Mental Health seems to be in the news a lot lately. This is because May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Mental health issues are more common than we think, yet we never talk about them. What is more common than we think are teen mental health issues and how they go unrecognized.
A teenager’s brain is complicated because they are still developing. The complication is because their brain develops from the back to the front (hence why they do not think about consequences before they act). While they are developing they are also going through Erikson’s Theory of trying to figure themselves out by trying new things, doing almost anything to fit in, or pushing boundaries. This is normal, and some kids have it figured out sooner than others.
While teens are going through this, they could also have a mental health problem that would affect their ability to do the above. Some of the signs are:
- Decline in grades
- Decline in interest of activities, hobbies, or their favorite things
- Constant worrying or anxiety
- Fidgeting or hyperactivity
- Refusal to go to school or activities
- Persistent disobedience or aggression
- Temper tantrums
- Depression, sadness or irritability
Early detection and getting help sooner will make all the difference for your teen. If you are seeing one or more of these occurring with your teen, talk to your doctor.
