Spotting Mental Health Problems In Teenagers

Mental health problems in adults have been widely discussed and treated for hundreds of years.

However, mental health problems in teenagers are only just being explored.

Recent research has determined that one in six teenagers now struggle with a mental health problem. Sadly, this has soared considerably in the last 40 years. As reported by the Nuffield Foundation, one in thirty teenagers frequently expressed that they felt anxious, depressed or stressed in the 1980s.

As the number of teenagers struggling with mental health problems continues to increase, it is imperative that adults, be it parents, teachers or caregivers, can spot mental health problems in teenagers.

Although a wealth of support is available, and new research is published almost every day surrounding mental health problems in teenagers, spotting mental health problems in teenagers is often easier said than done.

To help you uncover how to spot mental health problems in teenagers, we have provided a wealth of guidance in this blog.

Mental Health Problems In Teenagers

Teenagers across the nation continue to find their lives impaired by various mental health problems. Often arising from stress at school and home and social pressures, the most common mental health problems teenagers struggle with include anxiety, depression, personality disorders and eating disorders.

At present, it is believed that 20% of teenagers will encounter depression. Meanwhile, anxiety is thought to impact approximately one in three teenagers.

Eating disorders such as anorexia, bulimia and body dysmorphia also have a significant impact on the lives of teenagers across the world. Usually developing during adolescence, at least 1.25 million people are thought to currently have an eating disorder in the United Kingdom.

Spotting Mental Health Problems In Teenagers – The Signs And Symptoms To Look Out For

Spotting mental health problems in teenagers can be somewhat tricky, especially as many will attempt to hide their problems from their loved ones.

However, if you are worried that your teenager is struggling with a mental health problem, there are several signs and symptoms that you can look out for.

To help you, we have outlined a wealth of signs and symptoms associated with mental health problems, including anxiety, depression, anorexia and personality disorders below.

• Appearing to be increasingly sad
• Reduced energy levels
• Lack of enthusiasm for activities once enjoyed
• Isolation from friends and family members
• Extreme mood fluctuations
• Appearing to be extremely distracted
• Problems sleeping
• Insomnia
• Changes in eating patterns
• Neglecting personal hygiene
• Becoming increasingly suspicious of others
• Appearing somewhat restless
• Struggling to maintain relationships
• Decreased performance at school, college, university or work
• Complaining that they feel unwell with headaches, nausea and muscle aches and pains
• Suffering from panic attacks

We would ask you to bear in mind that when it comes to spotting mental health problems in teenagers, you may not observe all of the signs and symptoms noted above.

However, if you observe just a few of the symptoms stated above, we would recommend contacting us to discuss your concerns with our team.

In doing so, we can help you ascertain how to approach the teenager in question. We can also ensure that you have the information you need to help a teenager struggling with a mental health problem.

Addressing Mental Health Problems In Teenagers

Although the signs and symptoms you observe are likely to be physical and behavioural, it is essential to understand that teenagers suffering from mental health problems will also encounter psychological symptoms that significantly reduce the quality of their life.

With this in mind, should you decide to approach a teenager who you believe may be struggling with a mental health problem, you must be mindful of how you do so.

At Action Rehab, we highly advise only addressing a mental health problem in a teenager when you are confident that they are struggling. We also recommend that, when you approach the teenager in question, you do so in a non-judgemental and non-confrontational way.

While we understand that you will want to do everything in your power to help a teenager struggling with a mental health problem, if you appear to be confrontational when you approach the individual in question, your support may be rejected.

Help Is Available For Teenagers Struggling With Mental Health Problems

Sadly, the number of teenagers securing treatment for mental health problems remains relatively minute. In fact, many teenagers do not secure any help at all for their problems.

The World health organisation estimates that 1 in 7 (14%) 10-19 year-olds experience mental health conditions that remain largely unrecognized and untreated.

Regrettably, delaying or deferring treatment has seen global suicide rates among teenagers escalate. Considering this, teenagers struggling with mental health problems must have access to treatment, support and guidance.

At present, there is a wealth of help available for teenagers struggling with mental health problems. For example, mental health charities such as Mind provide a plethora of information for teenagers to help them understand how to manage their mental health problems.

At Action Rehab, we also provide teenagers with help and support through our helpline. We can also refer teenagers for treatment at a suitable rehab centre.

Contact Us Today

Please remember that if you are worried about the mental health and well-being of a teenager, taking advantage of support and guidance is highly advised.

Not only can doing so enable you to help a teenager struggling with mental health problems better, but it could essentially save a young person’s life.

At Action Rehab, we are on hand to provide guidance and answer any questions that you may have. We can, as noted above, also provide treatment to teenagers struggling with mental health problems.

To take advantage of the help we can provide, please call us today on 0151 268 6992.

Posted on Friday, May 21st, 2021 at 11:38 am in Mental Health.