(Source of the pic: Our own therapy room)
Teens are in a vulnerable stage of development. They are exploring their identity and place in the world, while their brains are experiencing rapid biological changes and influxes of hormones. This can make them more susceptible to developing mental health problems.
The Mental Health Status in Teenagers
Mental health issues in teens are quite common with 14% of the global population aged 10-19 experiencing some kind of mental health disorder. Teens are one of the most isolated groups in society, which can cause low self-esteem and symptoms of depression.
There are a number of different mental health problems that teens struggle with. These can be influenced by their genetics, hormones or trauma. Some of the most common include:
- Anxiety: 31.8% of teens 13-18
- Depression: 20% of teens 12-17
- Bi-Polar: 2.8% of teens 13-18
Recognizing the Signs:
It’s important for parents to be mindful of their teens’ behaviors that could indicate a mental health problem. The quicker parents recognize the red flags, the quicker they can provide intervention. Some common signs include
- Low self-esteem, isolation
- Aggression, impulsivity, violence
- Changes in sleep or appetite
- Drug or alcohol use
- Self-harm, suicidal thinking
- Sudden drop in academic performance
- Rapid shifts in mood or personality with no external cause
Why Are Teens So Susceptible to Mental Health Issues?
The prefrontal cortex of the teen brain is still developing. This region controls impulsivity, emotional regulation, problem-solving and decision-making. Their tolerance for stress is also lower than adults. When teens get stressed they tend to release more cortisol. This can disrupt the chemical process in the body leading to inflammation, autoimmune disease or mental health issues.
The role of social media and living in a fast-paced digital world has also led to higher rates of mental health problems. Teens are now connected more than ever, but this can lead to a loss of privacy, online bullying and comparing themselves to others on social media.
What Causes Mental Health Problems in Teens?
Depending on the mental health diagnosis, mental health problems in teens may have different causes. These can include genetics, trauma, underlying health problems, or a combination of these. Other causes of mental health issues in teens include:
- Substance abuse
- Genetics or chemical imbalances
- Prenatal damage
- Disease or infection
- Brain injury
- Chronic illness
- Natural disaster
- Unsafe living conditions
- Demands at school or work
- Traumatic events (school shooting, car accident)
How To Prevent Mental Health Issues in Teens
There are a number of steps parents can take to help ease distress, promote healthy practices in the home and prevent mental health problems. Of course, it’s not always in our control and sometimes they can still develop problems, but with proper intervention symptoms may be easier to manage.
Listen and Validate
Actively listen to your teens if they are struggling without judgment, jumping in or thinking they simply have “nothing to be stressed about”. Validate their emotions and help them manage negative thoughts.
Mindfulness
Practicing mindfulness in the home can be a great way to teach your teen to live in the present and manage stress. Mindfulness can teach teens to regulate their emotions, improve concentration and problem-solving skills. This can be done through deep breathing, meditation, yoga, music or art.
Getting Enough Sleep
Sleep is important for the teenage brain to restore energy, increase concentration and boost emotional wellness. Think of the brain as a battery that recharges during sleep. Getting 8-10 hours of sleep is needed to feel good, do well in school, sports and stay healthy as they grow.
Eat A Balanced Diet
Nutrition plays a large role in our mental health. The food we put in our body converts to energy and is a powerful influence on physical and mental health. The brain-gut connection is an important part of mental health and some may be surprised to find out that 95% serotonin, the primary chemical associated with depression, is formed in the gut.
Model Stress Reduction Techniques
Teens learn most from observation. Modeling healthy habits in the home to reduce stress and increase emotional wellness is helpful for teens to learn and utilize as they grow into adults.
Seeking Professional Help
If you identify signs of mental health problems in your teen that are impacting their daily lives, it’s important to reach out for support to help find the best plan of treatment.
