Anxiety can affect all of us at any time in our lives. This is especially true for teenagers, in particular those who are dealing with the stresses of being part of LGBTQ+ communities. As a parent, how can you help a struggling teen? The answers may be simpler than you think. Below, OutCare shares some advice.
Being There for Your LGBTQ+ Teen
When a child first decides to come out to their parents, friends, and family, it can potentially be presented in a confrontational manner and in response to some kind of outside stress. Make sure when this happens that you stay calm and are open to talking about the situation with your child. Allow time to figure out the answers to all of the questions you both might have and give your child an open environment to discuss their stresses and fears.
Understand Unique Stressors
Dealing with the realities of being an LGBTQ+ teen is extremely complex and very stressful. Anxiety can be at an all-time high, and this can lead to serious mental health issues. For example, The Trevor Project reports that nearly half of LGBTQ+ teens have reported contemplating suicide at some point in their lives, and this means that being there for your child through times of stress is very important.
Most of this stress comes from the fear and shame of being around cisgender heterosexual teenagers and how they feel about your teen’s sexual orientation and/or gender identity. Making sure that your child feels like there’s someone to talk to and confide in, whether that is yourself or a licensed counselor, goes a long way to ensuring that your teen feels safe and comfortable with who they are.
Other Life Stressors and Solutions
Whether your teen identifies as LGBTQ+ or not, life can be stressful in high school and for teenagers overall. If your child happens to have an anxiety disorder, make sure that you are there to help in whatever ways are needed. This includes making your home a stress-free environment for them, managing transitions in life, paying attention to your child’s feelings, and making sure that you stay calm in the face of your child’s anxiety.
Also, keep in mind that everyday influences like diet may contribute to stress. Caffeine, for example, increases cortisol and could contribute to anxiety, especially in children. Watch for it in surprising sources, including soft drinks that may not be known for caffeine content.
Sleep is also essential. Getting enough sleep has physical and psychological benefits, so make it a point to make your child’s bedroom conducive to falling and staying asleep. A noise machine, a weighted blanket, and the right mattress can go a long way towards helping an anxious person get better sleep. If it’s time to upgrade to a high-quality full-size mattress, look for one that features memory foam, which contours to the body and is responsive to each person’s sleeping position.
Face the Factors Head On
Many things can influence a teen’s stress levels, including a move to a new city or school district. In addition to finding a new community where your child will thrive, EmpoweringParents.com notes that allowing teens to have an open and clear line of communication with you is extremely important, as it is very possible that teens can shut down in the face of major stressors. You can speak with teachers at the new school to make sure there are programs in place to help lessen the stress of the transition. Also, make sure there are clubs and activities that allow your child to build new social groups, which is very important.
Be Open to Your Teen’s Thoughts
The main thing to remember, though, is to allow your child to have a say in the things that happen to him or her at the new school. If children used to be on the soccer team and now want to join the drama club, the important thing is that they have the support of friends and family, not that they participate in the same activities as before. Allowing your teen to express whatever emotions he or she is feeling that day without ridicule or disappointment is also essential, as it is entirely normal to have fluctuating feelings about a move.
Being a teenager is difficult – especially for LGBTQ+ youth. That’s why your teenager needs to know you’re there for them, whether it’s explicitly stated or not. Making sure to cover your child’s emotional bases with open communication or therapy is the best way to help your teen adjust to dealing with the stresses of life.
Author: Dorothy Watson
