Traditionally, the gravest health threats to teens have included binge drinking and teenage pregnancy. But now they also include anxiety, depression, and suicide.
One recurring theme in youth interviews was ambivalence toward seeking help for a mental health issue. They said they wanted to be strong and independent, but also acknowledged that they needed and longed for help.
Adolescence
Adolescence is a critical time of physical, emotional and psychological development. It’s when young people figure out who they are, what they love doing and how they fit into their community. This can include their customs and beliefs, areas of interest and how they connect to others in the world, including online.
For some, it’s a period of experimentation with new jobs, lifestyles and relationships. For others, it’s a time to take on adult responsibilities and rethink their life path. Emotionally, it can be a time of intense emotions like anger, sadness and guilt. And because the front part of their brain doesn’t finish developing until their mid- to late-20s, they may have lapses in judgement. This can lead to impulsive, risk-taking behaviour. Moreover, they might have a hard time communicating with their families.
Depression
Feeling sad or down sometimes is part of adolescence, especially when it’s triggered by things like having an argument with friends or family, getting a bad mark on an exam or moving house. But if feelings of sadness persist for weeks or months and start to interfere with daily life, it’s time to talk to a doctor.
Encourage them to find out more about depression by talking with a trusted adult, such as a parent or school counsellor. They can also use websites like ReachOut, Youthbeyondblue or Kids Helpline or text Lifeline on 13 11 14.
Depression can be mild and short-lived or severe and long-lasting. It’s often treated with a combination of therapy and medicines, including antidepressants. Your teen’s care team may include counselors, nurses, social workers or psychologists.
Anxiety
While anxiety is a natural, healthy response to uncertainty and change, for some teens it becomes a chronic, high-pitched hum that interferes with school performance, social activities and family life. It may also manifest as panic attacks and phobias.
Teens with anxiety can benefit from a range of treatment options including talk therapy, exercise and medication. Medications can include short-term use of benzodiazepines for symptom relief or long-term medications like selective serotonin uptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as escitalopram and fluoxetine, antidepressants such as duloxetine and venlafaxine and anxiolytics such as buspirone.
Some adolescents with anxiety develop mood disorders or engage in self-destructive behaviors, which are serious and require immediate attention. It is important for parents to encourage a healthy lifestyle, adequate sleep and regular exercise, which can help reduce anxiety.
Suicide
Suicide is a common cause of death for adolescents and can have profound implications for youth mental health. Suicide is associated with a wide range of mental disorders, including mood and substance abuse disorders. Eating disorders (particularly anorexia nervosa) and schizophrenia are also related to suicide in young people. Many adolescents are at increased risk of suicide due to their living conditions or other factors such as stigma, discrimination and exclusion.
Research suggests that helping teens imagine a realistic, hope-filled future may help to prevent or reduce suicide attempts. It is important to know the warning signs and not assume that a teen is just seeking attention. Physical access to means of suicide and a history of suicide attempts are key risks. Family problems and conflicts, particularly with parents, are also often found in youth suicide cases.
Addiction
Addiction often begins as a way to cope with mental health problems, like anxiety, depression and loneliness. However, it exacerbates these problems and often leads to abuse and dependence. Difficult family situations, lack of connection with parents and social pressure are also risk factors for drug use.
Many youth experience overlapping symptoms of mental health challenges, with the most common being anxiety or depression. They may also experience delinquent behavior and physical or verbal aggression.
Several national efforts are underway to address these issues. These include recommendations for youth mental health screenings and efforts to promote school-based mental health services. Additionally, programs such as Talkspace allow teenagers to connect to virtual therapists at no cost. This can be especially helpful for young people who are struggling with mental health issues.