This story is about suicide. If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts, contact the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
The mental health crisis has affected thousands of Americans and hit teenage girls harder than most.
Whether it’s the negative impact of social media, incidents of sexual assault or sheer sadness, teenage girls are experiencing a crisis in their mental health in more ways than one.
Preventing a mental health breakdown is thought to be better than treating it, as doctors and experts interviewed by Fox News made clear.
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Fox News correspondent Gillian Turner joined “Special Report” Thursday night to discuss ways to help teenage girls with their mental health issues.
Teenage girls can be one of the hardest to help open up about mental health issues. “Maintaining relationships, even with one or two adults who can really believe in and support young people, can be very, very helpful,” said one expert. (iStock)
Dr. Anisha Abraham of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) spoke to Fox News about the best ways adults can help teenage girls.
“Making sure we take the time to get young people resourced before it becomes a life-threatening emergency is so important,” she said.
Connection is perhaps the most important thing, she said.
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“Maintaining relationships, even having one or two adults who can really believe in and support young people, can be very, very helpful,” she said.
While it can be difficult to get teens to open up about their feelings and potential struggles, Dr. Janette Nesheiwat to facilitate a judgment-free space.
“That first step [is about] opening the lines of communication,” the Fox News contributor said of effective ways to get teens to talk about what they’re going through.
Dr. Delaney Ruston said cultivating a judgment-free zone is important in getting a teen to open up. (Fox news)
Some examples might be asking them about their day, how school was, and how they’re feeling — but according to a doctor, teens are usually easier to read.
Dr. Delaney Ruston, who made “Screenagers,” a 2016 movie about choosing to give a teen a phone, told Fox News that there can be telling signs when a teen is struggling.
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When people don’t “feel good, they lose their motivation to do things that used to give them pleasure,” she said.
“Don’t accept the ‘I’m fine, Mom’ – watch their behavior.”
Some of these signs, said Dr. Ruston, could be a change in mood, a dramatic change in body weight, a lack of motivation, poor grades, or poor sleep.
Mom Kellie Zuba (pictured here) said parents should make sure they monitor their children and their mental health. (Fox news)
Kellie Zuba is the mother of teenager Caroline, who has attempted suicide and been hospitalized six times for mental health issues.
Zuba told Fox News that consistently checking in on kids is important to make sure they’re okay.
“Don’t accept the ‘I’m fine, Mom’ – watch their behavior.”
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She added: “It can happen to anyone.”
Turner also mentioned using the pediatrician as a guideline if you think your child may be experiencing mental health issues.
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Call 988, the National Mental Health Crisis Lifeline, if you or someone you know needs help.
Alexandra Rego of Fox News contributed to the reporting.