Teenagers and Mental Health

Mental health in general is an extremely important part of life which always has to be kept a check on, doesn't matter what age one is. Here I'm essentially talking about teen mental health as being a teen myself I understand it better and it is a known fact that half of all mental health conditions start by the age of 14 and most go undetected and untreated.

As I've mentioned in one of my previous blogs, teenage is a very unique time in one's lifespan. Its basically a crucial period which lays the foundation for one's future. Multiple changes occur during this time, social, emotional and physical, which have their own effects on an individual. Apart from these changes, there are numerous things that affect one, and these multiple factors contribute to one's mental health. The factors may include family, friends, school mates, teachers and so on.

Studies and goals pressurise one and not reaching the expectations and desires, lead to depression. Depression is globally, one of the leading causes of illness and disabilities among teenagers. Most teens don't want to come out as depressed and hence don't share what they are feeling with anyone or they don't realise what their state of mind is. Depression does not only come from pressurising oneself but can also arise from stress, sadness, loneliness or anxiety. Anxiety, yet another mental disorder leading to panic attacks, coming out of constant overthinking, worries and socio-phobias.

If we look at it in general, these days, socio-phobia leads to most of the mental illnesses in teens. With the increased access to technology and media influence, one gets pressured and insecure really easily. Trying to fit in with the social standards and living up to them isn't easy afterall. Bullying, name-calling etc, all coming from the so-called "social norms" exacerbate the individual's life and thoughts, which may create a disparity between the lived reality and their living aspirations. The individuals end up getting the wrong idea of living and may take part in ill activities which they are not meant to be doing.

All these little things that we think don't matter more, pile up to something greater and eventually come out as emotional disorders, psychosis, eating disorders. It doesn't only damage their mental stability and thought process but also physical health and if not kept intact, it further evolves into suicide and self harm. Suicide, the third leading cause of death among teenagers. Self harm doesn't only mean hurting yourself physically, it is also when one doesn't accept themselves and constantly question their existence.

Overall, mental health accounts for 16% of the global burden of disorders in teenagers (those detected).

This topic maybe sensitive but speaking up for it is extremely crucial. Also keeping in mind the current state of the world, the mental illnesses have become very general not only among the teens but among the population in general. Thereby, it's important that we address even the slightest changes in one's behaviour, not only in ourselves but also in the ones around us and support them in whatever they are going through. The consequences of not addressing adolescent mental health conditions extend to adulthood, impairing both physical and mental health and limiting opportunities to live a fulfilling life as an adult.

At the end, coping up with such situations is difficult but never impossible. What makes it easier is the support from the people around us, who show us they really care.