Mental and emotional health in the teenage years Can you help your teen cope with pressures during these years, and to spot the signs of something 'going wrong'?

Teenagers are more at risk of depression and other forms of mental and emotional difficulties than ever before - research shows that the incidence of mental illness in this age group has risen over the past generation or so, and teens are more at risk of attempted suicide than their parents were at the same age.

Keeping the lines of communication open between you and your child is an important way to ensure you can offer support, and to spot when outside or professional help is needed.

Triggers for stress, leading to anxiety and depression include:

• Exam pressure or other pressure at school
• Relationship difficulties
• Concerns about sexuality
• Bullying
• Worries about their appearance and self-worth

Handling failure

Problems can reveal themselves in eating disorders, suffered by both boys and girls; sleep disturbance; mood swings; lack of communication; a loss of enjoyment in life.

You can suggest to your teen they seek medical advice, but you can't force them to do so. An alternative first step could be to see the school nurse, or even a trusted teacher who might be able to encourage your child to speak to a doctor.

There may be young people's counselling services in your area, or specialist help with specific problems such as an eating disorder. If the heart of the issue lies with bullying or friendship difficulties, or exam pressure, the school should be able to suggest a strategy to help.

This article was last reviewed by Heather Welford in September 2008.

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