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Welcome to "Living Healthy Chicago," I'm Jane Clauss.
We wanna kick off today's show
exploring the important topic of mental health.
We talk a lot about what it means for adults,
but today we're focusing on teenagers.
So, joining me is an expert
with some advice on how teenagers can make sure
they're staying mentally well.
And he's also got some tips for parents, too.
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Joining us today is Dr. John Duffy,
clinical psychologist and certified life coach.
Now, Dr. John, I think what's important for teens
and parents to remember,
when it comes to mental health in teens,
that it's okay to recognize if the teen is struggling.
- Absolutely, Jane.
A lot of teens are struggling now.
It is a different world than it was
when most of us were teenagers.
So they've got a lot on their minds
that can be very overwhelming.
So if you are inclined to seek help,
because you are anxious or depressed,
teens, let your parents know,
parents, check in with your kids regularly,
even if they've seemed fine,
to see how they're doing emotionally.
- And there's really no shame in reaching out
if you feel like you need help.
- I think the stigma around asking for help
in the area of mental wellness is diminishing for kids.
There are school psychologists and social workers,
and your parents.
I encourage you not to just go with your friends,
and talk to them.
There are people with training
who can help you through any emotional difficulties
that you're suffering.
- So, as a teenager,
if you know that you wanna make a change in your life,
you have other steps that teens can take.
And it all starts with cutting back on screen time.
- A screen is incredibly enticing,
but there is really good research, Jane,
that suggests anything more than a couple hours on-screen
over the course of a day
can cause depression, and anxiety, and attention issues,
and even suicidal thinking.
I encourage teenagers to be creative in ways
other than just the screen.
Too much screen time is simply,
obviously, and clearly unhealthy.
- We know movement is so crucial for good mental health.
And so let's talk about exercise,
'cause you know I love it.
- If you do something to engage
your mind and body and spirit,
you'll recognize the agency you have over your entire being,
and that shows you how powerful you are.
That shows you how much strength you have
in other areas of your life.
Just that sweat equity is really, really good for you.
Not just physically, but emotionally as well.
- We all have tough days, but as we get older,
we know that tomorrow is a new day,
or this challenge shall pass.
But it could be tough for teenagers
to keep it all into perspective.
So what advice do you have for teens
to know that everything's gonna be okay?
- The test that you failed,
the breakup that you suffered today, as awful as it feels,
recognize that, in the future, this is going to feel better.
So I strongly urge you to think about the long game,
and that will make you resilient to the crisis
that you feel like you're in right now, here today.
- How can parents help their teenagers
with their mental wellbeing?
- We have to learn from our kids.
What are your struggles?
And to make ourselves fully available to them.
Part of this is on Mom and Dad,
to set a tone in the household
that suggests it is perfectly okay
to come and talk to us about what you're suffering,
or what you're struggling with.
And we will not see that as a weakness,
but as a call to action.
They need you to be present and available to hear them out.
They're really good problem solvers
if they have somebody to work it through with.
- As a wrap up, what else do we want teens to know
about taking care of their mental wellbeing?
- If you are feeling down,
if you're feeling nervous or anxious on a regular basis,
consider talking to a professional
who can help you in a really expedient, planned-out way,
getting through those issues,
so you can get back to living your life.
- Dr. John, thank you so much for all of your great insight.
If you or a loved one is struggling,
there is help out there.
Reach out to the Mental Health Awareness Hotline.