Youth in many settings have to deal with mental health issues. These issues can affect their family, school, community and interpersonal relationships.
They may also feel excluded or discriminated against due to their mental health challenges. This can lead to feelings of insecurity and practise of trivialisation. They can become lost in life.
Adolescence
Adolescence is a time of change for young people and can be particularly challenging for teens with mental health challenges. This period is characterized by physical changes and cognitive/social/emotional development as well as increased risk taking behaviors. The adolescent stage is influenced by internal and external factors, such as family, school, religion, peers and media. There are many different theories of adolescent development, including biological views (Hall), psychosocial views (Freud, Erikson, Piaget) and ecological views (Bronfenbrenner).
Poor adolescent mental health can impact virtually every area of their life, from their relationships to their ability to make sound decisions. Teens with depression or anxiety can have a difficult time coping with their symptoms, and may isolate from friends or family members who want to help. This can cause them to feel even more alone and discouraged. Those who are struggling with these issues need to know that there is hope. Mental health disorders are treatable, and teens can recover.
Adolescent Depression
Adolescence is a difficult time with the many physical, emotional and social changes. Sometimes a “case of the blues” or feeling down is just part of growing up, but if these feelings persist and interfere with daily life, it may be time to seek help.
Whether it is a low mood or thoughts of suicide, depression should be taken seriously and treated by a trained mental health professional. Often the first step in treatment is psychotherapy. In addition, medication can be used to reduce the effects of depression and improve overall functioning.
Teens who are depressed often isolate themselves, so it is important to reach out and offer support. It can also be helpful to provide them with healthy, balanced meals that will give them the energy they need to cope with their emotions and to make sure they are getting enough sleep (up to 9-10 hours per night). Educating teens about the disorder and including them in the decision-making process promotes adherence to the treatment plan.
Adolescent Suicide
Suicide is one of the leading causes of death among youths in the United States and worldwide. Among adolescents, suicide rates are higher in youths of color and in those who identify as LGBTQ. Researchers are working to understand the reasons behind these higher rates, which can be tied to a national atmosphere of trauma and oppression.
Teens who are suicidal must first be reassured that they can turn to someone for help. They also need to know that depression and suicidal feelings are treatable, not something they should be ashamed of.
Warning signs include a sudden change in mood, a feeling of hopelessness and a desire to withdraw from friends and family. Other red flags are increased use of alcohol and drugs, giving away personal items, a lack of interest in activities that previously provided enjoyment and sleep changes.
When a young person denies that they are suicidal, trust your instincts. If the situation is urgent, call 911 or take them to a hospital emergency room for evaluation.
Adolescent ADHD
In the midst of puberty, hormone changes and social pressures, it can be especially difficult for teens with ADHD to find their way in school or develop healthy relationships. They may appear rebellious and thrill-seeking and be more prone to alcohol and drug use, making them vulnerable to peer pressure and creating a self-fulfilling prophecy of risky behaviours.
While symptoms in this age group usually lessen, they can still interfere with school and work performance and make it harder to form friendships. They can also be at greater risk of accident and injury, particularly when learning to drive, as they have trouble regulating their emotions and thinking before acting.
To better understand the challenges of adolescent ADHD, researchers from the Nathan Kline Institute conducted in-depth semi-structured interviews with 41 parents of diverse children aged 3-17 years who were receiving treatment for ADHD at an urban safety net hospital. This large developmental longitudinal cohort (n=149) was based in Rockland County, which is 15 miles northwest of New York City.