In this info sheet
Too often, people associate mental health with mental health disorders. But did you know “mental health” is something we all have? And did you know we have the power to influence it?
During adolescence, teens experience a wide range of intense emotions, which sometimes make them seem unstable. Their mental health can have ups and downs.
As a parent, you can help them take care of their mental health.
To better understand
What does having positive mental health mean?
Having positive mental health means generally feeling good! Feeling good enough to face life’s challenges and participate in activities. Feeling good enough to thrive in different areas of life: family, school, work, friendships, hobbies and more. It also means, quite simply, enjoying life on a daily basis!
Mental health and physical health go hand in hand. When you improve your physical health, you also improve your mental health. And when you improve your mental health, your energy levels and overall well-being improve, too!
It is natural to go through periods of stress, anger, despondency, or sadness. And adolescence is a period that requires a lot of energy and adaptation from both teens and parents.
What things influence teens’ mental health?
Resilience is a key component of positive mental health. Being resilient means having the personal and social resources to overcome challenges while staying balanced. This includes:
- Being able to manage your emotions;
- Acquiring self-knowledge;
- Maintaining healthy lifestyle habits.
To find out more about personal and social resources (or skills), visit the Social skills page.
A teen’s mental health is also influenced by the support they receive from those around them. While friends play an important role, the support they get from their parents is just as essential.
Finally, life experiences also have an impact on mental health. For example:
- Feeling safe at school;
- Having access to enjoyable leisure activities and new opportunities;
- Engaging in activities that promote personal growth and self-discovery, such as volunteering or a job, etc.
It’s important to remember that the teen years come with a lot of upheaval and intense emotions. Don’t be alarmed if your teen experiences ups and downs. But if you notice changes in their behaviour that last for several weeks, there are resources available to help you decide whether to be worried and seek support. Examples of worrying changes include:
- Quitting activities they usually enjoy;
- Isolating themselves;
- Eating less than usual;
- Sleeping a lot more or less than usual.
If your teen is talking about death and dying, take it seriously. Call your local suicide prevention centre (1-866-APPELLE) for guidance and support.
Watch our video on this subject
The changes of adolescence combined with those experienced in the recent years can affect your teen’s mental health. Our experts tells you about what you can do to help your child.
To better support
In short
If you want to have good mental health, you need to take care of it!
Practical resources and tools
1. For support
Are you dealing with a situation that worries you? Ask for help:
2. For more information
Books and websites for teens:
- Ça roule by Danie Beaulieu, Québecor (French only)
- Youth In Mind Foundation
Books and websites for parents:
- Hors-Piste – Centre RBC (French only)
- Mouvement Santé mentale Québec (French only)
- Guide info-famille du CHU Ste-Justine (French only)
- La santé mentale des enfants et adolescents : comment la préserver et l’améliorer by Yvon Labbé, Éditions chez Béliveau Éditeur (French only)
- Par amour du stress by Sonia Lupien, Éditions Va Savoir (French only)
3. References
- Institut national de santé publique du Québec. (2024, 26 juin). Promotion de la santé mentale et prévention des troubles anxieux.
- Julien, D. (2021). Quels sont les liens entre un environnement social favorable et la santé mentale positive des jeunes? Résultats d’une enquête auprès des élèves du secondaire du Québec (publication no. 69). Institut de la Statistique du Québec.
This info sheet has been written in collaboration with:
- Élise Cadieux-Lynch, Social worker and partnership liaison officer, Aire ouverte Brossard, CISSS de la Montérégie-Centre
- Émilie St-Onge, Planning, programming and research agent, Programme national de prévention des troubles anxieux Hors-Piste, CISSS de la Montérégie-Centre
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