Teenage can be a really difficult and volatile time, both for boys and girls stepping into this phase of life. It is a phase where youngsters begin getting the taste of reality of life emerging from the cocoon of innocence. However, it can prove to be really difficult for them. The increasing pressure in studies, meeting parental expectations and physiological developments usher them into a world that is partly unknown for them. Some of them may also develop emotional and mental problems and complexes of various kinds, leading to disorders. These can have serious repercussions on them.
Mental Health Disorders in Teenagers
While teenagers tend to be more moody, less tolerant and tend to react more to things and people than others, in some cases, the behavioral issues indicate something amiss. They may become subjected to mental health related problems owing to several factors. It is important for parents to keep an eye for indication of such issues. While parents may not be well versed in nuances of psychology, keen observation and basic knowledge of the topic can help them differentiate between casual teenage tantrums, mood swings from serious behavioral problems.
Commonplace Mental Health Disorders in Teens
The most commonplace mental health related disorders affecting the teens are:
- Depression
- ADHD
- Anxiety disorders ( includes panic disorder, PTSD, OCD)
Causes of Mental Health Disorders in Teens
There can be several causes that lead to the onset of complex mental health related problems in teenage boys and girls. The roots can lie in family, schools, friend circle or many other parts of life. The commonplace causes are:
- Sexual molestation and abuse – This can happen to both boys and girls during teenage. The culprits can be someone in family or school.
- Addiction – During teenage, a number of boys and girls get into addiction of drug and narcotic substances. When they cannot let it go and addiction grips in, that leads to development of disorders.
- Family violence – Teens growing up in a family where domestic violence takes place a lot, get mentally disturbed inwards. The instances of violence and their helplessness lead to the onset of mental health related problems.
[ Read: How to Help Your Child Recover From An Addiction ]
Ways to detect symptoms of mental health problems in teens
While teenagers may react differently to stress and everyone may not show the same symptoms, some common reactions can be seen in those affected by mental health disorders. These are:
- Extreme mood swings or overreacting to simple reactions.
- Sudden and unusual behavioral changes.
- Sudden drop in academic performance, often combined with reluctance to go to school.
- Concentration problems.
- Disinterest in everything.
- Preferring to stay in isolation most of the times.
[ Read: How To Fight Depression With Meditation ]
Need for treating teenage mental health disorders
As it is, teenage mental health related disorders need quick intervention to prevent risks of further deterioration. Without treatment, the issues simply get out of control, leading to ruin in academic life and onset of long term mental complexes. Some teens, who cannot open up to anyone or find themselves unable to cope up with stress any longer, end their life.
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Ways to treat teenage mental health disorders
There are several ways to help out teenagers coping with complex mental health related problems. The first thing they need is the assurance and support of their close ones. This can be provided either by parents or people they rely on.
Apart from parental support and compassion, teens suffering from such disorders benefit from:
- Professional counseling by veteran psychologists.
- Meditations and yoga sessions.
- Rehabilitation therapies (in cases of addiction related disorders)
- Certain medications for relieving stress and feelings of depression.
[ Read: How Yoga Can Help Relieve Depression ]