Help with eating disorders - The Butterfly Foundation

Help with feeling suicidal - Beyond Blue

Psychologist Collett Smart discusses vital signs of mental health struggles in teenagers during Mental Health Month. Drawing on insights from Graeme Cowan, she offers six key indicators, such as changes in behavior, social withdrawal, and substance abuse. Tips include listening actively, supporting through small tasks, and encouraging professional help. Tackle the daily ups and downs of teenage life with practical strategies and a compassionate approach. 

Key Takeaways:

Recognising Changes in Behavior: Parents should look for sustained changes in their teen's behavior or mood over two weeks or more, which might signal underlying mental health issues.

Social Withdrawal: A noticeable decrease in a usually social teenager’s engagement with friends or activities could be a red flag of mental health struggles.

Changes in Appetite: Significant increases or decreases in eating habits might indicate emotional distress or potential eating disorders.

Negative Talk: Expressions of hopelessness or worthlessness should be taken seriously and approached with empathy and support.

Substance Abuse Signals and Tiredness: Increased use of alcohol or drugs and persistent fatigue or insomnia can be indicators of deeper mental health issues that need addressing.

Notable Quotes:

"Their brains are going through massive changes, and they're learning to do really hard things." – Collett Smart

"You know your teen better than anyone. What you will be looking for are changes to what you consider normal for your teen." – Collett Smart

"Mental ill health drains your energy. They might not feel like they want to put on a brave face for everyone when they go out." – Collett Smart

"It's important to walk with people sometimes side by side or sit in the car, particularly for some teens if listening face to face is confronting." – Collett Smart

"Rather than saying you need support, which may make some teens feel like they're weak or they're not good enough, I love to use Michelle Mitchell's phrase, you deserve support." – Collet



Click here to contact Collett or ask her a question or Click here to contact the Raising Teens team.



Collett is a psychologist, qualified teacher, speaker, and internationally published author, with 25 years' experience working in private and public schools, as well as in private practice.

Visit Raising Teens for more resources, click here for Collett's books, or join the discussion on Facebook.

Listen to more from our Hope Podcasts collection at hopepodcasts.com.au. And send the team a message via Hope 103.2’s app, Facebook or Instagram.

Help with eating disorders - <a href="https://butterfly.org.au/get-support/helpline/">The Butterfly Foundation</a>
Help with feeling suicidal - <a href="https://www.beyondblue.org.au/mental-health/suicide-prevention">Beyond Blue</a>
Psychologist Collett Smart discusses vital signs of mental health struggles in teenagers during Mental Health Month. Drawing on insights from Graeme Cowan, she offers six key indicators, such as changes in behavior, social withdrawal, and substance abuse. Tips include listening actively, supporting through small tasks, and encouraging professional help. Tackle the daily ups and downs of teenage life with practical strategies and a compassionate approach. 
Key Takeaways:
Recognising Changes in Behavior: Parents should look for sustained changes in their teen's behavior or mood over two weeks or more, which might signal underlying mental health issues.
Social Withdrawal: A noticeable decrease in a usually social teenager’s engagement with friends or activities could be a red flag of mental health struggles.
Changes in Appetite: Significant increases or decreases in eating habits might indicate emotional distress or potential eating disorders.
Negative Talk: Expressions of hopelessness or worthlessness should be taken seriously and approached with empathy and support.
Substance Abuse Signals and Tiredness: Increased use of alcohol or drugs and persistent fatigue or insomnia can be indicators of deeper mental health issues that need addressing.
Notable Quotes:
"Their brains are going through massive changes, and they're learning to do really hard things." – Collett Smart
"You know your teen better than anyone. What you will be looking for are changes to what you consider normal for your teen." – Collett Smart
"Mental ill health drains your energy. They might not feel like they want to put on a brave face for everyone when they go out." – Collett Smart
"It's important to walk with people sometimes side by side or sit in the car, particularly for some teens if listening face to face is confronting." – Collett Smart
"Rather than saying you need support, which may make some teens feel like they're weak or they're not good enough, I love to use Michelle Mitchell's phrase, you deserve support." – Collet
 
Click <a href="mailto:info@raisingteenagers.com.au">here</a> to contact Collett or ask her a question or Click <a href="https://hope1032.com.au/show/raising-teens/">here</a> to contact the Raising Teens team.
 
<hr>
Collett is a psychologist, qualified teacher, speaker, and internationally published author, with 25 years' experience working in private and public schools, as well as in private practice.
Visit <a href="http://raisingteens.au/">Raising Teens</a> for more resources, click <a href="https://collettsmart.com/resources/">here</a> for Collett's books, or join the discussion on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/collettsmart/">Facebook</a>.
Listen to more from our Hope Podcasts collection at <a href="http://www.hopepodcasts.com.au/" aria-label="Link hopepodcasts.com.au">hopepodcasts.com.au</a>. And send the team a message via <a href="https://hope1032.com.au/listen/#apps" aria-label="Link Hope 103.2’s app">Hope 103.2’s app</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Hope103.2" aria-label="Link Facebook">Facebook</a> or <a href="https://www.instagram.com/sydneyshope1032/" aria-label="Link Instagram">Instagram</a>.

