If you suspect your teen may have mental illness, you may be asking yourself how can you help, or what can you do?. Most parents will not ignore their teens physical health, in the same way it’s important to not let mental illness in teens go untreated. Sometimes however, there may be a lack of treatment for other reasons, such as parents not noticing the signs of mental illness or decline in their teen. Due to stigma some parents may be concerned about seeking help out of fear that their teen may be called “crazy” or being bullied. Early treatment can help your teen improve if you suspect they are suffering from mental illness. It is dangerous if you do not get your teen help, without help their mental health will continually decline which can be extremely dangerous. Without help your teen may try to self medicate, drug use and even possibly attempt suicide.
Mental Illness In Teens
Researchers have found that 49.5% of teens aged 13-18 will experience mental illness at some point in their lives. Listed below are some of the most common mental illnesses that affect teens.
- Anxiety disorders
- Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- Conduct disorder
- Eating disorders
- Major depression
- Mood disorders
- Panic disorder
SUMMARY
If you suspect your teen may be struggling with mental illness, it’s critical you act right away and search for professional help. A trained and licensed therapist will be able to help your teen find balance and return to good mental health again. Being able to talk with your teen about mental health without judgement is also very important for you and them.
Reference: https://www.verywellmind.com/what-to-do-if-you-think-teen-has-a-mental-illness-4109573
