An estimated 49.5 percent of adolescents has had a mental health disorder at some point in their lives. This rate is rising during the last two years. The only good news is that promoting positive mental health can prevent some problems. We are seeing more teens self refer! We ask parents what brings you and more and more parents are reporting "my teen asked for help" or "wanted to see a therapist." This is great news as we are making progress in this generation in reducing stigma. Teens report to use they are sharing information from therapy with peers and more likely than ever to seek more support. For young people who do have mental health disorders, early intervention and treatment can help lessen the impact on their lives.
It is a normal part of development for teens to experience a wide range of emotions. It is typical, for instance, for teens to feel anxious about school or friendships, or to experience a period of depression following the death of a close friend or family member. However, mental health disorders are characterized by persistent symptoms that affect how a young person feels, thinks, and acts. Mental health disorders also can interfere with regular activities and daily functioning, such as relationships, schoolwork, sleeping, and eating.
Here is a list of symptoms:
Lose interest in activities that they used to enjoy
Have low energy
Have difficulty sleeping or eating
Spend more time alone and avoid social activities
Excessively exercise, diet, and/or binge eat
Harm themselves (e.g., burning or cutting their skin)
Use alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs
Engage in risky or destructive behavior
Have thoughts of suicide
Think their mind is being controlled or is out of control or hear things other people cannot hear
If you have any concerns about your teen, please call us today 619-549-0329 ext 0 to schedule an assessment. If you feel safety is at risk, please call the access and crisis line at 888-724-7240 or go to your nearest ER.
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