The Factors Affecting The Mental Health Of Teens

Thinking about your adolescent’s mental health problem can make you nervous or even scared. Just as it’s critical to maintain tabs on your teen’s physical health, so is it crucial to keep tabs on your teen’s psychological health. In this article, you will learn the factors affecting the mental health of our teens. Teenage years are a particularly difficult time for dealing with mental health difficulties. In the United States, there are now 14 million children and adolescents who have been diagnosed with a mental illness. Early intervention is a critical component of successful treatment.

Mental Illness Is Common

Among children and teenagers, mental illness is common. National Alliance for Mental Illness says that 22% of teenagers suffer substantial mental impairment. More than half of all mental diseases begin in childhood.

People with mental illnesses aren’t “crazy,” and they’re not weak for having them. Anyone can suffer from mental health issues, just as anyone can suffer from physical health issues.

In part, this is due to the negative connotations associated with seeking treatment for mental illness. As awareness of mental health concerns grows, people are more accepting and understanding of those with mental health issues.

Conditions that Affect Adolescent Mental Health

Parents must be aware of the most frequent mental health concerns affecting adolescents. The onset of mood disorders, such as depression in various forms, is frequently traced back to infancy. Among adolescents, there are additional nine anxiety disorders. Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are both common in adolescents. Most people with eating problems, like anorexia and bulimia, are female. Although psychotic diseases, such as schizophrenia, are possible during the early to mid-teen years, these disorders usually don’t manifest until after age 18.

Mental Illness: The Root Causes

A child’s psychological well-being is strongly influenced by the circumstances of their upbringing and the events of their life. For example, a youngster who has been sexually abused or has had a traumatic event is more likely to develop mental illness. Children with a strong sense of belonging and support at home may be better able to deal with the stresses of life, but they are also more likely to suffer mental health issues as a result.

A stable and safe setting can’t always protect a child’s mental health. Mental health problems can be influenced by a child’s biology, genetics, and experiences in life.

Certain youngsters are genetically predisposed to mental illness. It’sIt’s possible that someone in a teenager’s family has bipolar illness which raises their risk of acquiring it.

Comorbidity and Substance Abuse

Substance abuse is often used to deal with mental disorders in adolescents. Alcohol, prescription drugs, illegal street drugs, and even over-the-counter pharmaceuticals are all more readily available to them, putting them at greater risk of abusing or becoming dependent. Adolescents with co-occurring mental illness and substance abuse issues require specialized therapy that addresses both issues at the same time.

Untreated Mental Illness Pose a Risk to Your Health

According to Duke University research from 2013, up to half of all teens with mental illness go untreated. Several factors contribute to a lack of mental health therapy for adolescents. There are situations when parents don’t realize that their child needs treatment or is unable to afford it. Teenagers will also refuse to use certain services at other times as well. Unfortunately, adequate mental health providers are also lacking in some geographical areas. Ignoring a mental illness has numerous negative consequences. Dropping out of school is a possibility for some teenagers, but other options include substance misuse or criminal activity. Teens who do not receive the mental health care they require are more likely to commit suicide.

To get help and support for your adolescent who is contemplating suicide, you can call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. Make sure to call 911 if you have an emergency. Your teen’s mental health may be better than at other times. Teens’Teens’ attitudes and behavior might fluctuate over time due to stress, hormonal changes, and other environmental factors. However, addressing any underlying concerns is critical, as mental health disorders are more likely to resurface during difficult times if left untreated.

Seek Treatment for Mental Illness

If you’re worried about your adolescent’s mental health, seek help immediately. Your teen’s quality of life can improve with just a few weeks of treatment from a trained mental health practitioner. Schedule a visit with your teen’s doctor if you have any concerns. A skilled mental health expert might be referred to your teen by a doctor. Meaningful articles you might like: Teenage Depression And Anxiety Are Common Problems, How to Identify and Treat Depression in Children, Teens May Respond to Peer Counseling in Ways Adults Don’t