Did you know that February is Youth Mental Health Awareness Month? This month offers an opportunity to focus on the ways that we can empower and support young people to take care of their mental health. During February (and all year long), we also focus on providing resources that young people can utilize when they are struggling.
Breaking down the stigmas related to mental health is another important part of Youth Mental Health Awareness Month. While stigmatization of mental health has decreased overall in recent years, young people may be subject to additional levels of peer pressure or even bullying at school in relation to mental health concerns. Educational programming, resources, and conversations are our first line of defense against mental health stigmas.
When mental health struggles are looked down upon, it makes it more difficult for those who are dealing with challenges to get help. Our mission this Youth Mental Health Awareness Month is to work toward reducing stigmatization of mental health so that everyone in our community can feel empowered, confident, and brave talking about their own mental health concerns. Mental health does not need to be a secret, and open conversations about wellness are important for people of all ages – not just young people!
Today, we are going to dive deeper into mental health awareness and the mental health struggles that young people are facing across the world. We hope you will join us in learning more about the importance behind Youth Mental Health Awareness Month.
Why Youth Mental Health Matters
Mental health concerns affect people of all ages, but young people may be particularly vulnerable to certain diagnoses. Additionally, younger individuals may not have the means or knowledge to get help when they need it, leading to higher rates of suicide and more difficult chapters of life managing undiagnosed mental health disorders. Suicide is the second-leading cause of death for those aged between 10 and 14.
One in seven people aged 10 to 19 experiences a mental health disorder, according to the World Health Organization. The most common mental health problems for these young people include depression, anxiety, and behavioral health disorders (think ADHD or impulse control disorder).
The importance of youth mental health goes beyond the teenage years. Young people who are struggling with their mental health can experience ongoing consequences well into adulthood, including feelings of maladaptation and limiting their ability to live full and rewarding lives as adults. As such, ensuring access to mental health care is a crucial part of addressing the youth mental health epidemic that is plaguing our community’s young people today.
Are Teens at Risk for Mental Health Disorders?
Adolescence can be a uniquely challenging chapter in life as young people develop crucial social and emotional habits that are essential to ongoing mental well-being. Promoting social-emotional learning in academic environments and ensuring that teens and young adults have access to destigmatized mental health care is an essential step forward.
While global estimates indicate that 14.3% of people between the ages of 10 and 19 experience mental health conditions, the World Health Organization postulates that these disorders remain largely unrecognized and untreated. Why? Part of the problem goes back to a lack of education around teen mental health for both adolescents and their caregivers. But that is not all.
Adolescents with mental health conditions are particularly vulnerable to discrimination and stigma, and may experience social exclusion. This reduces the readiness to get help, and the effects are far-reaching. Teens with untreated mental health problems are more likely to experience educational difficulties, engage in risk taking behaviors, struggle with ill health physically, and even commit human rights violations, including abuse toward others.
As you can see, making a dent in the stigma around youth mental health is a crucial step toward helping our world’s young people succeed, both now and in the future.
Most Common Mental Health Disorders for Teens
Those between the ages of 10 and 19 share some commonalities in which mental health disorders are most likely to occur. Some common throughlines include…
Anxiety: Estimated to be the most common mental health disorder for adolescents, anxiety involves excessive worrying or panic and may also have depressive symptoms.
Depression: Overwhelming hopelessness, sadness, and inability to enjoy regular activites are all symptoms of depression, a common mental health disorder for teens.
Eating Disorders: Eating disorders (such as bulimia or anorexia nervosa) can occur in young people of all genders, but are more common in girls. Disordered eating habits often emerge in response to societal pressures around body shape and weight.
Behavioral Issues: Behavioral concerns such as ADHD and conduct disorders (for example, oppositional defiant disorders) often spike during adolescence. These issues can significantly impact a teen’s educational progress and participation in society.
Risk-Taking Behaviors: Taking risks and asserting one’s independence is a natural part of adolescence, but some teens take it too far. Risky sex- and drug-related behaviors can have harsh consequences. Additionally, many substance abuse problems begin in the teenage years and persist well into adulthood.
As you can see, destigmatizing youth mental health should be a top priority. Young people should not have to deal with these struggles in isolation. Instead, behavioral health interventions such as working with a trained provider can help give people of all ages the support that they need to live life to the fullest.
Get the Support You Need at Triumph Behavioral Health
Here at Triumph Behavioral Health, we are committed to providing compassionate, evidence-based mental health care to individuals and families across Maryland. We work with clients of all ages, from childhood all the way through late life senior care. Whether you are navigating stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, or life transitions, support is available.
Caring for your mental health is one of the most powerful investments you can make in your overall wellness, and you don’t have to do it alone.
Reach out to our team today to get the help you need. At Triumph, we care.