Most parents wouldn’t overlook a broken bone in their teen or any other clear indications of bodily harm. However, indicators of a mental illness that a teenager may already have can go undiagnosed for months or even years. Sometimes the reason for this lack of care is that parents fail to notice the symptoms of teen mental illness. Other times, parents may be concerned that if their teen seeks help, they will be branded as “mad.”However, the secret to making your kid feel better is early intervention and appropriate treatment. Seek immediate professional assistance or an Online Counselling session if you believe your kid may be suffering from a mental disorder.
The Risk of Not Seeking Assistance
Parents can find it difficult to admit that they believe their adolescent may be suffering from a mental disorder. However, ignoring the issue is unlikely to solve it. In fact, your teen’s mental health is likely to deteriorate without care.
Your adolescent can also be tempted to self-medicate if they don’t receive sufficient care. As a result, individuals could turn to food, drink, drugs, or other unhealthy behaviors to numb their mental suffering. In the end, self-medication doesn’t solve your teen’s problems; it just makes them worse.
Your teen’s risk of suicide may also rise as a result of untreated mental health concerns. The majority of teenagers who attempt suicide have mental health conditions like depression or bipolar disorder. For those between the ages of 15 and 19, suicide is one of the top three killers. Teenagers who are contemplating suicide may exhibit some form of warning indication that they feel hopeless and helpless before attempting it. Take seriously any comments your adolescent makes about wanting to hurt or harm oneself. You shouldn’t presume that they are speaking those words “to seek attention” or “because they are angry.” Take such remarks as a big red flag that your teen is having trouble.
Teen Mental Health: Impacting Factors
Mental health problems frequently start during adolescence. This is caused by a number of things, including those that have to do with stress, the environment, and growth and development.
- Growth and development
Teenagers’ risk of mental health issues may be increased during adolescence due to hormonal changes and brain development. According to some academics, this phenomenon is explained by the fact that “moving parts break.” This means that a teen may experience changes in thinking, mood, and behavior when all the components of the brain system don’t grow at the proper rate. This could pave the way for mental health problems.
- Environment
A teenager’s mental health may also be affected by environmental factors. The likelihood that a teen would encounter a mental health disorder may be increased by traumatic events like a near-death experience or a history of abuse.
- Stress
Stress is another factor in mental illness. Your teen may be more prone to mental health problems if, for example, they experience bullying at school or put a lot of pressure on themselves to do well in school.
TEENAGE MENTAL ILLNESS WARNING SIGNS
It might be difficult to distinguish a mental disease from hormonal changes, teenage phases, and typical mood swings. However, it’s crucial to keep an eye on your teen’s attitude and conduct. If you observe any changes that interfere with their typical routine, it’s probably not normal.
Distinct people exhibit different symptoms of mental illness. Teenage mental illness can manifest in a variety of ways, including, but not limited to:
- Alterations in sleeping patterns:
Your adolescent may start complaining of insomnia or taking naps after school. Teenagers who want to stay up all night or stay in bed all day may be experiencing mental health problems.
- Loss of interest in routine activities:
Your teen may be suffering from a mental disorder if they stop participating in their favorite activities or show no interest in hanging out with pals.
- Significant shifts in academic performance:
The motivation to complete schoolwork can drastically shift as a result of mental health concerns. A mental health disorder may be present if your teen suddenly falls behind in their schoolwork or loses interest in doing their assignments.
- Changes in weight or hunger:
It could be indicators of an eating disorder, as could skipping meals, hoarding food, and abrupt weight changes. Changes in weight are another trait of depression.
- Extreme moodiness:
Teenagers who exhibit excessive rage, unprovoked tears, or high levels of impatience may be suffering from a mental disorder.
- Wanting to be alone:
Increased craving for solitude or a tendency toward concealment may also be indicators of a mental health disorder.
TIPS FOR PARENTS
- Maintain frequent, honest, and open contact with your kids. You must be committed to bringing up difficult subjects in a way that is open and honest with them. Talk about your own adolescent experiences and anxieties. Let them know that their worries are not uncommon and that they are not alone.
- Recognize that there are treatments for mental health disorders: Prepare yourself by learning about the most prevalent adolescent mental health illnesses; inquire about the resources available from your child’s pediatrician, your local health department, your leader in religion, and your child’s school officials.
- In spite of the fact that adolescence is a time of transition and change, severe, abrupt, or dramatic behavioral changes might be a sign of major mental health problems.
For more help, talk to an expert psychologist or an Online Counsellor at TalktoAngel to find out ways and methods to address mental health issues.
