Growing up has never been easy. The teenage years have always been fraught with conflict. And while today’s teens face the same problems they did decades ago – from the pressure to get good grades in school to those unrequited first loves – they are also forced to confront new challenges.
The digital dimension is added to the old spheres of school, family and friends, so the pressures they must deal with are multiplied. This new scenario amplifies doubts and challenges, adding layers of uncertainty, both for them and for those who accompany them on their journey.
As a parent, you’re probably also trying to make sense of a world that didn’t exist when you were a teenager, while trying to figure out how to be the safe haven your kids can turn to when they need it.
The worrying increase in mental disorders in adolescents
The mental health of adolescents is increasingly at risk. The World Health Organization warned that one in seven young people under the age of 19 suffers from some psychological problem . In just one decade, from 2011 to 2021, the number of adolescents who reported feelings of sadness and hopelessness practically doubled, going from 28% to 42%, according to a CDC study.
Suicide has now become the second leading cause of death among teenagers, and in the United States, drug overdose deaths at that stage of life have nearly tripled since 2018.
As if that were not enough, many of the most common mental disorders in adolescents are not diagnosed or treated. This is largely because parents tend to think that their children’s mood swings, personality changes, or changes in habits are typical of that stage of life, so they do not give them much importance.
In fact, it’s not always obvious that a teenager is struggling with a mental health problem. On the surface, they may seem to be doing fine: they get their usual grades, behave in a considerate and respectful manner at home, and spend time with their friends as usual. In fact, because feelings of anxiety or depression are often new to a teenager, they may even think they’re just part of growing up.
The good news is that most of the most common psychological disorders in adolescents can be prevented and cured. The key is to act quickly, rather than waiting months, to prevent the problem from becoming established and resistant to treatment.
The most common mental disorders in adolescents
Adolescence has always been a time of ups and downs, self-discovery and a lot of doubt. However, the weight that teenagers carry today seems to multiply, so many feel as if they are trying to stay afloat in a sea that never stops churning.
As a parent, you can’t shield your kids from everything or isolate them under a glass dome, but you can watch for warning signs. Mood swings, withdrawal, or constant irritability aren’t always “teenage stuff.” Understanding when something is no longer part of the process and is turning into a more serious problem is the first step toward getting them the help they need .
1. Anxiety
Anxiety disorders are the most common mental health problem in teenagers, affecting an estimated 32% of them. From post-traumatic stress to panic attacks, these psychological disorders can manifest themselves in different ways.
Anxiety does not only mean feeling nervous before an important exam, being shy or having difficulty speaking in public, this disorder can cause a significant deterioration in quality of life, making daily activities and studying an uphill struggle.
How to recognize its symptoms?
- You notice that your child is always worried, nervous or stressed.
- He becomes overwhelmed by activities he once enjoyed.
- He avoids social situations and goes out less with his friends.
- He has troubles concentrating and remembering things.
- He frequently complains of headaches or gastrointestinal pain.
- He has difficulty sleeping.
2. Behavioral disorders
Conduct disorder is a mental health problem that should not be taken lightly as it usually leads to destructive, antisocial and aggressive behaviour. It is estimated that it affects approximately 3.5% of adolescents and increases the risk of them eventually committing delinquent activities.
It’s not just a rebellious phase or a “thing that comes with age,” but harmful behavior that, if left unchecked, can spiral into harmful environments where their behavior is normalized, increasing the likelihood that they will drop out of school and get into legal trouble.
How to recognize its symptoms?
- Your child shows indifference to the feelings of others.
- Constantly challenges rules and regulations, both at home and at school or in society.
- Behaves in a hostile or even aggressive manner.
- He exhibits resentful or vengeful behavior.
- He is often absent from school.
- He shows no remorse or concern for the impact of his actions.
- Frequently lies or displays manipulative behavior.
3. Depression
From the outside, it might seem like teenagers don’t have any major worries or reasons to feel sad, but that’s not the case. Statistics indicate that 13% of them suffer from major depression. Academic pressure, hormonal changes, the need to fit in socially, and expectations of an uncertain future can become an emotional storm that is difficult to manage, especially for young people who don’t have much life experience.
