Mental Health used to be taboo even in the last decade. Teenage mental health was also never a topic to ponder. So, what made people discuss the importance of mental health so much? Being stressed, sad, and upset affects our ability to perform daily tasks. A happy and contented mind will double our ability to work and stay happy. A compromise in teenage mental health drastically affects society in many ways. A society can function effectively only if the people in it are able-minded, virtuous, ethical, and sensible. The growth and development of mental health depend on how an adolescent grows and matures into an adult. In this blog, we will learn why the mental health of teenagers is important and ways to improve it.
Individuals aged between 13 and 19 are called teenagers. Teenage is the phase of change. A teenager goes through all sorts of changes-
- Hormonal changes like the development of secondary sexual organs.
- Ability to think critically.
- Comparing oneself to others.
- Ability and tendency to take up challenges.
- Getting influenced by peers.
- Develops romantic and sexual development.
Statistics related to the Teenage Mental Health
Let us find out how mental health affects teenagers.
- Internationally, 13% of individuals aged 10-19 grapple with a mental disorder, contributing significantly to the global burden of disease in this age cohort.
- Key mental health challenges for adolescents include depression, anxiety, and behavioral disorders, ranking among the primary causes of illness and disability in this demographic.
- Suicide stands as the fourth leading cause of death for individuals aged 15-29, underscoring the critical importance of addressing teenage mental health concerns during adolescence.
- The repercussions of neglecting mental health issues during adolescence are profound, extending into adulthood and negatively impacting both physical and mental well-being. This neglect can also curtail opportunities for leading fulfilling lives in adulthood.
What are the teenage mental health challenges?
Teenagers face a lot of mental challenges as they grow up. Along with physical development, teenagers also tend to develop their minds. There is a rush of emotions, a swirl of mindsets, etc. Adolescence is a very sensitive age that requires nurture and care.
An article in the CDC explains about the present teenage mental health condition.
- Across multiple indicators, including substance use, exposure to violence, mental health, and suicidal thoughts and behaviors, female students consistently report poorer outcomes compared to their male counterparts. The discrepancies in reporting negative experiences between genders are notable.
- In 2021, nearly 30% of female students reported alcohol consumption in the past 30 days, while almost 20% experienced sexual violence within the past year, and 14% had been forcibly subjected to sex. Rates of poor mental health and suicidal thoughts and behaviors are even higher, with almost 60% experiencing persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness during the past year and nearly 25% having formulated a suicide plan.
- Substance use patterns vary by race and ethnicity, with White students more likely to have used illicit drugs, Black and Hispanic students more likely to misuse prescription opioids, and Black students less likely to use alcohol but more likely to use marijuana.
- Despite variations, large percentages of students across all groups experience persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness, with increases noted from 2011 to 2021. While Black students are less likely to report poor mental health, they are significantly more likely than Asian, Hispanic, and White students to have attempted suicide.
What are the Common mental health challenges for teenagers?
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): Experiencing excessive anxiety and worry, characterized by apprehensive expectations regarding various events or activities. This anxiety’s intensity, duration, or frequency is disproportionate to the actual likelihood or impact of the anticipated events. Individuals find it challenging to control their worry and prevent it from interfering with their focus on current tasks. Somatic symptoms are often associated with this condition.
- Social Anxiety Disorder: Manifesting a marked and persistent fear of one or more social or performance situations, resulting in anxiety symptoms and causing significant distress or avoidance of such conditions.
- Panic Disorder: Enduring recurrent unexpected panic attacks.
- Panic Attack: Sudden and intense surges of fear or discomfort peaking within minutes, accompanied by four or more of 13 physical and cognitive symptoms (e.g., palpitations, sweating, trembling, shortness of breath, chest pain, nausea, dizziness, numbness, feelings of unreality, fear of losing control or dying).
- Obsessive–Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD): Involving obsessions and compulsions that vary among individuals, with common dimensions such as cleaning, symmetry, forbidden thoughts, and harm-related fears.
- Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Developing characteristic symptoms following exposure to actual or threatened death, serious injury, or sexual violence, including fear-based re-experiencing, emotional and behavioral symptoms, anhedonic or dysphoric mood states, negative cognitions, arousal and reactive-externalizing symptoms, dissociative symptoms, or combinations of these patterns.
- Adjustment Disorder With Depressed Mood: Experiencing emotional or behavioral symptoms in response to an identifiable stressor(s) within 3 months of its onset, with predominant features of low mood, tearfulness, or feelings of hopelessness.
- Major Depressive Disorder (MDD): Enduring at least 2 weeks marked by depressed mood or loss of interest or pleasure in nearly all activities, with irritable mood possible in children and adolescents.
- Bipolar Disorder: Involving a distinct period of abnormally and persistently elevated, expansive, or irritable mood, combined with increased activity or energy, lasting at least four consecutive days and occurring most of the day, nearly every day, or requiring hospitalization.
- Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder: Experiencing cyclic severe changes in affect, such as mood lability, irritability, dysphoria, and anxiety, during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle, subsiding around or shortly after the onset of menses, accompanied by common physical and behavioral symptoms of premenstrual syndrome.
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: Exhibiting symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity or impulsivity for a minimum of 6 months, to an extent inconsistent with developmental levels and maladaptive.
Disruptive Behavior Disorders
- Conduct Disorder: Displaying a repetitive and persistent pattern of behavior violating the basic rights of others or age-appropriate societal norms, including aggression, property destruction, deceitfulness, theft, or serious rule violations.
- Oppositional–Defiant Disorder: Demonstrating a pattern of negativistic, hostile, and defiant behavior, characterized by frequent temper loss, arguing, refusal to follow the rules, the annoyance of others, blaming, anger, and spiteful or vindictive actions.
