Millions
of teens report feeling hopeless and losing interest in everyday
activities for weeks at a time. And many of these teens are making a
bad situation worse by using marijuana and other drugs in an effort to
make themselves feel better.
Research shows that using marijuana can worsen
depression and lead to more serious mental health problems. In fact,
teens who used marijuana at least once a month in the past year are
three times more likely to have suicidal thoughts than teens who don't
use marijuana.
For parents, this means it's critical to pay
closer attention to your teen's behavior and mood swings, and recognize
that marijuana and other drugs could be playing a dangerous role in
your child's life.
Learn more about marijuana and mental health.
Marijuana: Then and Now
So you tried pot at some point in your life
and think you'll feel like a hypocrite telling your teen not to use?
Get over it. Be honest and emphasize that this discussion is about your
child's future and not about your past. Marijuana today is more potent
than it was a generation ago and more kids are using it at a younger
age, when their bodies and minds are still developing. Talk to your
teens. Kids who learn about marijuana and other drugs from their
parents are less likely to use them.
Tell your teens how to say no, even if you didn't.
