From navigating the physical and emotional changes of puberty to the added stress of social relationships, academic pressures and busy activity schedules, many kids and teens have a lot on their plates. Screens and social media can add struggles like isolation and bullying to the mix, resulting in stress and even symptoms of anxiety and depression. 

Not all kids and teens feel comfortable talking about their experiences and feelings, and a lack of support can increase the risk of mental health conditions. As a parent or caregiver, it’s important to be in tune with your child or teen’s mental health so you can look for concerning signs and seek out professional support if needed. 

Below, find some of the most common myths about mental health in kids and teens — and the facts that can help you be a source of support.

Myth: If my kid or teen doesn’t seem super worried or anxious, they must not be struggling.

Fact: Anxiety and depression can present differently in youth than in adults. Look for changes in their normal behavior. For example, you may notice your child holing up in their room more than usual, eating less at dinner or sleeping in later on weekends. 

Keep in mind that kids may not feel comfortable talking about their struggles with parents for fear of being misunderstood. Try to offer compassionate support when your child opens up to you about other issues so they’re more likely to feel comfortable sharing bigger problems later on. 

Myth: Mental illness doesn’t run in my family, so it probably won’t affect my child.

Fact: Mental illnesses like depression and anxiety can have genetic components, but genes aren’t the only driving factor. Anyone can develop mental health conditions at any point in life, so it’s important to look for changes in your child’s emotion and behavior. 

Myth: Kids these days talk about mental health too much, and their “struggle” is probably just a phase.

Fact: Kids and teens today often feel more comfortable talking about mental health than previous generations, so mental health gets more attention — and that’s a good thing. It’s essential to take your child’s mental health seriously, even if you think it may get better on its own. Remember: As a parent, you set the tone for discussions about mental health in the family.

Myth: If my child is struggling, I’ve done something wrong as a parent.

Fact: Mental health concerns are more common than you think. Chances are your child’s struggles have nothing to do with you — other than the fact they need your guidance and support. Seeking help doesn’t mean you’ve done something wrong. It simply means your kid or teen needs extra help learning how to respond to certain situations. 

Myth: Suicide only affects people with serious mental health conditions.

Fact: Suicide is a serious issue affecting youth of all backgrounds: Every year, around 2 million kids and teens attempt suicide, making it the second-leading cause of death in this age group. Further, not everyone who considers suicide has a mental illness diagnosis. As many as one in four kids have some form of suicidal thinking from time to time. 

Myth: Talking about suicide with someone gives them ideas about suicide.

Fact: Talking about suicide moves people to seek help. Talking about suicidal feelings can provide the emotional support and strength needed to calm their concerns. Always take your child’s threats, jokes or other remarks about suicide seriously.

If your kid or teen is having suicidal thoughts, call or text the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988, call 911 or bring your child to the nearest emergency room. Children’s Wisconsin has two mental health walk-in clinics— one on the Milwaukee Hospital Campus and one in the Kenosha Clinic — that provides same-day care for children and teens (ages 5-18) experiencing urgent mental health issues. 

Children’s Wisconsin Is Here for You

Our Craig Yabuki Mental Health Center is made up of experts in child and adolescent psychiatry, counseling, pediatric psychology, neuropsychology and psychotherapy. Our pediatric specialists across the state diagnose and treat a wide range of mental health, behavior and psychiatric problems. 

We can help you find the program, place, or person you need to best support your child. Call (414) 266-3339 to talk with an Access Navigator team.