Youth mental health is a complex issue. They have to cope with many stresses like racial and identity-based discrimination, gun violence, poverty and natural disasters.
Early identification, accurate diagnosis and treatment of mental illness is essential for this age group. This includes raising community awareness, dispelling myths and misconceptions and providing easily accessible services.
Puberty
Puberty is an important time for a young person’s mental health. It’s a time of hormonal changes that affect brain development and peer relations. It’s also when many mental health problems first appear, such as anxiety, depression and eating disorders.
During this time, kids may struggle with intense feelings, body changes and social pressure. They may start to form tight-knit groups of friends and can be at risk of being influenced by peers who push them into doing things that are against their values.
Stress levels are high during this time, and teens might be more sensitive to negative environmental cues than adults. This makes them vulnerable to relationship stressors, which have been linked with adolescent mental health problems such as depression and suicide. It’s important to talk with a teenager often and encourage open communication, particularly when they’re feeling stressed or anxious. Help them learn to challenge irrational thinking and emotions. They might also benefit from having a support network of friends and family to turn to for guidance.
Adolescence
Adolescence can be a time of heightened vulnerability to mental health challenges. It is often associated with increased risk of substance use, exposure to violence and high-risk sexual behaviors that can lead to unintended pregnancy or HIV infection.
During this stage, your child may struggle with identity development and find their place in the world. They may also experience emotional trauma such as bullying, natural disasters or other events that can lead to PTSD.
The frontal lobe of the brain that controls “executive functions” (considering long-term consequences, controlling impulses) does not fully mature until late in adolescence, and this can cause impulsivity, mood swings, trouble at school or other risk-taking behaviors.
If you notice warning signs like a lack of interest in activities, reckless behavior or erratic eating or sleeping patterns, talk to a mental health care professional. They can help you identify the right treatment or support for your teen. They can also refer you to community resources for further help.
Adolescent Suicide
Adolescent suicide is a major public health concern. It is a growing problem and there is no single factor that predicts suicide risk. However, some groups are at higher risk, including male sex, American Indian and Hispanic adolescents, and those who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or non-gender conforming [2]. Certain mental health disorders and previous suicidal thoughts and behaviors are also associated with increased risk.
Those who are at greatest risk often report having trouble communicating with their families, and feel misunderstood or devalued by those around them. They may be self-medicating with alcohol or drugs to deal with their pain and express rage, anxiety, or frustration in harmful ways.
Every October and May, there is a spike in the number of teenagers who go to Yale New Haven Hospital’s emergency department with thoughts of suicide. Many have stories about being bullied, dealing with parental divorce, academic pressure, or being teased because of their gender identity.
Depression
Depression affects the mental and physical health of adolescents. Teens who have untreated depression are at increased risk for a variety of negative outcomes including poor school performance, drug use, violence and high-risk sexual behaviors that can lead to HIV infection, STIs and pregnancy.
It’s not always easy for adults to recognize depression in teens because they may think it’s normal for teenagers to be moody. Some teens are unable to express their feelings, or they might not understand what they are feeling or thinking.
If a teen is depressed, they should talk to a doctor or counselor who works with adolescents. Depression is treatable and most teens recover with counseling and medication, or a combination of both.
Interpersonal therapy, which focuses on relationships, can help teens explore problems that contribute to their depression. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can teach them ways to change their negative patterns of thinking and behavior. Medications can ease the symptoms of depression and reduce suicidal thoughts.