Causes of mental health problems in teens

Emotional disorders are common in teens. They can be hard to recognize amid the expected ups and downs of being a teenager. Some symptoms of mental health problems in young adults are likely present in most teens. Physical, emotional, and social changes, including poverty, abuse, or exposure to violence, can make teens vulnerable to mental health problems. Common mental health problems affecting teens include anxiety disorders, depression, eating disorders, self-harm behaviors, substance abuse, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and other mood or behavior disorders.

Promoting and maintaining mental health in adolescents is important for overall well-being and a successful transition to adulthood. This includes providing support, education, early intervention, and access to appropriate mental health resources. This includes creating a nurturing and safe environment, encouraging open communication, teaching coping skills, and addressing mental health challenges.

1 in 7 (14%) children aged 10-19 years experience a mental health condition, yet these are largely unrecognised and untreated. Adolescents with mental health conditions are particularly vulnerable to social exclusion, discrimination, stigma, educational difficulties, risk-taking behaviour, physical ill-health and human rights violations. Mental health problems in adolescents are-

Depression

Depression is a common mental health disorder among teens. It is a condition that affects a person’s body, mood, and thoughts. Symptoms of depression in teens include feeling sad or irritable, losing interest in favorite activities, avoiding friends or social activities, feeling tired and lacking energy, having trouble sleeping or nightmares, blaming yourself, changes in appetite and weight, having trouble thinking, concentrating, and making choices, thinking about death or suicide, etc. Depression signals a person is weak. It can be overcome at will or at will. Teens suffering from depression are often in need of treatment. Without treatment, depression can last for weeks, months, and even years. It can lead to relationship and social problems.

Teen Anxiety

Anxiety is a prevalent mental health disorder among adolescents. Generalized anxiety is one of the common forms of it. GAD is characterized by excessive worry and fear, which persists for a long time, affecting various aspects of adolescents’ lives. Recognizing the symptoms of teen anxiety and providing appropriate support, including therapy and coping strategies, is essential to help teens manage their anxiety and improve their quality of life.

Eating Disorders in Teens

Eating disorders are a prevalent mental health condition that has a significant impact on adolescent health. Of the different types of eating disorders, anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge-eating disorder are commonly seen in adolescents. People with eating disorders have a high risk of suicide and medical complications. Anorexia nervosa involves extreme restriction of food, leading to dangerously low body weight, extreme fear of gaining weight, and distorted body image. It has the highest mortality rate of any mental disorder. It occurs as a result of complications related to starvation, metabolic collapse, or suicide.

Sleep Changes in Teens

Lack of sleep has been shown to have poor mood and emotional regulation in teens and increase the risk of anxiety and depression. Lack of sleep can increase teens’ risk of accidents while driving. Teens should get 8-10 hours of sleep every day. 30 percent of teens do not get the recommended sleep duration. Social media and texting keep teens up until the early hours of the night. To deal with this, healthy boundaries can be set with teens about screen time.

Changes in appetite

Eating disorders are common in teens, especially girls, and can be life-threatening. Symptoms of depression include changes in appetite, sleep problems, emotional disturbances, and suicidal thoughts. Psychotic symptoms due to cannabis include feeling isolated and more alone, losing interest in things that used to seem fun.

Teens with borderline personality disorder

Borderline personality disorder is a mental health disorder that affects teens. It is usually diagnosed in adults. Teens with borderline personality disorder often experience intense emotional instability, difficulty regulating emotions, and challenges with self-identity and relationships.

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Borderline personality disorder in adolescents can manifest as severe mood swings, impulsivity, self-destructive behavior, fear of abandonment, chronic feelings of emptiness, and disturbed interpersonal relationships.

panic attacks

Panic attacks are a common mental health problem among teens. To avoid panic attacks, teens tend to avoid places that make them anxious. This can lead to agoraphobia and they may avoid going to school or doing other activities. To deal with panic attacks, teens can be taught deep breathing and grounding techniques.

FAQs on Mental Health Problems in Adolescents

What are the mental health problems of adolescents?

Common mental health disorders in teens include anxiety, depression, attention deficit-hyperactivity, and eating disorders.

Who has the greatest influence on teens?

Adolescents spend most of their time with peer group members. Therefore peer group members have a greater influence on the adolescent’s attitude, speech, interest, appearance, behavior.

What are the long-term consequences of untreated mental health disorders in teens?

Untreated mental health disorders in adolescents can lead to long-term consequences, including poor academic performance, difficulties in relationships, increased risk for substance abuse, physical health problems, prolonged emotional distress, greater vulnerability to future mental health challenges, and increased risk of self-harm or suicide.

Why is mental health important in teens?

Mental health in teens is more than just feeling sad. It affects many areas in teens. Young people with poor mental health may struggle with school and grades, decision-making, and their health.