The mental health of young people is at an alarming crossroad. They are experiencing a 10-year rise in mental distress and self-harm.
Psychologists are working to address the crisis. They are providing support to families and schools and fostering collaborative networks. They are identifying and disseminating solutions that address the root causes of youth mental health challenges.
Adolescence
Adolescence can be a difficult stage for young people to navigate, especially when they struggle with mental health problems. If left untreated, adolescent mental illness can have lasting impacts on a young person’s life and health.
Adequate support can help them overcome these challenges and achieve better outcomes in a variety of areas, including their education, social connections, decision making and health. However, many adolescents who need mental health services do not receive them.
Often, the first time their needs are identified is after something serious occurs, such as an expulsion, arrest or hospitalization. This can lead to missed opportunities for prevention and treatment. This issue focuses on state efforts to prevent and address these issues in order to improve youth mental health.
Adolescent Suicide
Depression and suicidal feelings are common among adolescent patients. Teens who experience these feelings may feel hopeless and alone, especially if they are struggling with family problems such as domestic violence or drug/alcohol abuse, or have social or school difficulties. They can also feel misunderstood by peers or may be ridiculed for their emotions.
Teens who talk about hurting themselves or committing suicide should be taken seriously. They should be reassured that their illness is treatable and that they do not need to suffer forever. They also need to be able to turn to someone who will listen and care, whether that person is a teacher, school counselor, physician or therapist.
Teens who commit suicide often give warning signs such as changes in eating or sleeping habits, frequent complaints of physical symptoms that are related to their emotions and a desire to end their lives. It is important that trauma centers consider implementing universal screening for suicidality and establish strategies to refer and provide access to mental health services for adolescents, including counseling on safe-storage devices for lethal means.
Adolescent Depression
Teen depression is more than just feeling “blue” for a few days. It is an intense sadness that makes it hard to enjoy even the most basic activities. It is also associated with feelings of hopelessness and a loss of interest in the future. Several factors can contribute to adolescent depression, including genetics, hormone changes, stressful life events, and substance abuse.
Talk therapy is a critical part of treatment for teens with depression. Therapists who specialize in child and adolescent psychiatry can help address issues that may be contributing to the depression, such as troubled relationships or major life changes. Medications, such as antidepressants, are also often effective for treating depression in teenagers.
When talking to your teen about depression, be supportive and listen carefully. Avoid trying to convince them that their feelings are irrational, as this can make them feel invalidated. It is also important to pay attention to any suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
Adolescent Anxiety
Anxiety can affect many aspects of a teen’s life, from school performance to social skills. A teen with anxiety often avoids activities and seeks excessive reassurance. He may redo tasks and procrastinate to avoid failure or disapproval. He may also have trouble focusing in class, and may struggle to make and keep friends.
It’s important to distinguish anxiety from other disorders. For example, hypervigilance and reactivity to new or changing stimuli can look like bipolar disorder. Catastrophic reactions and efforts to avoid triggers can look like oppositional defiant disorder.
Encourage your teen to get plenty of rest and eat a healthy diet. Too much sugar and processed food can exacerbate anxiety symptoms. It’s also important to help him learn stress-management techniques. This can include breathing exercises, yoga, meditation, and relaxation. In addition, you can teach him to use self-talk, a calming mantra, or visualization to overcome negative thinking. You can also talk to him about his support network and how to ask for help.