Youth health mental is a key to the overall well-being of children, adolescents, and young adults. Supporting the development of strong and healthy relationships, and creating protective environments are essential.
Harmful megatrends like wage theft, unregulated social media and job insecurity are making it harder for this age group to cope. Many are also feeling the effects of climate change.
Anxiety
For many teenagers, feeling anxious is a normal part of growing up. They may worry about tests, college applications, or first dates. They can also be nervous or shy, and they may have physical symptoms like headaches or stomachaches. If their anxiety is persistent and interferes with everyday life, it could be a sign of an anxiety disorder. The teen’s parents and teachers can help evaluate their symptoms and decide on the best treatment. This might include psychotherapy or medication.
Talking to a therapist who specializes in anxiety can be a good way for teens to find relief from their symptoms. Support groups that offer mental health support can also help. These are often made up of people with similar experiences, such as depression or anxiety. This can make them feel less alone and help them learn different ways to cope. They can also share what’s worked for them. BetterHelp is an online service that can connect teens with therapists who specialize in anxiety and other conditions.
Depression
Depression is one of the most common mental health disorders in adolescence. It can lead to serious social and work-related problems, including substance use and suicide. Youth who experience depression are more likely to drop out of school than those without it. They may also be at risk of violence or abuse and have trouble with their family life.
Sometimes it is hard to tell if a child or teenager is depressed, because they often feel down for extended periods of time and are not interested in their usual activities. It is important to take this seriously, even if the feelings seem irrational or silly.
A doctor may prescribe medicines or psychotherapy to help with depression in teens. Some people have to be on medication for a long time, but others can get better in just a few sessions of psychotherapy. If the depression is severe, a young person may need to go into a psychiatric hospital or day program.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Many people with ADHD experience challenges in school, work and relationships. They may also have other mental health conditions like anxiety or depression. It’s important to talk about your symptoms with a doctor or therapist so they can help you find the right treatment for you.
In young children, the most common symptoms are hyperactivity and impulsivity. In adolescence, symptoms may lessen but still cause problems with academics and social interactions. Some teens have difficulty with relationship problems and tend to engage in impulsive risky behaviors, such as substance use or unsafe sexual activity.
The diagnosis of ADHD requires a thorough psychiatric evaluation, including a description of the person’s symptoms from family members, friends and teachers, completion of scales or questionnaires by the person and their caregivers, an interview with the person and their parents or guardians and a physical examination. A therapist who specialises in ADHD can teach strategies to improve attention, deal with distractions and cope with feelings.
Trauma
A variety of experiences can trigger trauma. These can include threats to physical safety, life-threatening illnesses and repeated exposure to fearful situations. Whether they are one-time events, such as an assault or natural disaster or ongoing stressors like living in a crime-ridden neighborhood, the impact of these situations on youth mental health can be profound.
It’s also important to understand that while anyone can experience mental health challenges, the factors that affect adolescents and teens are largely societal. Harmful megatrends, such as wage theft, unregulated social media and job insecurity can contribute to the bleak present and future many young people face.
Moreover, demographics like gender, race and sexual orientation can have a significant effect on mental health. For example, suicide rates among Black teens have doubled in the decade prior to Covid-19, and girls and LGBTQ youth are at greater risk than others for feelings of persistent sadness or hopelessness. Fortunately, these problems can be addressed by creating environments where youth can talk about their emotions, seek help and develop healthy coping strategies.