It’s estimated that one in five teenagers in the United States has a mental health disorder. That means that there are millions of young people out there who are dealing with conditions like depression, anxiety, ADHD, and more.
While it’s important to remember that each person experiences mental illness in their own unique way, there are some common issues that tend to crop up during adolescence.
Here Are A Few Of The Most Common Mental Health Problems Faced By Teenagers Today.
Depression
Depression is one of the most common mental health disorders in teenagers. It’s characterized by feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest in activities that used to bring joy. Depression can make it difficult to focus at school, participate in extracurricular activities, and maintain healthy relationships.
If you’re worried that your teen might be depressed, look for signs like withdrawing from friends and family, changes in eating or sleeping habits, low energy levels, and difficulty concentrating. If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to reach out to a mental health professional for help.
Anxiety
Anxiety is another common issue faced by teenagers. It can manifest as a generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), social anxiety disorder, or panic disorder. People with anxiety often feel excessively worried or nervous about everyday situations. This can make it hard to concentrate at school or work and can lead to avoidance of social situations.
Physical symptoms of anxiety include racing heart, sweating, and dizziness. If you’re worried that your teen might be dealing with anxiety, look for signs like these, as well as avoidance of activities they used to enjoy, difficulty sleeping, and irritability.
ADHD
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects concentration and focus. As a result, people with ADHD often have trouble paying attention in school or at work and may feel constantly fidgety or restless. While it’s normal for teenagers to have some symptoms of ADHD (like feeling unfocused from time to time), those with the disorder often experience these symptoms to a much greater degree.
If you think your teen might have ADHD, look for signs like poor grades, difficulty completing tasks, forgetfulness, and constant squirming or fidgeting. However, it’s important to note that ADHD can often be mistaken for other conditions, so it’s important to consult with a mental health professional to get an accurate diagnosis.
Eating Disorders
Eating disorders are another common issue faced by teenagers, particularly girls. Anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder are all characterized by abnormal eating habits and distorted body image. People with eating disorders often obsess over their weight and shape and may go to extreme lengths to lose weight. Unfortunately, this can lead to serious health complications like organ damage, heart problems, and even death.
If you’re worried that your teen might have an eating disorder, look for signs like drastic weight loss, an obsession with food or dieting, and excessive exercise. It’s important to seek professional help if you think your teen might be struggling with an eating disorder, as these conditions can be extremely dangerous.
Final Thoughts
While mental health problems are common in teenagers, it’s important to remember that help is available. Suppose you’re concerned about your teen’s mental health, research Eva Carlston Academy reviews, and don’t hesitate to reach out to a mental health professional for help. With treatment, many teenagers are able to manage their mental health disorders and lead happy healthy lives.