One-in-five teens experience mental health struggles, UVA doctor says

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (WVIR) - Taking care of your teen can be tough, but two professionals say you and your teen are not alone.

A University of Virginia doctor said one-in-five teens will experience some degree of mental health struggles, but the trick is to create an environment where kids feel safe to talk about what they are going through.

Also, it is okay for your child to have another safe adult they can talk to.

“I encourage and your parents to identify other trusted adults in their lives and who they can go for help and advice and guidance and role modeling, and for parents not to feel threatened by that,” Doctor. Mary Sullivan said.

It can be difficult to raise a healthy and happy child in a time when it seems like everything is changing.

These doctors say the jury is still out on what the long-term effects of things like social media and the pandemic will be.

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