Mental illness in teens
Mental illness in teens is becoming a more widely discussed topic in today’s society and rightly so. Mental health is part of our overall health and something that should be monitored and discussed openly. Just as we go to a doctor to check our physical health, we should be aware of and diligent about our mental health, or brain health as some people call it.
This is something to be particularly aware of when it comes to our kids. How is their mental health? Are we paying attention to it? Are we talking about it? Are we monitoring it? What do we look for? And how do we know if there’s a problem that needs to be addressed?
There are many types of things that can affect the overall mental health in teens. Some of them include anxiety disorders, ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, eating disorders, mood disorders, schizophrenia, depression, substance abuse and addictions.
It’s important to be aware of how our kids brains are functioning and things that may affect their overall mental health.
Some warning signs of mental illness in teens include:
- mood changes
- intense feelings
- behavior changes
- difficulty concentrating
- unexplained weight loss
- physical symptoms (headaches, stomachaches)
- Self-harm
- substance abuse or addictions
While this isn’t an all-inclusive list of warning signs, these are some things to be aware of and look out for.
If our teen had a physical illness or problem, taking them to the doctor would be the natural and acceptable thing to do. Because of the stigma and stereo-types our society sometimes holds on to, parents may hesitate to get help for their teen who may show signs of mental illness.
But. Mental health, or brain health, is just as important as our physical health–the parts of our health that can be seen and measured. A few things to keep in mind–It may not first look like a mental illness. Be aware of any mental health illness within the family (biological relatives). Know the different types of things that can affect mental health and what the signs or symptoms are. Don’t be afraid to get help.
If you suspect your teen may be suffering from a mental illness, outside help may be necessary. This isn’t something that can be ignored or pushed away. Don’t hesitate to reach out to those with experience in helping and treating mental illness. Your teens mental health is critical to the direction the rest of their lives take.
