No one told me that raising teenagers is kind of like reliving your own teen years! It’s not easy on the child or the parent, especially during those junior high school / middle school years. Puberty, no more recess, and trying to fit in are no easy feats. I know I would never want to relive those years. Add a divorce, a pandemic, and social media, and you will have a recipe for disaster. At least, that’s what it was like for my youngest son during middle school.
One unforgettable Saturday afternoon, while my ex-husband was out of the house for the day, my youngest attempted suicide. And if it wasn’t for the prevention team, the amazing doctors, and child psychiatrists at the University of Michigan Motts Children’s Hospital, I might have been writing a horribly different story today.
In an effort to implement a suicide prevention plan, we did the following:
- Consulted U of M healthcare team
- Started intense mental health therapy for my child and the family
- Participated in teen parenting workshops
- Created a safe space to share feelings openly
- Provided healthier food options
- Strict technology scheduling and boundaries
- Built a home gym
- Rewarded good life choices
- Let time take time
After he started eating better, working out, making better choices, and moving on to high school, I can say that my son’s mental health has improved tremendously and that he has made a complete turnaround. I am so proud of the young man he is becoming, and I am no longer worried about him trying to hurt himself. But it wasn’t easy, and it wasn’t overnight – it took a lot of work for both of us, with some outside professional help, and there were several challenging hurdles we had to jump over to get where we are today.
A suggestion that I kept in the forefront of my mind was, “The only way around the mountain is through it.” And boy, were they spot on!
Through this journey, I also learned that self-care as a parent is crucial. If I were burned out or emotionally drained, I wouldn’t have been able to provide the support my child needed. Leaning on my support system, including friends, family, and professional therapists, helped me stay strong. I also found that open communication was key—not just with my son but with his teachers and counselors, who became valuable allies in his recovery.
*Note: All content within this article is meant for informational purposes only and is in no way a replacement for professional medical or psychological advice or support. Seek immediate and appropriate care from a healthcare professional should you or a trusted loved one deem it necessary.
What are 5 symptoms that a child may have a mental health disorder?
When my child started to isolate himself, not participate in the usual things he enjoyed, choose junk food over healthy options (which he never did before), stop caring about his appearance, and became very obstinate, I had a sneaking suspicion something was terribly wrong – something more than just the usual teenage angst. Okay, we have more than five symptoms, as not everyone experiences mental health disorders the same way. Let’s hear what the experts have to say.
- Sadness that lasts two or more weeks.
- Changes in being social or staying away from others.
- Hurting oneself or talking about hurting oneself.
- Talking about death or suicide.
- Having outbursts or being very moody or testy.
- Out-of-control behavior that can be harmful.
- Big changes in mood, behavior or personality.
- Changes in eating habits.
- Loss of weight.
- Trouble sleeping.
- Getting headaches or stomachaches often.
- Trouble concentrating.
- Doing poorly in school.
- Not going to school,”.
Sadly, my child had a lot of these warning signs as well. Again, I am grateful we are past this stage and beyond the deep depression he was in. However, I am still vigilant, very present as a parent, and involved in both of my children’s lives as their biggest cheerleader.
By sharing my story, I hope to encourage other parents who may be facing similar challenges. You are not alone, and with patience, resources, and unwavering support, there is a path forward.
What mental illness causes aggressive behavior?
On top of all my child had to deal with during puberty, he also has Tourette’s, ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder), and ODD (oppositional defiant disorder). While I do not debate his ADHD or Tourette’s, I personally believe the ODD was situational, as he seems to have outgrown that behavior disorder (thankfully!).
The National Institute of Health reports that, “Aggression is a common symptom of many psychiatric disorders including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, oppositional defiant disorder, conduct disorder, Tourette’s disorder, mood disorders (including bipolar disorder), substance-related disorders, alcohol-related disorders, mental retardation, pervasive developmental disorders, intermittent explosive disorder and personality disorders (particularly antisocial personality disorder). Many forms of organic brain disorders may present with aggressive behavior. Aggression is common in some epileptic patients and some endocrinological diseases (e.g., diabetes and hyperthyroidism) may be associated with aggressive behavior.
Physicians need to rule out many medical and psychiatric disorders before diagnosing aggressive behavior. A thorough diagnostic work up is the most important step in determining the nature of comorbid disorders associated with the behavioral problem. Structured interviews and rating scales completed by patients, parents, teachers and clinicians may aid the diagnosis and provide quantification for the change process related to treatment. The integration of medication, individual and family counseling, educational and psychosocial interventions including the school and community, may increase the effectiveness of interventions,”.
Understanding the root cause of aggression is key to developing a tailored approach for each child. By addressing underlying conditions and seeking professional support, parents and caregivers can help their children navigate behavioral challenges more effectively.
How to help a teenager with mental health issues
Through patience, persistence, and professional support, my son’s journey from crisis to recovery has been life-changing. Mental health struggles are tough, but with love, open communication, and the right resources, healing is possible. Parents, you are not alone—there is hope.