Relationships

Having a stable family is very important for children and adolescent development, especially in the early years. Mental illness can be passed down through a combination of genetic and environmental factors. It tends to have a ripple effect through families by creating tension, uncertainty, troubled emotions, and big changes in how people live their lives. Different family members are likely to be affected in different ways. A very important aspect to prevent these things from happening is communication. Communication between adolescents and parents is one of the most important things in the relationship. Teens are in the stages of finding out who they are, in doing so they are becoming more independent from their parents, this is unavoidable. In the parent's eyes, they are losing the little child they once had, they have a different perspective from their kin. Practicing open communication is not just for them but for you too, since we need to be able to express our needs and feel safe doing so. You should always know that you are loved, by your parents and by God. If you are not in a stable home and feel that someone needs to intervene, here is a hotline that could be useful in your situation:

National Child Abuse Hotline, 1-800-422-4453

Living with a mental illness can be difficult on your own, but what if you want to share yourself with someone? You may wonder whether or not you can even share that side of you with someone else. It is important to know that many people with serious mental health issues have healthy long-term relationships. A good relationship provides support, however a bad one can worsen your symptoms. Because of the stigma and misunderstandings surrounding mental illness, you may be reluctant to tell your partner. Therefore, if you are wanting a long term relationship, you may want to consider telling your partner when you are well rather than during an episode. However, you don't need to share your health history right away, but as it grows more committed, you should consider the decision. If you choose to share your history, you should keep in mind that your partner already appreciates you for your personality, you are just adding insight to not just your challenges but also to your advantages. Your partner may not know how to react, this is new for them just like it is for you. There are a few responses that are possible, they might not consider it as an issue, they might not be able to handle the information and end the relationship (this is a reason not to wait too long), or they might just be curious.

Having a mental illness does make it difficult to go out and meet new people, the best way to do so is to follow your treatment plan for yourself, this will help to build a healthy relationship. You deserve to be happy by your self and with other people no matter your situation. It is always important to remember you are loved by your family, friends, and God.

Having healthy friendships are essential to the process of forming an identity and finding a sense of belonging. There are so many benefits to having friendships as teens such as better self-esteem, lower rates of anxiety and depression, stronger emotional regulation skills, and better ability to cope after a stressful event. Furthermore, teenagers who have close friendships tend to have a better mental health as adults. However, meeting new people can be nerve-wrecking, and having a mental health condition can make you more insecure and less confident. While it may be difficult, putting yourself in new situations to meet new people, it can provide you with a great support system. A great place to start with is identify what you enjoy, you can join clubs or sports that you like. You can also attend peer support groups, they can relate to you on a deeper level while providing support. On the topic of deciding whether or not you should tell your friends about your condition, it's up to you. Every one is different, some people benefit better by letting everyone know while some only tell a few. You can search Psychology Today to find peer support groups in your area, and you can also join TeenTribe, an online wellness community.

Some friendships happen naturally and others you have to work at. It is always recommended to take the initiative when starting one, reach out to them over social media or even complementing them. Remember that having good friends also means that you are a good friend. Listen to what they have to say and try to give them the best advice you can. If you decide to tell your friends about your condition, they might ask questions and try to answer them the best you can, they just want to understand you or are curious. Every friendship teaches us something, whether it was great or not, and helps to shape who we become.