It can be difficult for parents to determine whether their teenager has mental health challenges or if they’re going through a phase. As children become teenagers their personalities begin to change and they may become more moody or aggressive. 

However, there are certain signs you need to look out for because there could be an underlying issue and your teen may be silently crying out for help. This article will give you valuable information on what type of health problems are most prevalent in teenagers and what signs you should look out for.

You can then provide your child with the proper help and treatment needed if they’re suffering from any form of mental health issue.  

Mental Health Problems Most Prevalent In Teens 

According to the World Health Organization depression and anxiety are the leading causes of mental illnesses in adolescents. The same study shows that 13% of children aged between 10 and 19 suffer from mental disorders. 

Furthermore, other disorders are prevalent among teenagers such as panic attacks, eating problems, psychosis, and sleeping problems. Adolescents with mental health concerns need professional evaluations to determine what the cause is and the proper treatments to help them. 

What Causes These Mental Health Problems? 

There are several reasons why teenagers can develop mental health conditions and not all of it is related to their surroundings. In this section, you’ll find the most common causes of mental disorders. 

Genetics 

Studies show that genetics can be the cause of certain mental conditions such as schizophrenia. Additionally, a multitude of genes can contribute to the onset of depression and bipolar disorder. Therefore, if the parents of a teenager have depression, anxiety, or bipolar, the child has a higher risk of also developing these disorders.  

Drugs and Alcohol 

Teenagers sometimes use drugs and alcohol as coping mechanisms when they’ve been exposed to trauma or violent environments. These substances can cause a decline in mental health because they disrupt parts of the brain or affect brain chemicals. 

Social Media 

Adolescents are extremely impressionable and they tend to pick up on current trends quickly on social media. Sometimes they compare themselves to others which can cause a sudden drop in their self-esteem and happiness. Online bullying can also cause anxiety and depression in teenagers. 

Environmental Factors 

Violent households or being around people who take drugs or drink alcohol can affect a teenager’s mental health. It may also cause emotional detachment disorders and suicidal ideation. Growing up in a broken home can lead teenagers to become potential criminals or develop anti-social behaviors.   

Signs Your Teen Needs Help 

Behavioral changes in teenagers can be fleeting if it’s connected to hormonal fluctuations. However, there are some common signs you need to be aware of that point to your child having behavioral problems or a mental health condition. 

Extreme Mood Swings 

Extreme mood swings are rapid changes in a teenager’s emotional state. For example, your child may be happy and excited and then suddenly feel angry and agitated by the slightest inconvenience. Stress and exhaustion are common causes of sudden mood changes. 

Problems with Sleep

Sleeping too much or having trouble with insomnia could be symptoms of anxiety or severe depression. Intense depression can either be caused by chemical reactions in the brain or environmental factors like peer pressure from friends or abuse. 

Violent Outbursts 

A sure sign your teenager needs help is if he or she frequently shouts, throws things, or hurts others out of anger or frustration. This could be another sign of depression or extreme stress. You may need to take your child for therapy to help them with their anger issues and provide them structure in their daily lives. 

Substance Abuse 

Teenagers who have mental health problems can also have substance abuse disorder. They’ll take heavy drugs to cope with their stress or to numb how they truly feel. Your child will need rehabilitation at a residential treatment center and therapy from a mental health professional if they abuse drugs. 

Loss of Interest in Activities or Socializing 

Another sign your child needs help is if he or she isolates themselves and suddenly has lost interest in socializing with friends or taking part in activities they once enjoyed. They spend excessive time in their rooms and refuse to speak to friends and family. 

Sudden Academic Issues 

A sudden drop in grades is a common sign that your child has lost interest in their school work and future opportunities. Some teenagers may even skip school and won’t care about the consequences of their actions. 

Self Harm

Do you frequently find cuts on your child’s arms or legs? This could be a sign that your teen is harming themselves. The only way to find out what’s causing your child to self-harm is to take them to a professional therapist for evaluation.  

Final Thoughts – How We Can Help Troubled Teens

Are you worried about your teenager’s sudden change in behavior? If your child has shown any of the signs mentioned in this article they will need professional help. Contact Help Your Teen today so we can find the best therapy and rehabilitation programs to help your teen with their mental health struggles. 

We offer behavioral and family therapy as well as boot camps and even military schooling for teens who need discipline in a safe and controlled environment. Let us know what your needs are so we can present you with the best packages for your teen.