The teenage years can be a positive time for growth and self-discovery, but this sensitive period of development can also make teens more vulnerable to developing mental health (MH) problems.
There are a number of treatments that exist to support teens with their Mental Health problems. Treatments can vary, and depend on their current struggles. Below we will explore a few of the most common mental health issues facing teens today and some common treatments to support them.
Common Mental Health Issues in Teenagers
Mental health issues in teens are common; 14% of the global population aged 10-19 experience some kind of MH problem.
Teens are going through a vulnerable stage of development. Teens are exploring their identity and place in the world, while their brains are experiencing rapid biological changes and influxes of hormones. This can make them more susceptible to developing mental health issues.
There are many Mental Health problems that can develop in teens. These can be influenced by their genetics, hormones or social circumstances. The three most common are:
- Anxiety: 31.8% of teens age 13-18 suffer from an anxiety disorder
- Depression: 20% of teens 12-17 suffer from Major Depressive Disorder
- Bi-Polar: 2.8% of teens 13-18 struggle with Bipolar Disorder
Signs A Teen Might Suffer From A Mental Health Condition
It’s important for parents to recognize when their teen may be struggling with MH problems so they can intervene to provide support.
Some common signs a teen may suffer from a mental health condition such as depression, anxiety or bi-polar disorder include:
Depression | Low-self esteem, isolation, low-mood or sadness, changes in appetite, sleep disturbances, suicidal thoughts or self-harm |
Anxiety | Tension, constantly worrying, increased heart rate, headaches, stomach problems, sweating or skin flushing, dizziness |
Bi-Polar Disorder | Rapid shifts in mood between depression and mania, impulsivity, low-mood, substance abuse, racing thoughts |
Treatment Approaches for Mental Health Issues
MH treatment includes a variety of approaches. Treatment depends on the needs of your teen, their condition and symptoms. It may consist of individual or group therapy, medication, and self-help tools.
Some common treatments used to help manage MH problems in teens:
- Individual therapy: These forms of talk therapies help identify negative thought patterns, build healthy coping strategies, manage emotions and develop goals.
- Group therapy: This can help your teen connect with others who are struggling with the same problems.
- Medication: This could include antidepressants, mood stabilizers or anti-anxiety meds to treat chemical imbalances and manage symptoms.
- Self-management tools: Taught in therapy sessions to ease symptoms. Some include journaling, meditation, movement, art, etc.
How to Identify The Ideal Treatment For Your Teen
A licensed mental health professional will work with your teen to understand their unique needs, symptoms and goals to develop a best plan of action for treatment. In some cases, more than one treatment may be provided (ex: antidepressants paired with talk therapy).
Seeking Professional Help
If you identify warning signs of an underlying mental health problem in your teen, it’s important to reach out for professional mental health support to help find the best plan of treatment.
At Clearfork Academy our team of compassionate, licensed therapists understands the complex nature of mental health problems in teens. Reach out to our Admissions team to learn more.
Sources
Mental Health of Adolescents. 2021. World Health Organization.
Major Depression. National Institute of Mental Health.
Anxiety Disorder. National Institute of Mental Health.
Bipolar Disorder. National Institute of Mental Health.
Originally from the Saginaw, Eagle Mountain area, Austin Davis earned a Bachelor of Science in Pastoral Ministry from Lee University in Cleveland, TN and a Master of Arts in Counseling from The Church of God Theological Seminary. He then went on to become a Licensed Professional Counselor-Supervisor in the State of Texas.
Austin’s professional history includes both local church ministry and clinical counseling. At a young age, he began serving youth at the local church in various capacities which led to clinical training and education. Austin gained a vast knowledge of mental health disorders while working in state and public mental health hospitals. This is where he was exposed to almost every type of diagnosis and carries this experience into the daily treatment.
Austin’s longtime passion is Clearfork Academy, a christ-centered residential facility focused on mental health and substance abuse. He finds joy and fulfillment working with “difficult” clients that challenge his heart and clinical skill set. It is his hope and desire that each resident that passes through Clearfork Academy will be one step closer to their created design.
Austin’s greatest pleasures in life are being a husband to his wife, and a father to his growing children. He serves at his local church by playing guitar, speaking and helping with tech arts. Austin also enjoys being physically active, reading, woodworking, and music.