What are the Four Most Common Mental Health Issues for Teens?

Among adolescents, mental illness is a growing concern.

Recent studies indicate one-in-five young people between the ages of 13-17 suffer with a diagnosable mental health disorder.

Additionally, over the last ten years:

• Cases of major depression among 16- 17-year-olds rose a startling 69%.
• Cases of anxiety rose 71% in people between the ages of 17-25.
• Suicide is the second leading cause of death in young people aged 15–24.
• Suicide rates among 18- 19-year-olds increased 56%.

The four most common mental health issues in teens are anxiety, mood, attention, and behavioral disorders.

The Carefree Years of Youth Aren’t So Carefree

While teenagers do not typically face the same stressors and responsibilities as adults, studies have shown that some 50% of mental illness cases begin before the age of 17.

Many of these cases go undiagnosed, referred to instead as “teen angst and rebellion” with the expectation “they’ll grow out of it.”

It is impossible to pinpoint a particular cause.

As in all cases, several factors can figure in together; genetics, environmental, circumstantial, and situational factors can all contribute.

Experts suggest the following realities among teenagers today are worth considering:

Busier Schedules with Higher Expectations

Teens today are carrying much more difficult schedules, between schoolwork, homework, extra-curricular activities, employment, college prep, and more.

The pressure to meet expectations and “succeed” can be especially overwhelming at this age.

Social Media

Research indicates a strong link between heavy social media use among teenagers and mental health issues.

While we don’t fully understand the effect heavy social media use has on the development of the adolescent’s brain, the inadvertent pressure teens experience trying to live up to the body image, status, and popularity of others cannot be overlooked as contributing to adolescent anxiety, mood, attention, and behavioral disorders.

Immature and Maladaptive Coping Skills

Teenagers are just developing the coping skills that will carry them through life.

Many teens do not yet have the maturity to handle stressors, unpleasant circumstances or triggering events properly and effectively. Often, teens turn to unhealthy means of coping: isolation, over-eating, binging, risky behavior, etc.

Recent studies indicate 56% of teens report drinking alcohol and 9-out-of-10 drug addicts began using before they turned 18.

Family and Relationship Difficulties

Teen relationships, by their very nature, are always changing. Stress enters into every relationship, and the lack of mature and adequate coping skills necessary to properly and effectively navigate those stresses can often result in symptoms of depression and/or anxiety, the two most commonly diagnosed mental illnesses among teens.

What is Depression?

Depression presents differently in different people.

Typically, depression presents as overwhelming feelings of despair and/or sadness which impact other areas of life. Individuals suffering with depression may find it difficult to get out of bed, to find motivation and/or energy to meet responsibilities; they may show little interest in things they once enjoyed, socially isolate, or turn to even more harmful means of coping, such as alcohol or substance use.

Studies have shown a steady increase in depression among teens over the last decade, and that teenage girls are twice as likely as boys to experience depression.

Call Honey Lake Clinic Today! Our Adolescent Program for girls between the ages of 13-17 is the first and only program of its kind in the United States. We can help! (888) 837-6577.

What is Anxiety?

Anxiety disorders are common among teens; approximately one-in-three teenagers meet the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Health Disorders (DSM-5) criteria for diagnosis.

Symptoms vary widely and can be difficult to recognize in teenagers as they try to hide or mask their thoughts and feelings.

Typically, symptoms include irritability, lashing out, recurring fears and/or worries about routine parts of life, extreme self-consciousness, withdrawal from activities, avoidance, sleep issues and substance use.

Anxiety disorders, like depression, are more common among teenage girls than boys.

Call Honey Lake Clinic Today! Our Adolescent Program for girls between the ages of 13-17 is the first and only program of its kind in the United States. We can help! (888) 837-6577.

How Can I Help My Teenager?

As you can see in all the information above, if your teenager is struggling with a mental illness, you are not alone.

First, take note! Pay attention to your child’s symptoms and seek help early, as mental health conditions can worsen without proper intervention.

Next, take heart! With proper diagnosis, there are several evidence-based medications and treatment modalities available to successfully treat mental health issues in teenagers.

Finally, call Honey Lake Clinic! Getting the right treatment and proper aftercare support are crucial to your teenager’s recovery process.

Honey Lake Clinic’s Adolescent Program

At Honey Lake Clinic, our faith-based treatment encompassing mind, body and spirit offers 13- to 17-year-old girls the tools and knowledge to experience life beyond the grip of mental health, mood and behavioral health disorders including:

• Anxiety
• Bipolar
• Depression
• Panic Attacks
• PTSD & Trauma
• Self-Harm
• Sexual Abuse