Teen Mental Illness cannot be ignored.

Teen mental illness cannot be excused away as “they are just being a teenager.”

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), one in five children ages 13-18 experiences a mental health disorder in a given year. Yet, less than half of these children receive treatment. This is often because teens with mental illnesses often go undiagnosed and untreated. The problem is that these illnesses can seriously impact a teen’s life, both academically and socially. This blog post will discuss some of the most common mental illnesses teens experience in schools. 

1) Anxiety Disorders

Anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness among teens. According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA), they affect 25% of teenagers. Common symptoms include excessive worry, racing heart, sweating, and difficulty sleeping. These can make it hard for a teen to focus in school or participate in social activities. 

Anxiety disorders can be treated with medication and/or therapy. If you think your teen may have an anxiety disorder, it is essential to talk to a doctor or mental health professional.

You can also do things at home to help your teen manage their anxiety. For example, encourage them to exercise regularly, get enough sleep, and eat a healthy diet. You should also try to create a calm and supportive environment at home.

2) ADHD

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a mental illness that affects around 11% of school-aged children, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). ADHD can make it hard for teens to focus and pay attention in school. They may also have difficulty controlling their impulses and may be overly active. This can lead to problems with grades, friendships, and behavior. 

ADHD is typically treated with medication, though behavioral therapies can also be effective. If you think your teen may have ADHD, it is essential to talk to a doctor or mental health professional about the different ADHD Treatment services available.

You can also do things at home to help your teen manage their ADHD. Help them create a routine and stick to it. For example, make sure they get enough exercise and sleep. It would help if you also tried to limit distractions in the home, such as TV and video games.

3) Depression

Depression is a serious mental illness that affects around 20% of teenagers, according to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). Depression can cause teens to feel sad and hopeless and lose interest in activities they once enjoyed. It can also lead to problems with sleeping, eating, and concentration. This can impact a teen’s school performance and social life. 

Depression is typically treated with medication and/or therapy. If you think your teen may be suffering from depression, it is essential to talk to a doctor or mental health professional about the different treatment options available.

You can also do things at home to help your teen manage their depression. For example, encourage them to exercise regularly, get enough sleep, and eat a healthy diet. You should also try to create a supportive environment at home.

These are just a few mental illnesses teens experience in schools. If you think your teen may have a mental illness, you must talk to a doctor or mental health professional about the different treatment options available. 

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