It’s not unusual for teenagers to expertise psychological well being points like nervousness. It’s believed 1 in 5 younger individuals experiences some kind of psychological well being difficulty throughout their teen years. For LGBTQ+ youth, the statistics are alarming. A current nationwide survey confirmed 41% expressed critical suicidal ideation.
Dr. Marcie Billings, a Mayo Clinic pediatrician, says these children want help. It could be so simple as listening.
If the teenager in your life identifies as LGBTQ+ and decides to share that data, Dr. Billings asks dad and mom to lend an ear as an essential first step.
“When they decide that they want to talk about it, I think that that initial response is really setting the tone for further discussion and being able to reach out to others,” says Dr. Billings. “So, if and when that teen opens up and reaches out, keeping that ear open, really listening, sitting down making time for their conversation and their concerns.”
She says supporting our kids is essential.
“Even if it’s something that you’re not sure of what to do, just be that listening ear, extending your love and support,” says Dr. Billings.
Don’t fear about getting it excellent. And you don’t need to do it alone.
“We have a lot of avenues into different resources, whether that be mental health care providers, medical providers, in terms of whatever the needs are for that population of kids,” says Dr. Billings.
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Source: www.bostonherald.com”