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The teenage years are a time of change and new experiences. The teen brain undergoes quick restructuring and rewiring during puberty. This can be exciting, giving teens lots of opportunities for growth and identity exploration. However, it can also make teens more vulnerable to developing a mental illness.
Teens face a high risk of developing mental health disorders due to a number of biological and social factors. Around 49% of teens have faced a mental health challenge in the United States.
It’s important for parents to be mindful of this widespread problem and recognize the signs to provide support and intervention.
Common Mental Health Disorders in Teens
Almost half of teens will have a mental health problem. Mental health disorders can be influenced by genetics, hormones, whether they have experienced trauma and whether they have a support system in place.
Anxiety is by far the most common mental health problem that teens struggle with—citing academic pressure as the number one stressor.
Common mental health problems experienced by teens include:
- Anxiety: 32% of 13-18 year olds
- Depression: 13% of 12-17 year olds
- ADHD: 9% of 13-18 year olds
- Eating Disorders: 3% of 13-18 year olds
Causes of Mental Health Issues in Teens
Being a teen is marked by a number of risks that can increase mental health problems. These may include biological changes in the brain, an influx of hormones and self exploration. For teens that come from an unstable home life, known economic insecurity, or have experienced trauma— the risks are only heightened.
Biologically, teens are also going through an extremely vulnerable period of brain development that can make them more susceptible to mental health disorders. Areas of the brain involved in emotional reactivity, reward and pleasure mature faster than the region that controls thinking and decision making. This is why teens tend to be more impulsive or reckless.
Pressure from school, bullying and peers all play a role in the lives of teens. Forming connections is an important part of development. If teens are finding trouble making friends or feeling like they don´t “fit in”, it can cause them to isolate and impact their self-esteem.
Teens in today’s society have added pressure of social media which has been linked to mental health problems such as depression and anxiety. Teens may set unrealistic expectations for themselves if they are constantly comparing themselves to influencers, models or edited photos.
Signs of Mental Health Issues in Teens
Signs will vary based on the individual and their diagnosis. General signs may include a sudden decline in school, changes in sleep, appetite or social isolation.
Some signs of the most common mental health issues include:
- Anxiety: Worrying/nervousness, tension, irritability, increased heart rate, stomach problems, headaches
- Depression: Low-mood, sadness, fatigue, isolation, low self-esteem, hopelessness, suicidal thoughts, self-harm
- ADHD: Problems focusing, hyperactivity, fidgeting, forgetfulness, academic challenges, substance abuse
- Eating disorders: Body insecurity, restricting or binging food, fear of eating in front of others, excessive exercise, anxiety specifically at meal times
How to Help Your Teen
Creating a safe home environment where teens feel comfortable to talk about their feelings goes a long way. Parents can encourage their teens to talk about how they are feeling, while also modeling positive mental health practices in their own life.
Some tips for parents to support their teens include:
- Have open conversations in the home related to mental health or other taboo topics such as drugs, alcohol, sex
- Educate yourself on mental health problems in teens
- Help your teen build and implement a self-care routine
- Encourage them to get involved in an activity that boosts their mental wellness
- Model positive talk and behaviors for your teen you want them to embody
- Find an activity you and your teen can enjoy together (bike riding, art project, watching a movie, cooking a meal)
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 illness. 2021. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Institute of Mental Health.
Mental Health for Adolescents. Office of Population Affairs.
Leslie received a Bachelor of Arts from Texas Tech University and a Master of Arts in Counseling from Dallas Theological Seminary. Leslie approaches clinical work through the lens of person-centered and utilizes techniques from Cognitive Behavioral Theory. As a leader, Leslie values the relationship she has with her clinical team and prioritizes their needs for the success of the girls’ campus. When not at work Leslie enjoys volunteering at her church and spending time with her husband and fur baby, Sabel.
