10 Signs That Indicate That A Teenager Has A Mental Disorder
We all know that adolescence is a stage of life full of changes and that, in many cases, problems and difficulties can arise.
Many teenagers They present changes and alterations in their moodin your body and in your daily behaviors and habits, but these are not the only factors that can explain the appearance of certain mental health problems.
It must be taken into account that Adolescents who have some type of mental health problem do not usually express their concern about it directly.so it can be difficult to realize that something bad is happening to them.
As part of the biochemical alterations inseparable from this life stage, adolescents often suffer severe changes in their mood, as well as the effects of volatile social relationships. It is at this time when we begin to disassociate ourselves from the protection of parents to begin to seek links with friends of our own age, and welcoming references in other areas of life: teachers, television idols, musicians…
A turbulent life stage
Although abrupt mood changes are quite common during adolescence, we must be careful, since They can warn us of an underlying mental health problem. If these mood changes are extreme, with violent behavior or frequent crying, we could be facing a case that requires professional intervention.
20% of adolescents, according to official figures, develop psychopathology. Most of them also debut before the age of fifteen, but are not referred to a mental health professional until years later, when the problem may have become entrenched and is more difficult to treat.
The 10 signs that indicate that a teenager has a mental health problem
In the words of Dr. Aaron Krasner, a psychiatrist specializing in adolescent behavior and director of the Life Service from Silver Hill Hospital in New Cannan, Connecticut, explains:
“Only one in five adolescents with mental health problems is detected and referred to the appropriate professional (psychiatrist or psychologist) to treat their need. There are cultural elements that hold us back from providing the necessary help to adolescents, and we must improve this.”
One of the ways to improve the detection of behaviors, habits and specificities of young people that can warn us that they have a psychological condition is to describe the 10 signs that can tell us that something is wrong.
1. Self-harm, suicide attempts or self-destructive behaviors.
2. Frequent changes in your physical health, or appearance.
3. Aggression, frequent anger and poor impulse control.
4. New groups of friends not recommended.
5. Changes in your body weight.
6. Neglect of your personal hygiene.
7. Inability to cope with daily problems or activities.
8. Flirt with alcohol or other drugs.
9. Episodes of threats and problematic relationships.
10. Frequent nightmares.
Other signs and observations to take into account
There are also other signs that, although they are not conclusive, can make us see that the adolescent may be suffering from a complicated situation. For example, if your school performance or behavior at home or at school has undergone a significant change.
Another obvious sign is depressive symptoms, especially when the mood and sadness last more than three weeks. This can also go hand in hand with poor appetite, sleep disorders or problems, and recurring thoughts about death, according to Krasner.
The importance of the family context
You must always keep in mind that Mental health problems during adolescence often have a negative impact on family dynamicswhich can cause tensions between several of its members. It is vitally important that the family stay together and do everything possible to improve the adolescent’s mood, both by promoting good harmony at home and by seeking professional help if circumstances require it.
If you know a teenager who is going through a bad time and presents some of the symptoms and signs described above, keep your communication open with them and consult with a mental health professional.
