Mental health issues in teens often go undiagnosed and untreated.
It’s important to prioritize looking after teen mental health as they make their way toward adulthood. As such, tomorrow, March 2nd, we acknowledge World Teen Mental Wellness Day, observed across the globe every year.
It is a day that aims to raise awareness about the mental health issues that teenagers deal with. This day is about making efforts to educate everyone and destigmatize something that is becoming increasingly common.
Key facts from World Health Organization
• ↓Globally, one in seven 10-19-year-olds experiences a mental disorder, accounting for 13% of the global burden of disease in this age group.
• ↓Depression, anxiety and behavioural disorders are among the leading causes of illness and disability among adolescents.
• ↓Suicide is the fourth leading cause of death among 15-19 year-olds.
• ↓The consequences of failing to address adolescent mental health conditions extend to adulthood, impairing both physical and mental health and limiting opportunities to lead fulfilling lives as adults.
Adolescence is a unique and formative time
Physical, emotional and social changes, including exposure to poverty, abuse, or violence, can make adolescents vulnerable to mental health problems. Protecting adolescents from adversity, promoting socio-emotional learning and psychological well-being, and ensuring access to mental health care are critical for their health and well-being during adolescence and adulthood.
What are some common mental health disorders in teens?
Eating disorders:
Eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa, commonly emerge during adolescence and young adulthood. Eating disorders involve abnormal eating behaviour and preoccupation with food, accompanied in most instances by concerns about body weight and shape. Anorexia nervosa can lead to premature death, often due to medical complications or suicide, and has higher mortality than any other mental disorder.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD):
Teens may find themselves unable to focus on schoolwork. Teachers and parents may notice teens with ADHD becoming disruptive in class or falling behind grade-wise.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder:
Teens with a general anxiety disorder may exhibit signs of worrying excessively about different situations. The concern and level of agitation shown is often disproportionate to the expected event.
Post traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD):
Some teens develop extreme emotional reactions because of trauma they are experiencing now or have in the past. The symptoms may manifest as shortness of breath, shaking, or heart palpitations.
Bipolar Disorder:
Teens with bipolar disorder typically have periods of extreme emotional highs and lows. The high periods can be marked by eccentric and risky behaviour. When they are in a depressed state, teenagers may be more prone to thoughts of self-harm or even suicide.
Depression:
While many teens have times where they feel sad or out of sorts, depression is different in that it doesn’t go away. Teens may stop having an interest in their favourite activities, avoid social interactions, or become irritable when approached.
Early detection and treatment
It is crucial to address the needs of adolescents with mental health conditions.
Parents who are concerned that a mental illness may influence their teen’s behaviour should take them in to see a mental health professional. Having a better understanding of the specific disease driving a teen’s behaviour can lead to a treatment plan that helps them manage their symptoms.
Respecting the rights of children are in line with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and other human rights instruments are key for adolescents’ mental health.