Adolescence can be a challenging time for young people. Many battle insecurities as they struggle to fit in with their peers, making them emotionally vulnerable. Factors like social ostracization, a poor self-image, bullying, family conflict, racial injustice, eating disorders, and substance abuse can trigger or worsen a mental health issue.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report that the most common mental health problems that affect adolescents include depression, substance abuse, and suicidal ideation. World Health Organization (WHO) researchers estimate up to twenty percent of adolescents worldwide have serious mental health issues that go undiagnosed or treated.
The numbers are disturbing. CDC statistics for 2018 to 2019 regarding adolescents and mental health issues indicate:
- Over 15 percent had at least one major depressive episode.
- Almost 37 percent experienced persistent sadness or hopelessness.
- About 19 percent seriously considered suicide, over 15 percent made a suicide plan, and almost 9 percent attempted suicide.
- A significant number struggled with a substance use disorder, including prescription or illicit drugs, alcohol, or a combination.
Besides the factors noted above, studies strongly suggest members of the LGBTQI community are particularly vulnerable to mental health issues. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) states, “LGB adults are twice as likely as heterosexual adults to experience a mental health condition.” NAMI also warns transgender youths are twice as likely to consider and attempt suicide.
Why Are Adolescent Mental Health Issues Increasing?
Recognizing the steep rise in adolescent mental health issues, in 2021, the American Academy of Pediatrics, along with the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and the Children’s Hospital Association, declared a national emergency in child and adolescent mental health, stressing the critical need for more mental health resources targeting young people.
Many experts believe the fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic and the increasing use of social media are two crucial factors driving the rise in adolescent mental health issues.
COVID-19 Pandemic
Research conducted since the onset of COVID-19 finds a correlation between the stress and forced isolation resulting from the pandemic and an increase in adolescent mental health issues. Isolation from peers, loss of face-to-face support systems, disrupted routines, and fear of the unknown are factors known to trigger mental health and substance abuse problems.
Isolation and resulting loneliness are especially challenging for young people. A review published in the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (JAACAP) states that “loneliness is associated with mental health problems, including depression and anxiety-potentially affecting them [children and adolescents] years later.”
The study found that about one-third of adolescents reported “high levels of loneliness” and increased depression and anxiety during Covid-related or other periods of social isolation.
Social Media and Adolescent Mental Health
While maintaining contact with friends via social media can be positive, there can also be a dangerous downside. Obsessively posting photos that portray their appearance and lifestyle as enviable and privately agonizing over whether their life circumstances compare favorably with their peers can cause anxiety, depression, eating disorders, and even suicidal thoughts in adolescents.
Social media also provides an accessible forum for cyberbullying. One of the many studies looking at cyberbullying and adolescent mental health found hostile or cruel posts to be “associated with moderate to severe depressive symptoms, substance use, ideation, and suicide attempts.” The study concluded victims of cyberbullying have higher rates of emotional, social, and other mental health issues.
Research finds parents are increasingly concerned about their children’s use of social media, fearing it adversely affects their ability to socialize normally. In a recent survey, 67 percent of parents believe their teen is addicted to social media.
Tips for Parents
If you are worried your child has a mental health or substance abuse issue, contact your family doctor or mental health professional to learn the warning signs of a problem, the steps you can take, and how to talk to your child about it.
The National Institute of Mental Health Children and Mental Health provides helpful information for parents on recognizing mental health issues in children and how to access help.
The Society for Adolescent Health and Medicine also has extensive mental health resources for parents of adolescents and young adults.
If you are a parent, a teen, or you know a teen in crisis, call 988, the emergency number for the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
Mental health issues are highly treatable. Contact New England Medical Group to learn how we can help your child successfully manage issues threatening their health and happiness.
