Young people’s mental health is just as important as their physical health in developing into independent and confident adults. Good mental health is an important component of healthy adolescent development because it helps young people develop positive social, emotional, thinking, and communication skills and behaviours. It also lays the groundwork for future mental health and well-being.
There is a strong link between child and adolescent mental health issues and adult mental health problems, making the latest findings from studies of children and young people’s mental health and wellbeing in relation to the coronavirus (COVID) pandemic in the UK all the more concerning.
Mental health is important for everyone, but it is especially important for teenagers who are undergoing significant emotional, physical, and social changes. Here are some of the reasons why mental health is so important for teenagers:
Improved academic performance:
Teenagers with good mental health perform better academically by improving their concentration, memory, and learning abilities.
Healthy relationships:
Mental health issues can impair the ability to form healthy relationships, which is especially important for teenagers navigating new social dynamics and romantic relationships.
Physical Health:
Physical health problems can result from poor mental health, such as headaches, fatigue, and sleep disorders.
Emotional Wellbeing:
Mental health issues such as anxiety and depression can have a significant impact on a teenager’s emotional well-being and overall quality of life.
Career prospects:
Adolescents with good mental health can develop the confidence and resilience required to pursue their career goals and succeed in the workplace.
Reduced risk of substance abuse:
Adolescents with poor mental health are more likely to use drugs and alcohol to cope with their problems, which can lead to addiction and other negative consequences.
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How common are mental health problems in adolescents?
According to NHS Digital, one in every six school-aged young people will have a mental health problem by 2020. This represents an alarming increase from one in ten in 2004 to one in nine in 2017. The most common mental disorders experienced by young people are emotional disorders such as anxiety and depression.
The prevalence of mental disorders is comparable between boys and girls in younger adolescents aged 11-16. However, among older adolescents aged 17-19, girls have a higher prevalence of mental disorders, with nearly one in four (23.9%) experiencing a mental disorder compared to one in ten boys (10.3%).
According to the Children’s Society, 17- to 22-year-old women are currently the group most at risk of developing a mental health problem.
Self-harm and suicide attempts are approximately six times more common in adolescents aged 11-19 with a mental disorder (32.8%) than in those without (5.1%). Self-harm and suicide attempts among adolescents are increasing, as are rates of mental disorders.
According to the ONS, suicide is the leading cause of death for young people under the age of 35, and suicide rates have been rising in recent years.
Almost one in every two young respondents aged 16 to 24 without a history of mental health problems reported high levels of depressive symptoms and one in every three reported moderate to severe anxiety symptoms since taking COVID.
What are the indicators of good mental health in adolescents?
It is not uncommon for young people to engage in undesirable behaviours such as lashing out, isolating themselves, or making risky decisions. Growing up is difficult; new responsibilities are stressful, and emotions are frequently difficult to manage during puberty.
The pressures of responsibilities, emotions, and relationships can be especially intense in teenagers and young adults because they have not yet learned how to manage many of life’s difficult aspects. Furthermore, their brains are still developing, and it is common for young people to behave irrationally or engage in risky behaviour. The majority of this is normal as children grow and mature.
As part of growing up, young people experience a wide range of emotions:
Fear\disappointment.
Sadness.
Anxiety.
Anger.
Happiness.
Excitement.
Hope.
Young people with good mental health can cope with these erratic emotions and, in most cases:
Most of the time, they are happy and positive about themselves.
When things don’t go the way they expect, they are kind to themselves.
Have fun with your life.
Study hard.
Engage in physical activities.
Maintain a healthy diet.
Participate in recreational activities.
Have a good relationship with family and friends.
Have a sense of accomplishment.
Can unwind and get a good night’s rest.
Can deal with sadness, worry, or anger.
Can recover from setbacks and disappointments.
Are willing to try new or difficult things.
When young people learn to cope with overwhelming emotions or to calm down in stressful or emotional situations, they are more likely to feel good about themselves. Learning to manage life’s small worries so they don’t become major issues, as well as doing things they are anxious about rather than avoiding uncomfortable situations, are all beneficial to their mental health.
By discussing emotions with the young person and encouraging them to recognise and label their emotions, the young person will understand that it is natural to experience a wide range of emotions.
What are the symptoms of poor mental health in adolescents?
