When your teen lives with a mental or neurodevelopmental condition, you may find yourself thrust into a world you don’t understand. Instead of just PTA meetings, weekend sports games, and talks about report cards, you’ve also got to juggle therapy appointments, medication management, and making sure your child gets the support they need. You’re not alone. Parent support groups can help you connect with other guardians who are doing their best to support their teens navigate their adolescence and mental health.
We offer parent and family support at Family First. While your teen is in treatment, we work closely with you through family therapy sessions, consistent communication, educational sessions, and parent groups to help you stay informed and involved in your teen’s recovery journey. Call 888.904.5947 to find the support your whole family needs.
Support Groups Provide Education and Connection
There are support groups for almost anything you can think of—and for good reason. Connection is important. When you’re going through something challenging, knowing that there are others who truly understand can make all the difference. Joining a parent support group while your teen is in mental health treatment can help you connect with other families who are going through similar experiences. You’ll have the opportunity to share your story, listen to others’ stories, and learn from each other’s successes and challenges.
Not only does joining a parent support group provide connection, but it also offers education. In these groups, you can learn about different treatment options, coping strategies for both you and your teen, and how to better communicate with your child about their mental health. You’ll also learn about what your child is experiencing and the challenges they may face as they navigate their condition and adolescence.
Building an Accepting Community
Specific groups offer tailored advice and resources about your teen’s particular condition, while others offer more general support. If your teen is neurodivergent and lives with ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, or OCD, support groups can help you gain insight into what their lives may look like moving forward. Neurodivergent conditions can cause challenges in every aspect of life as your child tries to navigate a neurotypical world. When you can understand their behaviors and why they do them, you’ll be better equipped to support them and help them thrive.
You’ll also be in company with other parents who are learning to accept that mental health support should be a priority, and it might look different than you think. Even if you think that you’re doing everything you can, hearing other perspectives can give you new tools and ideas to try in your own home.
What to Look For in a Support Group
When you’re looking for a support group for parents of teens in mental health treatment, consider:
- The group’s focus and the specific topics they cover
- The size of the group (small groups may feel more intimate, while larger groups may offer a broader range of perspectives)
- How often the group meets (weekly, bi-weekly, monthly)
- Whether there are any costs associated with attending
- If the group is in-person or virtual
The support groups at Family First make it easy for you to connect with other parents and find the support you need. Our groups are led by experienced therapists and cover a range of topics related to teen mental health and parenting.
Call Family First and Get Support Now
Support groups can make all the difference in your own well-being and your teen’s recovery journey. Call 888.904.5947 now or contact us online to learn more about our parent support groups and how they can benefit your entire family. Let us help you build connections, gain education, and find an accepting community where you can thrive.