Improving communication with your adolescent is essential for maintaining a healthy and harmonious family dynamic. Consider the timing, be a role model, schedule family meetings and time with your teen, love them unconditionally, avoid judgment or lectures, provide validation, be respectful, set rules and expectations, ask open ended questions, and keep calm yourself.

Differentiating between mental illness and typical teenage behavior can be challenging because adolescence is a time of significant emotional and psychological development. It's common for teenagers to exhibit mood swings, experiment with new behaviors, and go through periods of adjustment. That being said, it is also important to recognize when these behaviors might indicate the presence of a mental health concern. Some factors to consider include: Duration, Consistency, Severity, and Intensity, impact on daily functioning and life, family history, and general review of risky behaviors.