Mental health issues can impact your quality of life. People struggling with depression or bipolar disorder may go through periods where they have a negative outlook and feel discouraged. Individuals struggling with an anxiety disorder may struggle with fatigue, muscle tension, and irritability. Those affected by addictive disorders may struggle to maintain relationships while individuals with eating disorders may struggle with weight loss and insomnia.
The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that 13 percent of the diseases affecting 10- to 19-year-olds worldwide were mental health disorders in 2019. Common disorders include behavioral, emotional, and eating disorders, and many teens struggle with self-harm and suicidal ideation. If you’re reading this, then you may be looking for ways to help a teen with mental health issues. Let’s explore why teen mental health issues are increasing and resources that experts can use to treat mental illness.
Why are mental health issues among teens increasing?
Teenagers cope with high-stress levels. They’re under pressure to perform academically. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that over 66 percent of high school graduates went straight to college in 2019. Since most students are applying to colleges, high school students are under tremendous pressure to choose postsecondary programs and get into their dream school. The pressure to attend college triggers additional pressures, such as choosing a vocation and finding the funds to attend college. This pressure can cause anxiety disorders and depression.
Social media is also responsible for mood disorders. Social media projects ideas about how people should look and act, and when teens feel they don’t measure up, they may feel alienated. This can foster a negative self-image, triggering depression and self-harm. Teens are also more likely to live in single-parent homes. Family conflict and lack of financial stability can trigger mental health issues. Single parents may also overlook mental health issues if they work two jobs or their teen splits time between residences. Consequently, teens may struggle without parental intervention.
What resources can mental health professionals use to treat mental illness?
Therapists treating teens with bipolar disorder, anxiety disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), personality disorders, and other issues may recommend clients attend a residential treatment program. For example, a teen struggling with severe depression may benefit from attending teenage rehab for depression. Psychiatrists may use various types of therapy, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), post-induction therapy, somatic therapy, and dialectal behavior therapy. Young adults may also pursue experiential treatments, including meditation, creative writing, gardening, and art therapy.
Mental health professionals may also recommend outpatient treatment after completing a residential program. Therapists can determine whether patients dealing with specific conditions are more likely to benefit from an intensive outpatient program after residential treatment or if they’d benefit from family therapy. Psychiatrists and psychologists can also use processed data to evaluate new treatment options to improve outcomes. Academic and social pressures are two reasons mental health issues among teens are increasing. Social media and family dynamics may also contribute to teens’ mental health problems.
There are a few things that you can do to help a teen with depression. Firstly, it’s important to make sure that they are getting help from a professional. This may include seeing a therapist or a psychiatrist. Secondly, you can provide support and encouragement for the teen. It’s crucial for them to know that you are there for them and that you care about them. You can also help the teen to develop healthy habits, such as exercise and good sleep habits. Finally, it’s essential to be understanding and patient. Healing mental health can be a long process, and the teen in your life may need your support throughout.
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