Connecting with teens is most important in promoting their well-being, doctors say
Fox News correspondent Gillian Turner has the latest in her special series exploring the mental health crisis in teen girls on 'Special Report.'
This story discusses suicide. If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, please contact the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
The mental health crisis has affected thousands of Americans — hitting teenage girls harder than most.
Whether it’s the negative impact of social media, incidents of sexual violence or pure sadness, teenage girls are experiencing a crisis of mental health in more ways than one.
Preventing a mental health breakdown is thought to be better than treating one, as doctors and experts interviewed by Fox News made clear.
Fox News correspondent Gillian Turner joined "Special Report" on Thursday evening to discuss ways to help teen girls through their mental health struggles.
Teen girls can be among the most difficult to help open up about mental health struggles. "Fostering relationships, even having one or two adults that can really believe in young people and support them, can be really, really helpful," said one expert. (iStock)
Dr. Anisha Abraham of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) spoke with Fox News about the top ways adults can help teen girls.
"Making sure that we take the time to get young people into resources before it becomes a life-threatening emergency is so key," she said.
Connection might be the most important, she said.
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"Fostering relationships, even having one or two adults that can really believe in young people and support them, can be really, really helpful," she said.
Although getting teenagers to open up about their feelings and potential struggles might be difficult, Dr. Janette Nesheiwat recommended facilitating a judgment-free space.
"That first step [is about] opening up the lines of communication," the Fox News contributor said regarding effective ways to get teens to speak about what they're going through.
Dr. Delaney Ruston said cultivating a judgment-free zone is important to getting a teen to open up. (Fox News)
Some examples might be to begin asking them about their day, how school was and how they are feeling — but teens tend to be easier to read, according to one doctor.
Dr. Delaney Ruston, who created "Screenagers," a 2016 movie about the choice to give a teen a phone, told Fox News there can be telling signs when a teen is struggling.
When people are not "feeling well, 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, might be a shift in mood, a dramatic shift in body weight, a lack of motivation, bad grades or poor sleep.
Mom Kellie Zuba (shown here) said parents need to make sure they are checking in on their children and their mental health. (Fox News)
Kellie Zuba is the mother of teen Caroline, who has attempted suicide and been hospitalized six times for mental health concerns.
Zuba told Fox News that consistently checking in on children is important to ensure they’re OK.
"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 guide if you think your child might be struggling with 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 reporting.
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