Everyone experiences low moods, anger, or anxiety at times; it is normal for young people to experience low moods, lack motivation, and difficulty sleeping. These are not always symptoms of a mental health problem, but if they last for a long time or have a significant impact on a young person, it may be time to seek professional help.
The following are warning signs that a young person may have a mental health problem:
Sadness that lasts for two weeks or more.
Being depressed, tearful, or unmotivated.
Having difficulty coping with daily activities.
They claim to be in constant physical pain, such as headaches, stomach aches, or backaches.
Doing poorly in school or college.
refusing to attend school, college, or work.
Avoiding or withdrawing from social interactions.
expressing or displaying feelings of helplessness and hopelessness.
Excessive irritability or outbursts.
Unexpected behavioural changes.
Excessive or risk-taking behaviour that can be harmful.
Signs of low self-esteem include blaming oneself for any problems or believing one is not good enough.
Being overly concerned with one’s weight or physical appearance.
Self-harming or discussing self-harm.
Discussing death or suicide.
Sleep issues.
Abuse of substances.
Getting into legal trouble, fighting, or stealing.
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What are the most common mental health issues among young people?
More than half of all mental health problems begin before the age of 14, with 75% developing by the age of 24. Different levels of mental health problems are described by the terms mild, moderate, and severe.
A mild mental health problem occurs when a person has a few symptoms that have a minor impact on their daily life. When a person has a moderate mental health problem, they have more symptoms that make their daily life much more difficult than usual.
A severe mental health problem occurs when a person exhibits a number of symptoms that make daily life extremely difficult. At different times, a person may experience different levels.
Some of the most common mental health issues in children and adolescents are:
The main symptoms of stress are:
I’m worried a lot.
I’m feeling tense.
I’m suffering from headaches and stomach pains.
I’m not getting enough sleep.
Being agitated.
Loss of appetite or eating more than usual.
Not engaging in previously enjoyed activities.
Being pessimistic and depressed.
Feeling pessimistic about the future.
The following are the primary symptoms of depression:
Feeling ‘low,’ sadness, or a persistently bad mood.
Being constantly irritable or grumpy.
Loss of interest and pleasure in previously enjoyable activities.
I’m in tears.
Most of the time, I’m tired and exhausted.
Appetite changes.
Sleeping difficulties.
Problems with concentration and memory.
Negative ideas.
Self-criticism.
Lack of self-assurance.
Anxiety Disorders, Generalized and Social – The following are the primary symptoms:
Having a plethora of worries that are excessive and out of proportion to a specific situation.
Having trouble controlling worries and concerns.
Being afraid or concerned about working with others.
Fear or concern about social events or situations.
Avoiding commonplace activities such as visiting friends, going out in public, or attending school.
Being irritable or prone to angry outbursts.
Restlessness.
Feeling tired easily.
Tense muscles in the shoulders and neck are common.
I’m having difficulty concentrating.
Sleeping problems or sleep disruption.
Begin wetting the bed.
The primary symptoms of panic disorder are:
Having frequent and unexpected panic attacks.
I’m afraid of having another panic attack.
A faster heart rate.
A stomach churning.
Behavior modifications.
Fear of being in certain places or situations.
Agoraphobia and other phobias may develop.
A panic attack may occur as a result of a specific situation, something that the young person fears or wishes to avoid, or it may occur for no apparent reason.
What resources are available for young people suffering from mental illnesses?
Mental illness is both preventable and treatable. Poor mental health or unmanaged mental health issues can have an impact on a young person’s wellbeing and development, physical health, school and college work, career opportunities and progression, personal and family relationships, and life chances.
This means that if a young person is having mental health problems, they should seek professional help as soon as possible. Interventions and treatment work well for mental health issues.
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They are multidisciplinary teams that frequently include:
Psychiatrists.
Psychologists.
Workers in social services.
Nurses.
Therapists who specialise in occupational therapy.
Child psychotherapists, family psychotherapists, play therapists, and creative art therapists are all examples of psychological therapists.
Primary mental health care providers.
Practitioners of education mental health who work in mental health support teams in schools and colleges.
Practitioners of children’s well-being.
Workers who specialise in substance abuse.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, teenagers’ mental health is critical because it affects every aspect of their lives, from academic performance to social relationships to overall well-being. Teenagers can lay the groundwork for a healthy and prosperous future by prioritising mental health.
