Mental Health in Adolescence

youth health mental

Adolescence is a time of growth and development, but it can also be a stressful period. It’s important to make sure that adolescents have a healthy mental health and are developing positive relationships with their friends, families and community.

Many factors affect adolescent mental health, including living conditions, social support, exposure to adversity and their own perceptions or aspirations. It is critical to promote and prevent mental health problems in adolescents through prevention and promotion interventions.

Anxiety

Anxiety is a common mental health problem that can affect children and teens. It may occur in a variety of forms and can interfere with a child’s social, academic, or occupational life.

Anxiousness can be a normal part of life, but it can develop into a disorder if symptoms are persistent or disproportionate to the situation. They can last for a long time, make it hard to function, and cause you to avoid people or places that may trigger anxiety.

The main types of anxiety are generalised anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, and panic disorder. The type of anxiety a person experiences depends on their personal and family history.

Anxiety is usually treated with a variety of treatments including medication, CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy), and exposure therapy. Some young people with anxiety disorders also need to participate in counselling sessions. This helps them understand what’s causing their anxiety and how to cope with it. It also can help them get support from others who have experienced similar problems.

Depression

Depression is a serious medical illness that can affect the way you think, feel and behave. It can make it hard to enjoy life, focus on school or work, or even sleep well.

Depression may be caused by a combination of genetics, hormones, and life events. These can include death of a loved one, a breakup with a significant other, stressors at home, or side effects from certain medications.

Teenagers with severe depression may need treatment in a psychiatric hospital or at a day program. These usually offer counseling, group discussions, and activities with mental health professionals.

In addition, a recent study found that depression in adolescence was associated with a range of negative outcomes later in life including suicidal behaviors, educational underachievement, unemployment, and early parenthood. These findings support the belief that adolescent depression is a precursor to long-term depression and anxiety.

Self-harm

Self-harm can occur when someone feels a high level of emotional distress. This can be due to anxiety, depression or a previous trauma.

Many people who self-harm have mental health problems that don’t make them “crazy.” They simply need help to find new ways to cope.

Teenagers who use self-harm often do so to release pain or other feelings they can’t identify. They may also use it as a way to test whether or not they can feel their emotions without harming themselves physically.

The most effective way to stop self-harm is to talk about your thoughts and feelings to someone you trust and can support you. This can be a family member, friend or a healthcare professional.

Suicide

Teens are especially at risk for suicide if they have mental health issues, such as depression or bipolar disorder. They can also have problems with school, family or friends, and be going through major life changes.

Suicide can happen after a stressful event, such as a breakup with a boyfriend or girlfriend, a death in the family, or a major conflict at home. It is often impulsive and sudden, and a young person may not think about their suicide until it has already occurred.

Stressors can come from many different sources, such as bullying or internet use. But they can also be caused by mental health issues or a history of violence in the family. Other causes include separation from family or friends due to divorce, military service, deportation or incarceration, and financial changes.