Typical erratic, hormonal, dramatic teenage behavior can be difficult to distinguish from an adolescent who is in need of mental health therapy. It is simple for parents to think their child is moving through a stage or having an issue with peers that will pass with time.
Teenagers often present with a mood disorder, such as depression, in a different way than an adult might expect. And in the midst of the difficult teenage years, the combination of mood changes and behavioral issues are easily missed. Unfortunately, for a rising number of families, overlooking the signs may have life-threatening consequences.
Depression and Suicide Are Ever-Increasing Problems for Teens
Mental illness is a problem we tend to think of as an adult issue; however, 50 percent of psychological disorders develop before someone turns 14 years old. One out of every 12 teens between the ages of 12 and 17 are diagnosed with clinical depression. These adolescents typically suffer with symptoms for at least six months before any intervention is received. Since suicide is the third-leading cause of death for young people aged 15 to 24, half a year of fighting a losing battle with undiagnosed depression may be too long to wait for many.
Tips for Parents to Prevent Depression in Their Teens
Dr. Kenneth Ginsburg from the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia wrote “A Parent’s Guide to Building Resilience in Children and Teens.” He believes that raising kids with as many positive coping skills as possible is the best way to fend off depression. The more skills teens have to bolster themselves through the difficulties of an increasingly complex world, the better their chances of avoiding issues with their mental health. Parents can do this by:
- Lead by example; when they themselves hit a rough spot, they can use positive coping strategies.
- Focus on emphasizing balance in life; in other words, don’t ever encourage your child to only have one positive outlet.
- Help them understand their aim should be to please themselves not their parents, so they can learn to find their own strengths.
- The moment you think there might be a problem, get your child evaluated by a professional; err on the side of caution when it comes to your child’s mental health.
The American Academy of Pediatrics has developed an interactive website with Dr. Ginsburg’s information. The site is equipped with tools for parents and the ability for teens to develop their own stress management plan.
If your teen needs help with a mental health issue, contact us today. We can help answer any questions you may have about treatment of mental disorders in adolescents.
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