SUN Behavioral Kentucky, a psych behavioral provider based in Erlanger, Kentucky, is offering advice to parents of adolescents struggling with the changes brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. They are a part of a network of community hospitals working to solve the rising needs of those with mental illness, particularly the youth. In response to this national emergency, they have undertaken the expansion of their Telehealth Services.
Many parents of late have struggled with the possibility that their child has a serious mental health issue, trying to determine if it is typical teenage angst or if it is a reaction to all the consequences of the pandemic. Many have noticed that their child has become withdrawn, during a time when everyone is socially distant and unable to spend time with their friends and peers. Remote learning has also become a challenge, with many students finding it difficult to concentrate.
SUN Behavioral has taken the initiative to share advice with parents on how they may attempt to differentiate between these changes. Some aspects to look out for include a drop in grades, or a disinterest towards learning. Withdrawal from friends and hobbies may also be significant. Changes in sleep patterns, including insomnia or oversleeping, are also warning signs for some young adults. Some may show variations in energy levels, concentration, motivation and appetite. Others may get caught up in risky behavior and attempt to cover up their actions by lying.
The hospital advises parents, if their teen is showing signs of a mental illness, to remember that this is not uncommon, and adolescent programs are available if they need assistance. In Kentucky alone, 29% of teenagers have experienced prolonged symptoms of depression while 15% have had serious suicidal thoughts.
The hospital emphasizes the importance of looking out for changes in a teen’s behavior. If they were once highly motivated and energetic, yet have now become lethargic and disinterested, this is likely a mental illness, not a phase. They advise parents to seek the right mental health services if their children display any of these signs.
SUN Behavioral recommends that the parent sit down with their teen early on to have open and honest communication. At this point, they can take stock and see what they can do to help or if there is anything the child wants to confide in them. It is worth keeping in mind that an adolescent might not even know what is happening or how to express these feelings.
As a general rule of thumb, the institution states that it is better to be safe than sorry. If the parent is not sure whether or not a teen’s behavior indicates something more serious, checking with a therapist (including the services offered by SUN Behavioral’s Telehealth facilities) is advised.
SUN Behavioral also offers guidance about what behaviors are to be expected from teenagers. Wanting to stay up late and sleep in, moodiness, frustration and some irritability are common occurrences. Stress about grades is also fairly normal. Testing the limits, including occasionally getting in minor trouble or defying household rules, and wanting privacy are also not atypical behaviors of teenagers.
Of course, the coronavirus presents new challenges for teens and their mental health that makes it even harder for parents to distinguish a more serious mental illness. On top of the usual challenges they face, they may now have to return to school in the middle of a pandemic. Extracurriculars they had been passionate about — and which may have been their outlet for expression — may now be put on hold due to health restrictions that include rigorous hygiene and wearing of masks. Neither of these factors would appeal to the average teenager. With teenagers now spending so much time online, parents must take the psychological impacts of social media and technology into account as well.
Beginning immediately, teenagers struggling with anxiety, depression or any other mental health issues can receive a level-of-care telehealth consultation from the safety of their own homes. The service is open to those of all ages, and appointments are available 24/7. Those with video capabilities via laptop, smart-phone or tablet may register online. Once they fill out a brief patient information form, they will be connected to a behavioral health specialist who will call to schedule a time for a private, HIPAA-compliant video chat and consultation.
SUN Behavioral reminds the community that these online consultations are not meant for psychiatric emergencies. One may visit the website, call or email their patient outreach department for further inquiries.
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For more information about SUN Behavioral Kentucky, contact the company here:
SUN Behavioral Kentucky
513-880-8217
info@sunkentucky.com
820 Dolwick Drive
Erlanger, Kentucky 41018
