental health disorder, such as depression or anxiety. The stress and social disruption of the pandemic has increased that number and placed a heavier burden on parents to be aware of potential warning signs.

It can be difficult for parents to tell the difference between ups and downs that are just part of being an adolescent, and depression or other mental illnesses. Most adolescents have periods where they are moody and emotional during this time of physical and mental changes. In this Mott Poll parents report several signs that would increase their concern about a possible mental illness in their adolescent. These signs are ones all parents should be aware of, and include excessive worry or anxiety, decreased interactions with family or friends, increased moodiness, drop in grades or a change in sleep or eating patterns. However, not all adolescents show all signs, and some may be easier to recognize than others.

If parents notice a change in their adolescent's behavior or are concerned about mental illness, experts recommend the first step is to talk with them. Most parents in this Mott Poll reported they would do exactly that, and over half would keep a closer eye on them as well. It is also important for parents to try to determine whether their adolescent can manage their current challenges or if they seem overwhelmed.

Sometimes, the stigma of mental illness can make it hart for parents to seek help—even if they think their adolescent needs it. Parents might delay seeking care for their adolescent as they may think or hope the symptoms will go away on their own, be in denial, or think that mental illness cannot happen to their adolescent. Although parents know rapid and intense mood shifts are a normal part of adolescence, they should not dismiss the potential for more serious problems if they are concerned for their adolescent.

Well-child check-ups are an ideal time for providers to discuss potential mental health concerns. Yet, fewer than half of parents in this Mott Poll reported their adolescent's PCP asks about mental health issues at all check-ups, and one in seven said their PCP never asks about mental health concerns. If parents feel their adolescent's provider is not being proactive in raising mental health issues, they should bring it up with them.

It is important for adolescents to feel comfortable seeking help if they feel they need it. However, only a quarter of parents in this Mott Poll thought their adolescent would definitely talk with a parent about a possible mental health issue, and even fewer thought their adolescent would definitely feel comfortable speaking with their PCP. Before any problems or concerns arise, it is important for adolescents to hear form their parents where they can go for help, and that asking for help is not a sign of weakness, but a sign of strength. Parents can also help to prepare their adolescent for visits with their PCP and stress the importance of being honest with their provider about any physical or mental health problems and allow them privacy with their PCP.

Some parents also have trouble navigating the pathway to finding a mental healthcare evaluation or treatment options for their adolescent. Around half of parents in this Mott Poll whose adolescent saw a mental healthcare specialist decided on their own to seek mental healthcare, while fewer than one in five got a referral from their adolescent's PCP, and even fewer got a referral from school. Around half of these parents had experienced long waits for appointments, difficulty finding providers who took their insurance or who saw children. These difficulties highlight the strains in our current mental health system and point to the need for significant reform to support parents and their children. In the meantime, parents should reach out to their adolescent's PCP for help in finding a mental health provider.

Parents need to remember they are not alone, but may need to be proactive in seeking support from their adolescent's provider, or their school, or family or friends in dealing with, and caring for, mental health issues.