Mental Health Matters in the Adolescent Years
Think mental health issues only affect adults? Think again. The reports that half of all mental illnesses start by age 14, and three-fourths begin by age 24.听听
鈥淒uring the transition from childhood to adolescence, things can go awry,鈥 says Francis Lee, M.D., Ph.D., chair of the 麻豆传媒高清版 Department of Psychiatry, professor of psychiatry, neuroscience and pharmacology and psychiatrist-in-chief at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital. 鈥淎s the brain is rewiring itself during this time, it seems to be quite vulnerable to anxiety disorders and depression.鈥听
With the added weight of distressing global events, including the COVID-19 pandemic, school shootings, political unrest and economic instability, the mental health of adolescents can be profoundly impacted.听
So what can you do to support your child鈥檚 mental health?听
Know the Risks听听
Many factors affect an adolescent鈥檚 mental health. Home life and poor peer relationships can lead to mental illness. So can the following:听
- Becoming pregnant during adolescence听听
- Experiencing bullying or poverty听
- Facing discrimination听
- Feeling excessive pressure to succeed in school, sports or other activities听听
- Living with chronic conditions听
Consider a New Threat听
According to Dr. Lee, a new threat to adolescent mental health emerged in 2010, when the iPhone 4 released. This was the first iPhone with a front-facing camera.听听
Since then, more adolescents began using smart phones. Mental health issues among youngsters have risen as well.听听
鈥[Use of smartphones] is a double-edged sword,鈥 Dr. Lee says. 鈥It expands your social network, but it also provides opportunities for social isolation and physical isolation.鈥听
See the Symptoms听
Recognizing mental health issues allows you to seek care for your adolescent as soon as possible. A few symptoms your child may display include:听
- Abusing drugs or drinking alcohol听听
- Avoiding loved ones or canceling plans with friends for no reason听
- Developing an unhealthy fixation on achieving a specific goal听
- Experiencing unexplainable changes in weight, sleep or eating habits听
- Having a sudden extreme interest in sex听
- Hiding cuts, bruises or burns听
- Losing interest in once-loved activities听
Work Toward Improved Mental Health听
If your child displays symptoms of mental health issues, don鈥檛 blame yourself or ignore the problem. Take note. Then, take action.听
- Consult your child鈥檚 primary care provider. A pediatrician or other provider can connect you to a mental health professional.听
- Encourage healthy habits. A healthy diet, good sleep and limited screen time can boost your adolescent鈥檚 mental health.听
- Talk about mental health. On good days and bad days, make mental health a topic of conversation.听
鈥For decades, we believed it was important for us to see our patients in person to really give the most effective treatment,鈥 Dr. Lee says. 鈥淭he pandemic has shown us that, for mild to moderate cases, we are able to use psychiatry Video Visits very effectively.鈥听
Need help looking after your child鈥檚 mental and physical well-being? at 麻豆传媒高清版.听