Of course, we all have bad days, but depression goes much further than that. It’s not just about feeling sad from time to time, but rather a serious mental health problem that can deeply affect everyday life. Without proper support, this common mental disorder in teenagers can open dangerous doors, such as self-destructive thoughts, suicidal thoughts or the tendency to consume substances to numb the pain.
How to recognize its symptoms?
- You notice that your child gets tired easily.
- He appears irritable over trivial things.
- He feels sad and hopeless.
- Loses interest in things he once enjoyed.
- He isolates himself from family and friends.
- He has trouble concentrating.
- Changes in appetite or sleeping habits appear.
4. Eating disorders
Eating disorders, such as anorexia and bulimia nervosa, often appear during adolescence and early adulthood. It’s not just that your child is a picky eater; he or she develops a pathological relationship with food due to an exaggerated concern about his or her weight, appearance and body shape.
It is estimated that 1 in 100 adolescents suffer from anorexia nervosa and 4 in 100 have bulimia nervosa. These disorders should not be overlooked as they often lead to medical complications and, although it may not seem so, have one of the highest mortality rates among all mental disorders.
How to recognize its symptoms?
- He showes excessive concern about weight and body image.
- He feels fear of gaining weight, even if he’s below his ideal weight.
- Avoids eating in social settings.
- Restricts the amount of food eaten or, on the contrary, eats too much and then vomits.
- Reduces fluid intake.
- Starts exercising compulsively.
- Takes laxatives or diuretics.
5. Addictions
Substance abuse is not just a problem for adults. Teenagers are going through a very dangerous stage in which they begin to experience new things, including everything from alcohol to other types of drugs. Since their brains are not yet fully mature, they can not only develop addiction more quickly, but it can be more harmful.
However, the danger does not only come from substances. Studies carried out in different countries show that approximately 34% of teenagers are addicted to their smartphone and 25% to social networks. Neuroscientists from University College London have found that Internet addiction can also affect brain function in adolescence.
How to recognize its symptoms?
- Your child’s range of interests is restricted.
- His school grades drop and he loses interest in academic activities.
- He reduces his social life.
- Loses interest in his appearance.
- Gives up hobbies or sports he once enjoyed.
- Spends too much time in front of the screen, in the case of technological addictions.
- He is more irritable or in a worse mood.
- Sleeps too much or has insomnia.
What can parents do to deal with mental disorders in adolescents?
Mental disorders don’t discriminate. They can strike at any age, and there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Unlike adults, teens often lack the emotional tools to identify or verbalize what they’re feeling, making early detection and treatment essential.
What can parents do? Pay attention and listen to their children. It’s crucial that you don’t minimize their concerns. Teenagers face many challenges, from bullying and body image issues to struggles with gender identity.
If you notice that your child is not his old self, the first step is to try to figure out if it’s just a phase or something more serious. Of course, this is often easier said than done since most teenagers don’t talk much. If so, share your concerns with your child and let them know that you’re there to listen and support them, not to judge, punish or lecture them.
It’s also important to hold back the urge to want to “fix” things right away. It’s normal to want problems to go away, but phrases like “you’ll get over this,” “it’s just a moment in your life,” or “you’ll forget about it in two years ” aren’t very helpful. At that very moment, teenagers only sense that their entire world is collapsing around them and they don’t know what to do.
Sometimes just knowing that your parents care and are there to support you without criticism can make a big difference.
If the problem persists, it is important that you act quickly to prevent it from becoming entrenched. Consulting a psychologist may be the best way to get the support and treatment you need. This way, you will learn more assertive coping techniques that will serve you for life.
References:
Chang, M. Lee, I. (2024) Functional connectivity changes in the brain of adolescents with internet addiction: A systematic literature review of imaging studies. PLOS Ment Health; 1(1): e0000022.
(2022) Youth risk behavior survey data summary & trends report. In: CDC: 1-85.
Caner, N. et. Al. (2022) The contribution of social media addiction to adolescent LIFE: Social appearance anxiety.Curr Psychol; 41(12) :8424–8433.
Bhanderi, D. J. et. Al. (2021) Smartphone Use and Its Addiction among Adolescents in the Age Group of 16–19 Years Indian J Community Med; 46(1):88–92.
Leave a Reply