Whether encountering academic pressures in school or battling insecurity on social media, the youth are not exempt from feeling overwhelmed, sad, or erratic. Contrary to popular belief, being sensitive or feeling does not indicate weakness or rebellion; instead, it is a sign that encourages us to be more compassionate and wise about how the young ones are feeling. As a significant role model in their lives, showing a willingness to learn about and spotting common teen mental health disorders are the first steps to creating awareness and a safe space for recovery. Read on and explore this guide to common teen mental health issues!
What Kind of Pressures Do Teens Face?
Young as they are, teens are vulnerable to stressors at home, in school, or online. This is especially true after the global pandemic, where the quality of home life and relationships with family and peers were affected. Becoming a principal cause in the mental health decline of the youth, it becomes increasingly important to recognize these common pressures that are considered risk factors and impact the mental health of adolescents.
- Academic Pressures
- Balancing Extracurriculars
- Tight or Poorly-Balanced Schedules
- Bullying
- Fear of Heavy Issues
- Discrimination
- Socio-economic Problems or Community Factors
Signs That My Teen is Experiencing Mental Health Struggles
With more of the youth experiencing mental health issues, your role as a supportive adult in this journey is vital in their everyday life. More so now that studies show that addressing mental health in the youth requires more innovative and participative solutions. With this, it pays to be more aware of mental disorders affecting the youth and look out for common warning signs that your teen is experiencing mental health challenges. These common signs include:
- Changes in patterns of habits
- Loss of interest, irritable mood, or mood swings
- Depressive episodes
- Withdrawal from social relationships
- Impulsive behaviors or decision-making
- Struggling with the performance of daily activities
- Self-isolation or refusal to engage in discussions
- Obsession with specific tasks or goals
- Signs of drug or substance abuse
- Signs of self-harm or physical symptoms
- Increased sexual behavior or activity
Common Teen Mental Health Issues Affecting My Teen
While the youth are not immune to stress, fear, and uncertainty, they are not always the best at coping with these feelings. With more studies showing that the youth today have poorer mental well-being, recognition that teens have different responses to challenges, pressures, and exploration of their self-identity is crucial. Thus, in fostering better awareness and guidance, here are common mental disorders or mental health issues your teen may experience or exhibit.
Emotional Disorders
A form of psychological disorder among the youth, this often hinders your teen from coping with their emotions and challenging situations, leaving them anxious and or in a depressed mood.
Anxiety
Do you often notice your teen struggling or feeling tense in what most would consider non-threatening situations? Whether developing irrational fears to a simple text or overthinking outcomes, anxiety is the most common mental health disorder among adolescents, with most developing anxious tendencies before the age of 21. Teens with anxiety disorder often exhibit low self-esteem and excessive fear, making them jumpier than usual. With anxiety’s many categories, it is best to seek professional advice on cognitive behavioral therapy when suspected.
Depression
Did your teen suddenly act out of character, display dullness, and express distaste for previously enjoyed activities? Teens battling depression are known to express extreme feelings of hopelessness and lack of motivation. The depressive disorder, considered the second most common health disorder among adolescents, is characterized by severe and repetitive depressed moods and negative thoughts, urging them to withdraw from social relationships. These can also be exhibited in lack of concentration, school performance decline, and recurring thoughts of self-harm, making it essential to take action and avoid potential risks when noticing common mental health symptoms of depression.
Trauma and PTSD
Has your teen undergone any tragic events such as natural hazards, abuse, loss, or neglect? Often, a traumatic experience may cause your teen to have heightened emotional and physical reactions, such as intense fear or panic attacks when faced with a circumstance that left them terrorized or helpless. These can occur through a single traumatic event (Acute Trauma) or a series of repeated and ongoing experiences of abuse and domestic violence (Chronic Trauma). Given that adolescents vary in degrees and forms of traumatic events, it is vital to seek trauma-informed care and deal with the special challenge of your teen’s trauma or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) with reassurance and encouragement.
Behavioural Disorders
Also referred to as Disruptive Behavioural Disorders, these mental disorders occur when adolescents have challenging behaviors that are not considered the norm for those within their age.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Does your teen have difficulty paying attention or is easily distracted? Teens with ADHD often have school experiences where they experience trouble working on tasks and getting things done due to tendencies to get bored, fidget, and have difficulty processing information. While your teen may appear troublesome and impulsive, it is best to respond with patience, understanding, and creativity to tailor creative and compelling forms of learning in their daily life.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Is your teen hypersensitive to order, routine, and repetition? Adolescents who experience OCD may be considered obsessed or engage in impulsive, repetitive behavior due to the constant state of worry and need for control. Often having the desire to wash or clear and follow a strict routine, OCD can become overwhelming in day-to-day functions, hence the need to address triggers and find ways to induce calmness and minimize compulsions.
Behavioral Addiction
There is no harm in giving your teen a well-deserved reward after engaging in a difficult task. But when they become hard-wired to a reward, they tend to develop addictions that can result in neglect of responsibilities. Whether it is being addicted to the Internet, shopping, video games, and gambling, among others, these unhealthy coping mechanisms make it difficult for adolescents to curb. Going as far as hiding and denying the problem, behavioral addictions among the youth can lead to decreased quality of life and potential risks in finances, academic performance, and safety if unchecked.
Eating Disorders
With many harmful depictions of weight and gender norms on social media, studies see a spike in adolescents developing eating disorders and obsessing with food and body image. With an extreme focus on losing weight and creating unrealistic expectations, these psychological conditions that primarily affect female adolescents may urge your teen to lose weight drastically by not eating (Anorexia Nervosa) or overeating (Binge-eating Disorder) and feeling regret later on, resulting in purging (Bulimia Nervosa). With its harm to your teen’s self-esteem and physical health, it pays to be mindful of your teen’s eating habits.
Substance Use Disorders
Adolescence is often an explorative period of time, with many of the youth trying alcohol, prescription drugs, and other stimulants for the first time. However, this can lead to substance abuse of nicotine and alcohol among adolescents. With studies pointing to alcohol and nicotine dependence among youth with early consumption, it is vital to recognize common warning signs of addiction, cravings, and withdrawal symptoms as substance use, when prolonged, can lead to potential risks of chronic illness in adolescents and become more challenging to cut down or stop.
Quality Guidance for Your Teen at Milestone
Part of recovery is the journey, and there is no one better to offer a helping hand than Milestone Health and Wellness. In helping support your children’s mental well-being, we believe in an individualized approach to each child’s needs. From self-help groups, psychotherapy, behavioral therapy, and counseling sessions, we can build a suitable treatment plan that is holistic, comprehensive, and integrated with best practices. Consult us today and learn more about services and facilities.