Role of Parents or Guardians in Mental Health of Teenagers
A teenager’s mental health is very important as they are the future of a society. A disturbed mindset of a teenager will hamper their growth, leading to a disturbed adulthood.
Here’s how parents, guardians, or friends can support teenage mental health:
- Encourage teenagers to open up about their feelings and thoughts by actively seeking opportunities to connect.
- Initiate conversations by checking in on their day while engaging in a shared task like preparing dinner.
- Reassure them of your unwavering support and willingness to listen, fostering an environment where they feel comfortable sharing.
- Demonstrating empathy and understanding the emotions your teen may be experiencing, even if it seems challenging.
- Respond with phrases like “I understand…let me help you, etc.” Being compassionate and understanding is the key.
- Collaborate with your teen to establish new routines and set achievable daily goals.
- Recognize and respect their growing need for independence during adolescence. Encourage breaks for activities they enjoy, and when conflicts arise, work together to find solutions without overpowering or engaging in power struggles.
- Facilitate open communication by listening to your teen’s perspectives during conflicts. Avoid discussing issues while angry; step back to cool off before addressing the problem. Acknowledge their desire for control and empathize with their feelings during these uncertain times.
- Be transparent about your stress, demonstrating healthy ways of coping. Reflect on conflicts, involve your teen in discussions about resolution, and create a space for mutual understanding.
While it’s natural to notice and address behaviors you don’t appreciate, make a conscious effort to acknowledge and praise your teen for positive actions, no matter how small, such as cleaning up themselves.
Care for Yourself
Recognize the challenges caregivers face and prioritize your well-being. Model self-care practices for your teen by seeking support and maintaining relationships with others.
Feel free to reach out for help if you feel overwhelmed. Allocate time each day for personal connections to share experiences and emotions. Incorporate activities that promote stress management, such as exercising, maintaining routines, and engaging in activities you enjoy.
A Guide to Coping with Teenager’s Mental Health
Approximately 50% of adolescents eventually meet the criteria for a psychiatric diagnosis, highlighting the prevalence of mental health challenges in teens. Despite their yearning for autonomy, it’s crucial to recognize that the prefrontal cortex, responsible for flexible thinking and impulse control, continues developing until age 25. This means that, despite appearing mature, teens still require adult assistance in regulating emotions and navigating crises.
In times of such mental health struggles, well-intentioned parents may inadvertently respond inappropriately, such as dismissing their child’s feelings as an overreaction. Some may give too much space, assuming their teenager will initiate conversations about their problems. However, there are effective ways to empower adolescents, including managing one’s emotions, asking appropriate questions, and assessing the level of support needed.
- To foster open communication, people should practice kindness and nonjudgmental attitudes during ordinary moments, normalizing stress as part of the young adult experience. Avoiding the role of a “snowplow parent,” who removes all potential problems, is essential. Instead, encourage teens to learn from mistakes and failures, developing resilience and problem-solving skills. Listening and empathizing, rather than rushing to fix issues, can help reduce negative emotions.
- Providing hope is crucial for teens facing more serious issues like depression or anxiety. Remind them that their current struggles are not permanent, and they can feel better with effort, coping strategies, and the right support. When addressing concerns about self-harm or suicidal thoughts, it’s important to approach the conversation with sensitivity, ask direct questions, and be prepared to listen without invalidating their feelings.
- Parents can lean on research-based approaches, including crisis hotlines and safety plans, to empower their teens. Encouraging participation in evidence-based therapies like Dialectical Behavior Therapy can address challenges fueling suicidal feelings. Establishing a supportive and nonjudgmental environment is crucial for teens to feel comfortable discussing their thoughts and seeking help.
- Parents and elders should be supportive, consistently communicating their presence and care without judgment. Like a lighthouse guiding a ship through rocky waters, parents can offer a beacon of light to help navigate challenges while recognizing the young adult as the captain of their journey.
Takeaways from Adolescent Mental Health
Integration of Care:
Recognize the interconnectedness of physical and mental health.
Advocate for integrated care that addresses both physical and mental well-being.
Screening and Referral:
Be aware of the prevalence of mental health issues in teenagers.
Incorporate mental health screenings into routine check-ups.
Refer patients to mental health professionals when needed.
Communication with Mental Health Providers:
Foster collaboration between surgical and mental health teams.
Share relevant patient information to ensure comprehensive care.
Postoperative Mental Health Support:
Acknowledge the potential impact of surgery on a teenager’s mental health.
Ensure postoperative care includes mental health support and monitoring.
Identification of Warning Signs:
Be attentive to behavioral changes in teenage patients.
Recognize signs of distress or potential mental health crises.
Patient and Family Education:
Provide resources and information about teenage mental health to patients and their families. Educate on the importance of seeking help for mental health concerns.
Collaboration with School and Social Services:
Collaborate with schools and social services to create a comprehensive support network for teenage patients. Advocate for a holistic approach that considers the social and academic aspects of a teenager’s life.
Trauma-Informed Care:
Understand the potential impact of trauma on mental health.
Approach patient care sensitively, considering the psychological aspects of a teenager’s experiences.
Community Outreach:
Participate in community initiatives that promote mental health awareness and destigmatize seeking help. Support local programs aimed at improving teenage mental health.
Remember that while you may not directly treat mental health conditions, your awareness and advocacy can contribute significantly to a teenager’s overall well-being. Collaborative efforts among healthcare professionals from various disciplines are essential for comprehensive and effective care. Keep following ZeaMed for updated information on health.
References:
https://www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/data/yrbs/pdf/YRBS_Data-Summary-Trends_Report2023_508.pdf
https://opa.hhs.gov/adolescent-health/mental-health-adolescents