When it comes to raising little ones, we often feel as though we have a small village around us – in morning play groups, meeting other parents at tots’ birthday parties, or on the sides of sports fields. It can feel like we have it (mostly) under control. Until our child gradually emerges into their teen years and so much changes! It is a unique time for both you and your child.

Sometimes, everything you thought you knew goes out the window and you’re struggling to keep up. You look around and the village seems to have diminished. Raising Teens will be part of your support system – your village! There will be something here for everyone who cares for teens. Most importantly, this is your resource, so we want to hear from you – your challenges, your suggestions – you are part of this community.

For more information, expert advice or to ask Collett a question, visit raisingteens.au.

The information provided on this podcast is for general educational purposes only and does not take into account your personal situation. It is not a substitute for professional advice. We recommend you seek a medical or healthcare professional if you are seeking advice, diagnosis or treatment.

Listen to more from our Hope Podcasts collection at hopepodcasts.com.au. And send the team a message via the Hope website, Hope 103.2’s app, Facebook or Instagram. 

When it comes to raising little ones, we often feel as though we have a small village around us – in morning play groups, meeting other parents at tots’ birthday parties, or on the sides of sports fields. It can feel like we have it (mostly) under control. Until our child gradually emerges into their teen years and so much changes! It is a unique time for both you and your child.
Sometimes, everything you thought you knew goes out the window and you’re struggling to keep up. You look around and the village seems to have diminished. Raising Teens will be part of your support system – your village! There will be something here for everyone who cares for teens. Most importantly, this is your resource, so we want to hear from you – your challenges, your suggestions – you are part of this community.
For more information, expert advice or to ask Collett a question, visit <a href="https://www.raisingteenagers.com.au/" data-auth="VerificationFailed" data-linkindex="0">raisingteens.au</a>.
The information provided on this podcast is for general educational purposes only and does not take into account your personal situation. It is not a substitute for professional advice. We recommend you seek a medical or healthcare professional if you are seeking advice, diagnosis or treatment.
Listen to more from our Hope Podcasts collection at <a href="http://www.hopepodcasts.com.au/">hopepodcasts.com.au</a>. And send the team a message via the <a href="https://hope1032.com.au/listen/podcasts/">Hope website</a>, <a href="https://hope1032.com.au/listen/#apps">Hope 103.2’s app</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Hope103.2">Facebook</a> or <a href="https://www.instagram.com/sydneyshope1032/">Instagram</a>.

Raising Teens with Collett Smart

When it comes to raising little ones, we often feel as though we have a small village around us – in morning play groups, meeting other parents at tots’ birthday parties, or on the sides of sports fields. It can feel like we have it (mostly) under control. Until our child gradually emerges into their teen years and so much changes! It is a unique time for both you and your child.

Sometimes, everything you thought you knew goes out the window and you’re struggling to keep up. You look around and the village seems to have diminished. Raising Teens will be part of your support system – your village! There will be something here for everyone who cares for teens. Most importantly, this is your resource, so we want to hear from you – your challenges, your suggestions – you are part of this community.

For more information, expert advice or to ask Collett a question, visit raisingteens.au.

The information provided on this podcast is for general educational purposes only and does not take into account your personal situation. It is not a substitute for professional advice. We recommend you seek a medical or healthcare professional if you are seeking advice, diagnosis or treatment.

Listen to more from our Hope Podcasts collection at hopepodcasts.com.au. And send the team a message via Hope 103.2’s app, Facebook or Instagram. 

When it comes to raising little ones, we often feel as though we have a small village around us – in morning play groups, meeting other parents at tots’ birthday parties, or on the sides of sports fields. It can feel like we have it (mostly) under control. Until our child gradually emerges into their teen years and so much changes! It is a unique time for both you and your child.
Sometimes, everything you thought you knew goes out the window and you’re struggling to keep up. You look around and the village seems to have diminished. Raising Teens will be part of your support system – your village! There will be something here for everyone who cares for teens. Most importantly, this is your resource, so we want to hear from you – your challenges, your suggestions – you are part of this community.
For more information, expert advice or to ask Collett a question, visit <a href="https://www.raisingteenagers.com.au/" data-auth="VerificationFailed" data-linkindex="0">raisingteens.au</a>.
The information provided on this podcast is for general educational purposes only and does not take into account your personal situation. It is not a substitute for professional advice. We recommend you seek a medical or healthcare professional if you are seeking advice, diagnosis or treatment.
Listen to more from our Hope Podcasts collection at <a href="http://www.hopepodcasts.com.au/">hopepodcasts.com.au</a>. And send the team a message via <a href="https://hope1032.com.au/listen/#apps">Hope 103.2’s app</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Hope103.2">Facebook</a> or <a href="https://www.instagram.com/sydneyshope1032/">Instagram</a>.

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