Mental health problems affect one in every five young people at some point in their lives. The severity of these disorders varies, but they often cause significant impairment.
Early identification of mental health and substance use issues can help alleviate enormous suffering for youth and their families. It can also lead to more rapid recovery.
Adolescence
Adolescence is a time of rapid change that can leave you feeling upside down and insecure. It’s also a time of significant social and emotional growth, as adolescents develop relationships with their peers and adults.
Mental health issues in adolescence are widespread and can cause profound emotional and social impact. Depression, anxiety and eating disorders are among the most common youth health mental conditions.
A key issue is that adolescents’ brains are not fully developed by the time they reach adolescence, making them more vulnerable to emotions and impulsive behaviour. The amygdala – an area of the brain that deals with immediate, emotionally based reactions – does not develop until adolescence, and the prefrontal cortex, the part of the brain responsible for judgment and decision-making, is not fully developed until adulthood.
Adolescents with mental health issues may be reluctant to talk about their feelings or experiences, which can make it harder for them to seek treatment or receive support from friends and family. This is why it’s important to actively listen when a young person tells you about their emotions and experiences, without judgment.
Depression
Depression is a common mental health condition that can affect adolescents. It can lead to symptoms such as sadness, feelings of guilt and worthlessness, anger, suicidal thoughts, and poor sleep.
There are different types of treatments for depression, such as psychological therapy and antidepressant medications. These can help young people to learn how to cope with their depression and overcome problematic thoughts and behaviors.
Treatment can also reduce the risk of other psychiatric disorders such as anxiety and conduct disorder. These programs often focus on prevention, reducing risk factors and subsyndromal symptoms before they develop into full-blown depression.
Research shows that adolescents who have a family history of depression have three to four times the risk of developing adolescent depression themselves. This is why it is important to identify and treat those at high risk early on, before they get worse.
Anxiety
Anxiety is the body’s natural stress response to stressful situations. When anxiety becomes excessive, it can interfere with your life and cause serious health problems.
Kids and teens aren’t always aware they have a mental health problem until they have trouble with school or their social lives. That’s why it’s so important to recognize if your child is struggling with anxiety and get them help as soon as possible.
In addition, it’s crucial to understand the root causes of your child’s anxiety and how it can be treated to prevent future problems. Treatment includes addressing underlying issues and teaching children and teens effective ways to manage their worry, along with medication, if needed.
Anxiety is one of the most common mental health disorders in young people. It affects millions of youth in the United States and can have a profound impact on their physical, emotional and social health. Early recognition and intervention can save lives.
Suicide
Mental health is a person’s ability to cope with the stress of everyday life. When a person’s mental health is poor, it interferes with their ability to do things like work productively and make contributions to the community.
The United States is home to many people who suffer from mental health problems. Youth are among the most vulnerable populations, often facing negative factors that disproportionately affect their mental wellbeing.
Suicide is one of the most common causes of death for teens and young adults. It’s a devastating loss for the family and friends of a suicide victim.
There are ways to prevent suicide. The most important thing to do is educate yourself on the risks and warning signs of suicide. Then, take action to help someone you know who might be feeling suicidal. You can also encourage positive lifestyle choices, such as regular exercise and eating a healthy diet. You can also help someone develop a safety plan to follow in the event of a suicidal crisis.