How to Recognize Mental Health Illness in Adolescents
It can be hard to know the difference between normal teenage behavior and problems that need to be discussed with a health care professional. During adolescence, kids tend to pull away from their family and start spending more time with friends or spend time alone their bedroom. This is normal behavior, as they usually do not feel like they have enough privacy. Troubling behaviors are those that last weeks or months, interfere with your child’s daily life, and hinder relationships.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services reports approximately one out of five teens have a mental health disorder that could be diagnosed and nearly one-third show symptoms of depression. A lot of adolescents avoid seeking help from a parent, family member, or guardian because of the ongoing stigma around mental health disorders. Our culture has made those with mental illness seem weak, dangerous, unable to make their own decisions, etc. As a teenager, it can be hard to fit in as it is and they ignore these feelings so they don’t become further outcasted.
Your child or teen might need help if they are experiencing any of the following:
- Feeling worried or anxious often
- Exhibits intense irritability, or throws tantrums
- Has little to no energy; can’t sleep, or has frequent nightmares
- Shows a lack of interest in things they usually enjoy
- Has trouble concentrating or remembering things
- Decline in grades at school or trouble keeping up with the work
- Avoiding friends and those they used to enjoy being around
- He or she harms themselves, by cutting or burning their own skin
- Engages in destructive and risky behaviors that put them in danger
- Abuses drugs or alcohol
- Have strong thoughts about death and suicide
- Feels like their mind is out of control, hears voices, or sees things that aren’t there
Many mental illnesses appear during adolescence and it may be explained by all the changes that occur in the brain during this time. Mental disorders and illnesses can be treated. If you are a child or teen, talk to your parents or guardians, school counselor, or doctor. They can assist you in getting the help you need.
If you are a parent, talk to your child’s doctor, school nurse, or another health care provider to seek more information about symptoms and behaviors to look for. If you think your child needs further evaluation, talk to their doctor about finding a specialist. If your child does need treatment, make sure the provider they’re seeing specializes in their specific illness or disorder. If your child is prescribed medication, it is important for them to take it as prescribed. They should not stop taking the medication without first talking to their doctor. You should consult your medical provider if you have any concerns about side effects or if you would like to discuss treatment plan options.
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger of hurting themselves or others call 911 or call the National Suicide Hotline at 1.800.273.8255.
If you’re a member of The Health Plan and have questions about your child’s behavior, you can talk to a behavioral health nurse 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by calling 1.877.221.9295. Our staff can provide information and guidance for members who are experiencing a variety of behavioral health concerns.