Mental Health in Teens

by Alisha Flinn

“Globally 1 in 7 10 – 19 year olds experience a mental health disorders , accounting for 13% of the global burden of disease in this age group ”. People in this age group are at higher risk of

mental health disorders due to the dramatic physical , emotional, and social changes including exposure to things like poverty and abuse. People with mental disorder are especially vulnerable to things like stigma , education difficulties , discrimination , physical ill-health and many other things.

Multiple things go into affect to cause mental health problems, these things include unhealthy sleep schedules , lack of motivation , lack of communication with others and trauma. Youths with poor mental health often struggle with school and grades and often find it hard to get motivated to do their work . Mental health can also lead to behavioral risks like drug use and

higher risk sexual behaviors which can lead to HIVs , STDs or unwanted pregnancies.

Good news is there are many things that we can do to prevent or control mental health . One of the things being , talking to a trusted adult or someone like a licensed psychologist .

Psychologists are experts in psychology who are trained on human brain function and why we do and think the things we do . If a psychologist is not giving you all the help you need you can always get a psychiatrist which is someone who can prescribe a prescription drug for your disorder. Of course therapy cannot solve all problems but it can help you understand and come to terms with your condition , and even push you in the right direction to controlling it.

Over the past few years we’ve learned Covid 19 has caused critical changes in our communities when it comes to supporting children and their families. Everyone expects the schools to provide chances for students to engage in physical activities, socialize , mental health , academics, and physical health services. All of which could help protect children against negative affects of mental health. However schools could change this by providing

things like , training staff on how to handle mental health, integrating social emotional learning, and building safe and supportive environments.

There are promotion and prevention organizations that can help as well. The programs are multi leveled and varied delivery platforms , for example “ digital media , health or social care ,

schools or the community ” and many other resources to help reach out and connect with adolescents.