Whether they have money troubles, don’t have a place to live or have someone in their family struggling with illness, young people are affected by a variety of factors that can lead to mental health challenges.
However, most youth in distress do well with treatment and a supportive family and community network.
Stress
Stress is a normal part of the teen years but if it goes on too long, it can have negative health consequences. Long-term stress causes the body to release a hormone called cortisol that can lead to high blood pressure and a weakened immune system.
Encourage your teenager to talk to their friends and family if they are feeling stressed out. You can also teach them coping skills to help manage their stress levels like healthy eating, exercise and learning to appreciate what is within their control.
Youth mental health issues are a major concern and the 2022-2023 NGA Chair’s Initiative, Strengthening Youth Mental Health, will focus on advancing solutions. See how Governors are supporting youth mental health here. A Governor’s Playbook has a number of resources to help children and teens with mental health challenges.
Anxiety
When a young person feels anxious, they may start to feel tense, nervous and on edge. Often, these feelings are related to a traumatic event or family dynamics and can have a negative impact on a child or teen’s mental health.
Anxiety can cause symptoms such as a fast heart rate, sweating hands and excessive worrying. It can also lead to problems with focus and concentration in school. Children or teens who are experiencing anxiety should seek treatment as soon as possible.
A therapist can help identify the source of the anxiety and provide the young person with tools to deal with the situation. This can include psychotherapy, alternative methods such as meditation and mindfulness or medication. Some teens will need to combine all of these in order to get the relief they need.
Depression
Depression is the most common mental health disorder and it can be very serious. It can lead to thoughts of suicide or self-harm and it can cause young people to withdraw from school, work or their relationships. Depression can also affect sleep and appetite. It can be difficult for a young person to talk about how they are feeling and sometimes they may not want to go to see a health professional.
Young people who have depression may benefit from psychological therapy that focuses on improving their relationship with others and identifying and changing negative thinking patterns. They may also be prescribed antidepressants. These medicines usually help but can take a few weeks to kick in. It is important that they keep up their regular appointments with their doctor.
Substance Abuse
Substance abuse, including drugs and alcohol, can affect youth mental health. Teens with substance use disorders have higher rates of poor mental and physical health, as well as lower academic performance. It can also lead to problems in relationships, job performance and family life.
Many teens experiment with substances and do not develop a problem. However, others may become dependent on a substance and have a difficult time quitting. This can cause them to spend more time using or finding and obtaining the drug, and less time doing other things such as schoolwork or spending time with friends.
Substance abuse can have dangerous side effects, such as infection with HIV and hepatitis. It can also cause mood changes. People who are dependent on a substance experience withdrawal when they stop using it. Symptoms of withdrawal can include anxiety, trembling, sweating, nausea, vomiting and fatigue.
Self-Esteem
Having healthy self-esteem allows people to take risks and try new things. They can also handle setbacks and criticism. They see challenges as opportunities to learn and grow, rather than barriers that prevent them from succeeding (Allegiance Health, 2023).
Self-esteem can be influenced by the messages a person hears from others. These could come from parents, teachers, siblings or peers. They may also be shaped by their personality and life experiences.
Increasing your self-esteem can be simple, like taking steps towards basic self-care. This can include getting good rest, regular exercise and making healthy food choices. It can also be a way to show yourself that you’re deserving of a healthy body and mind. This is especially important for young black people. Bayo connects them with free professional mental health support in their local area.