As a parent, you don’t want to see your child suffering. So, when your teen is troubled, you want to make their pain go away—in your mind, they’re still your baby! But, whether they’re dealing with emotional distress or getting into trouble thanks to that quintessential angst, there are some ways to help adolescents feel better and get back on track.
With a combination of home remedies like CBD and formal medical care like medication or rehab, you can bring your child the peace of mind and wellness they need to move past this, moving on to a happier, healthier future.
At-Home Treatments
If your teen is struggling, a few at-home treatment options like CBD, self-care efforts and family therapy can help ease their pain and discomfort, whether they’ll dealing with depression, anxiety disorder, or general unhappiness.
Consider supplemental remedies
Suppose your teen is struggling with symptoms reminiscent of anxiety or depression (with or without a formal diagnosis). In that case, there are quite a few over-the-counter supplements and home remedies available. CBD, or cannabidiol, might be the most popular in recent years. CBD products come in a wide range of forms, from classic CBD oil and tinctures to gummies, capsules, and more, and various dosages and potencies.
The best CBD for anxiety or depression in teens will be a hemp-derived variant—remember that marijuana-derived CBD products can only be purchased by consumers 21+ at a dispensary here in California. Other treatment options include valerian root, vitamins B and D, magnesium, and others. Of course, with any substance, be sure to consult your teen’s doctor to ensure you’re using these supplements safely and avoiding dangerous side effects.
Always consult your doctor before taking CBD
Promote healthy habits
With depression or anxiety disorders, even the most basic self-care can be difficult—it might have even been a point of contention between you at some point. Pressuring or scolding them for these complications won’t help improve their mental health condition. Instead, communicate openly and help your teen understand why these habits are beneficial. Work with your child to make self-care easier—the specifics will vary based on your teen’s needs, but, in any case, this is key to promoting overall mental health and wellness.
Reflect on your relationship
Perhaps most importantly, take some time to consider your and your child’s relationship and any factors that might exacerbate their symptoms. For example, if they face a lot of pressure at home, helping around the house transforms from simple chores to a further burden. Does your teen feel like they can come to you with their stressors? Try to facilitate, but not force, communication and make it clear you’ll listen. If there are deeper issues at hand, consider family therapy for strengthened relationships between family members.
Formal Treatments
If your teen is showing minimal or no signs of improvement after implementing self-care methods at home—or if you’d rather be safe than sorry with a formal diagnosis—taking them to a medical provider can make a world of difference.
Find a more secure environment
In many cases, removing your teen from the space that’s causing their mental health symptoms is the best option of all. Teenage rehabilitation might sound intimidating, but it may be what’s best for your child, even if they’re not an addict or with other substance dependencies. First, find a supportive rehab treatment center to diagnose and treat mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, PTSD, OCD, social anxiety, panic disorder, substance abuse, insomnia, and other mental health disorders.
Research mental health professionals
If a residential treatment option isn’t a good fit, put some time and energy into finding a therapist who’s best positioned to treat your teen’s depression or anxiety symptoms. The best option will be a psychiatrist, therapist, or another mental health professional whose specialties include your child’s particular concerns, whether that’s an anxiety disorder, substance abuse, social anxiety, or something else entirely.
Be open to options
Of course, you should research the pros and cons of each treatment option you and your child are considering, but you need to make sure you’re not risking their health because of personal preferences. Suppose you’re unsure about prescription medications after decades of stigma. In that case, it’s natural to be nervous—if your teen and their physician agree that this is the best option for them, though, it’s worth working to overcome your concerns with ample research.
When your child is suffering from depression or anxiety symptoms, panic attacks, substance abuse, or other mental health issues, no one will be surprised when you want to fix any problems for them. As a parent, you want nothing more than to keep your child safe, whether that’s researching their medical condition, reading customer reviews of available CBD options, or finding a doctor and medication that treats their symptoms.