Teenage mental health problems often go undiagnosed. Parents, teachers and those closest to kids in this age-group simply assume that they’re experiencing mood swings, which will go away shortly.
However, it’s wrong to make such assumptions, especially when it relates to adolescents. Left untreated, symptoms of psychiatric disorders can lead to substance abuse and demise. In fact, suicide has been found to be the second most common cause of death in young adults (aged 15 to 24).
So how can one differentiate between mood swings and more severe problems like mental illness? Well, that’s where we come in. Below, you’ll learn 7 warning signs of mental health issues in teens. Let’s dig in:
Risk Factors for Mental Health Issues in Teens
Before I dive into symptoms, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the risk factors that lead to psychiatric disorders in teenagers. They include:
Social and Environmental Factors
It is during the adolescent stage that these young adults face immense pressure to conform. The media and opinions from peers and family can be so overwhelming that it leads to high stress levels and anxiety.
Disrupted Sleeping Patterns
Ideally, teenagers should sleep for anywhere between 8 and 10 hours each night. Unfortunately, this is not the case in most households. Failing to sleep for the recommended duration makes teens irritable and increases their likelihood of engaging in risky behavior.
Parenting Style
Were you aware that your parenting technique can also impact your child’s mental well-being? That’s right. A 2021 study revealed that being over-protective and rejecting your teenage child affects their mental health adversely.
Conversely, adolescents who receive warmth and support from their parents have high self-esteem and zero mental health issues.
There are a couple of other factors that increase mental health problems in teenagers, such as:
- Poor living conditions
- Inaccessibility to quality support
- Violence in the form of bullying and/or sexual abuse
- Exclusion and discrimination
7 Warning Signs of Mental Health Problems in Teens
Do you suspect that your teenage child is experiencing a psychiatric disorder? Keep an eye out for these warning signs:
- Significant changes to their sleeping patterns, eating habits and weight. You may also notice more changes in their daily routine.
- Becoming disinterested in activities or things that they once loved.
- Isolating themselves from family, friends and the society at large.
- Sharp and unexplainable decline in their academic performance.
- Abuse of drugs, alcohol and other forms of substance abuse.
- Indications of self-harm like burns, cuts and bruises. Teens who resort to this try to hide these signs.
- Constant worry or anxiety problems.
If you’ve noticed one or more of these symptoms in your teenager, ensure you consult a mental health expert. Addressing the problems early is vital to keep things from getting worse.
How to Support Teen’s Mental Well-being
Whether your teen has displayed any of these signs or not, you should be proactive in supporting their mental well-being by:
- Frequently checking in with them – find out how they’re feeling and whether there’s anything bothering them.
- Create a weekly family activity like cooking a meal together or game night. The more time you spend with your teen, the more comfortable they’ll feel sharing their feelings.
- Be a good role model by regulating your own emotions and using ideal coping mechanisms. You can even explain to them how you handle big feelings of disappointment and anger.
- Limit screen time and social media use.
- Resolve conflict together – listen to your teen’s explanation of why they do certain things. This makes them feel valued and increases their willingness to right their wrongs.
And for parents who have a faith of their own, find ways to support your teen’s spiritual growth. So when they encounter challenges in life, they can lean on their faith. Pray together, read the Bible together and be a living example of the word you preach. Proverbs 22:6 “Train up a child in the way he should go: And when he is old, he will not depart from it”.
Conclusion
There’s no doubt that teenage mental health deserves more attention. Considering all the changes they go through – both emotionally and physically – they need all the parental love and support they can get.
If you suspect that your teenage child has a mental health problem, look out for signs like isolation, loss of interest, self-harm, and significant changes to their diet, weight and sleeping patterns.
