Mental Illness and Utah Teens

Last weekend, a Magna, Utah teen suffering from mental illness was shot and killed by police after he opened fire on officers. The 15-year-old boy allegedly put on a bullet-proof vest, broke into his father’s gun safe and took a .45 caliber handgun which he then used to shoot at police officers. The young man apparently was bi-polar and mildly autistic. Family members have said that they aren’t sure what prompted his actions, but his father was recently charged with several crimes and they speculate that may have had something to do with the boy’s current depression.

Helping Teens With Mental Illness

This situation is a sobering example of what can happen to teens who suffer from mental illness. Mental illness is generally not self-induced, but often something a person develops or is born with. There are some things parents can do, however, to help their teen who may be fighting mental illness or other problems such as stress.

• Keep an eye on your teen. This doesn’t mean babysitting your child, but knowing how she is feeling and what stresses she may be experiencing.
• Listen to your teen. If he is expressing thoughts about suicide or harming others in some way, take him seriously. Don’t chalk it up to teenage drama. Contact his doctor or other mental health expert and try to find out what’s going on.
• Model stress management skills yourself. Your child will have a better chance of lowering her stress level or accepting help with a problem if she sees that you are a good example of de-escalating situations yourself.
• Encourage your child’s participation in sports or extracurricular activities. Don’t cover up the problem, just know that it’s fairly well accepted that exercise and productive hobbies will encourage positive mental thoughts.
• Talk to your teen. Let him know that he is important to you and that he matters. A little love goes a long way.

Being a Helpful Parent

Mental illness and stress can’t be thought or wished away. Anyone who’s experienced these problems knows that well. You can help your teen, though, by being a positive parent who encourages good behavior by modeling it themselves.

Contacting a Utah Juvenile Defense Attorney

Sometimes in spite of all you do your teen may still have legal troubles. If your teen gets into a tough situation with the law, it is vital that you contact a Utah juvenile defense attorney right away—whether your child suffers from a mental illness or not. Give your teen and yourself peace of mind by having a legal expert handle your child’s case in and out of court. Make that important phone call today.