Understanding Teen Mental Health
One of the most common mental health disorders among high school students
What is anxiety?
Name one physical symptom that might signal a mental health concern in teens.
What is headache, stomach ache, fatigue, or change in appetite?
One simple way parents can help support their teen's mental health.
What is active listening?
The NYC department that oversees school-based mental health services.
What is the NYC DOE?
"Just calm down." Why this phrase is usually not helpful when your teen is upset.
What is it invalidates their feelings and may escalate frustration?
True or False: Mental health struggles during adolescence are rare and usually resolve on their own.
What is false?
Name a major social factor that can contribute to teen mental health struggles.
What is bullying, peer pressure or social media?
Name one healthy routine that supports teen mental health.
What is regular exercise, consistent sleep, or balanced diet?
Name one mental health resource available for NYC teens and families.
What is NYC Well, school counselor, or ThriveNYC?
"When I was your age..." Why parents should avoid starting comparisons this way.
What is because it minimizes their unique challenges and feels dismissive?
Name one positive mental health benefit of healthy sleep habits for teens.
What is improved mood, focus, health or academic performance?
Name one behavioral warning sign that may indicate depression in teens.
What is withdrawal from activities, changes in grades, or irritability?
Why is it important for parents to model healthy coping skills?
What is because teens often mirror adult behaviors?
What does IEP stand for, which may include mental health accommodations?
What is Individualized Education Program?
"You're being dramatic." What message does this send to your teen?
What is that their emotions aren’t valid or important?
Approximate percentage of NYC high school students reported persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness in the most recent survey?
What is approximately 42% (based on 2023 NYC DOE data)?
This group of teens may face higher risk for mental health challenges due to discrimination and marginalization.
Who are LGBTQ+ youth?
One way parents can partner with schools to support their teen.
What is attending meetings, speaking with counselors, or monitoring academic stress?
A free telehealth program providing therapy services to teens aged 13–17.
What is NYC TeenSpace?
"Why can't you be more like your brother/sister?" Why comparison between siblings is damaging.
What is it can lower self-esteem and create resentment?
The developing part of the brain which makes teens more vulnerable to emotional swings and impulsivity
What is the pre-frontal cortex?
What does the acronym ACEs stand for?
What are Adverse Childhood Experiences?
True or False: It’s helpful to minimize or dismiss your teen's emotional concerns to avoid making things worse.
What is false?
True or False: Under NYC law, students can request mental health days as excused absences.
What is True? (Verify with school district for exact policy details)
"You have nothing to be stressed about." Why can this statement backfire?
What is because it dismisses real sources of stress and shuts down communication?