Adolescence is a challenging period in life. It is a time of growth and development, a transitional part of life, moving through physical, mental, and social changes; a time to find one’s place in the world.
Juvenile mental health travels along a spectrum ranging from positive feelings of mental well-being, through mild symptoms of impaired health, to disorders and psychosocial disability. Mood swings caused by hormonal changes make adolescents more prone to depression, anxiety, and, worst of all, a greater likelihood of engaging in risky, thrill-seeking behaviors. This puts them at considerable risk of impaired mental health: one in five adolescents suffers from diagnosable mental health disorders, with suicide being the second leading cause of death in young people. Depression is among the leading causes of disability. Besides depression, common mental illnesses in adolescents are anxiety disorder, mood disorder, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), disruptive behavior disorders, and borderline personality disorder.
If untreated, these conditions can severely affect development, growth, and their potential for living a fulfilling and productive life. Adolescents with mental disorders face major challenges; stigmatization, isolation, and discrimination, and lack of access to proper health care and educational facilities.
This turbulent period also affects the entire family, which often does not know how to cope with these various challenges. The first and most crucial step in solving any mental health problem is to recognize it and reach for help. Creating a supportive environment at home and in schools also plays a pivotal, beneficial role. The mental health of this group demands nurturing, protection, and treatment when necessary. Effective treatments do exist, and they include counseling, combinations of psychotherapy and medications, or all three.. Unfortunately, less than half of adolescents with mental health problems receive any treatment. Reach out for help today. AMR Therapy has several therapists that work with adolescents.
