Adolescence is a time when problems ranging from anxiety and depression to delinquent behavior and physical or verbal aggression often emerge. According to a new report published this week by UNICEF, many adolescents experience overlapping symptoms of mental health issues.
While feelings of sadness, hopelessness and suicidal thoughts have soared in recent years during the COVID-19 pandemic, these challenges have existed for decades.
Stressors
A teen’s level of stress can be affected by many factors, including academic pressures, peer relationships and exploration of identity. The quality of parental and school support, harsh parenting and economic or social problems are also risks to mental health.
Stressors are events that trigger a person’s fight-or-flight response, which can cause symptoms such as anxiety, depression or self-harm. They can be internal, such as the pressure one puts on themselves to perform or a belief that they are not good enough, or external, like noises, aggressive behavior or car accidents. A combination of both types is called psychosocial stress. When stress levels are high, they may impact physical health by increasing blood pressure and weakening the immune system.
Relationships
Adolescents who experience poor peer relationship quality during the teen years are at risk of negative mental health outcomes and other life problems. Practitioners can foster positive peer relationships through programs that build resilience and communication skills.
Providing access to high-quality, culturally competent care can also help. For example, youth peer advocates who have gone through the foster system or juvenile justice system can provide important support and education to their peers. They can also give advice about what questions to ask a new mental health practitioner and explain the differences between psychologists, psychiatrists, and social workers. In addition, we should invest in improving data collection and research on how technology impacts youth mental health.
Family
Whether you are a teen struggling with mental health challenges, a parent looking for help, or a mental health professional, it is important to remember that you are not alone. It is estimated that 5-10% of the adolescent population suffers from externalizing difficulties such as conduct disorders and depression.
While school-based health services can reduce some barriers to care, youth who need treatment often report being diagnosed only after their problems escalated—usually by teachers or a disciplinary officer, and most frequently after suspension. This underscores the importance of strong family support for teens in recovery. Families can prioritize a sibling’s recovery by providing age-appropriate and supportive information.
Environment
The physical environment can impact mental health. For example, living in an area with higher pollution levels can trigger dormant mental health problems or exacerbate existing ones.
Youth in poverty may have less social support and may face unique stressors linked to their identities. They may also face barriers to accessing services, such as low mental health literacy or concerns about being seen as a “burden.”
Psychologists are working to overcome these hurdles by developing and disseminating solutions at the local, school, and state level. Your donation can help us continue this work, from supporting students to promoting evidence-based policies.
Education
One in seven adolescents ages 10-19 globally experiences a mental health challenge, with depression and anxiety leading the way. This crisis has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and trends like increasing social media use.
Psychologists are exploring ways to help address these challenges in communities and in schools. They are helping teachers and other school staff understand adolescent development, providing training to help identify children who may be struggling with mental illness, and developing ways to better integrate mental health support into classrooms.
They are also leveraging new technology to help families and young people learn how to use social media responsibly.
Health
While the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated mental health challenges for youth, these conditions have long plagued teens and children. In fact, feelings of persistent sadness or hopelessness, and suicidal thoughts or behaviors, have been increasing steadily in young people for over a decade.
Support young people in their efforts to understand and cope with their own mental health issues by actively listening, and validating their experiences. Encourage them to seek help when they need it, and be prepared to refer them to a mental health professional. Ensure that they have access to affordable and culturally competent care. Address the underlying barriers that prevent youth from accessing care, including poor work and family environments.