by Dr. Alex Cross-Knorr, PhD
The internet and social media channels provide so much more access to information and awareness of mental health issues among youth today. This is a good thing! It can help them to better identify and understand challenging feelings and experiences, and get help sooner.
Finding an individual, community, or even a description of a diagnosis that reflects their own experiences can also provide adolescents with a positive sense of belonging during a time in development when they are drawn to exploring and forming identities. It might also validate the challenging experiences they are having – as many adolescents do – by providing an explanation instead of just feeling like something is wrong with them.
Social Media Isn’t a Conclusive Diagnostic Tool For Teens
There are, of course, pitfalls to seeking information about mental health online, and teens might come across a lot of misinformation.
For instance, some accounts “pathologize” very normal human experiences as indicators of a mental health diagnosis. Others might make claims about diagnoses or treatments that aren’t backed by research. Also, individuals spreading awareness of their own disorder might relate certain personality traits to their diagnosis when they aren’t actually connected.
All that being said, if your child is concerned they might have a mental health disorder based on something they saw on social media, it might reflect very real mental health concerns – either associated with the diagnosis they learned about or a different one. Or, their concerns might reflect “normal” challenges with emotions, stress, and daily functioning that could still use some support.
5 Ways to Support Teens Who Have Mental Health Concerns
1. Listen to their concerns
Congratulations! The fact your teen is sharing personal information shows they trust you. Any parent/caregiver of a teen should be proud of that.
It might be tempting to reassure your child they do not have a diagnosis, especially if you feel fairly certain they don’t. However, if you jump right to telling them that, your teen might see this as dismissive and unsupportive. Instead, try to remind yourself that the information they found resonates with them for a reason. Invite your child to explain what they saw or heard that rang true for them and made them think they might have this diagnosis. Listen, seek to understand, and thank them for sharing this with you.
2. Show them support and understanding
Being an adolescent is hard! Let your teen know that you hear what they have shared with you and empathize with their challenges without necessarily agreeing or disagreeing with their self-diagnosis.
For example, “I didn’t know you were feeling disconnected from your friends. That sounds so hard!” or “I hear that you’re feeling overwhelmed keeping on top of all your schoolwork – that must be really stressful.” Or even just say, “I can see this has really been bothering you.”
3. Talk about the benefits and limits of online mental health information
It can be so helpful to have more access to mental health information online. However, that information is limited and, unfortunately, sometimes misleading. Even when the source is credible, information posted online can only tell teens if they might have a certain disorder.
Actual diagnosis requires a much more complex assessment than what can be found online, especially since many mental health diagnoses have similar or overlapping features. Which brings us to the next step…
4. Suggest talking to a professional
A psychologist or other mental health professional can assess what your individual teen is experiencing in the context of their history, health background, environment, development, life experiences, and other factors to help make an accurate diagnosis and a plan for support.
If you are not sure your teen needs to talk to a behavioral health provider, you could start by talking with their pediatrician.
5. Talk about what to expect during a behavioral health appointment
At a first appointment with a behavioral health provider, they will ask about your teen’s concerns, as well as other symptoms they might be experiencing or have experienced in the past, developmental history, family background, and other factors that might contribute to mental health.
The behavioral health provider will use all this information to come to a conclusion about the most appropriate diagnosis, or they might say that more assessment is needed.
Prepare Them For Varying Mental Health Assessment Outcomes
If your teen has already found a sense of identity and validation with a certain diagnosis and a professional tells them it is something different, it might disappoint them. This is why it can help to be proactive with setting expectations and go in with an open mind. Your provider hears your teen’s concerns and wants to thoroughly consider their diagnosis so that your teen gets the most appropriate support plan. So, it’s good to discuss various outcomes before attending an appointment.
For example, the provider’s conclusion might be the same as the diagnosis your child found online, it might be a different diagnosis, or they might say that your teen is experiencing “normal” life challenges that do not have a diagnosis. Whatever the conclusion (even if it’s “normal”), they can provide you and your teen with recommendations to help them navigate the challenges they are experiencing.
PANW Can Provide Mental Health Support & Resources
At Pediatric Associates of the Northwest, we believe mental health is a fundamental part of overall health and well-being. We are fortunate to have a team of highly-experienced pediatric psychologists who collaborate closely with patients and their medical providers. Our psychologists are open to PANW patients only, which means families can access services more quickly.
If you or your child has a concern, call our offices to schedule an appointment and honor your child’s feelings.
In addition to a chance for your teen to talk to us about their experience and what they read online, we can begin initial mental health assessments if appropriate, and we can provide referrals and other resources.
