According to some statistics, the number of adolescents who have a diagnosable mental health issue in the United States is one out of five. The numbers may be staggering, but are reflective of a society where this period of growth is marked by dramatic changes and life altering choices. The amount of stress combined with fluctuating hormone levels, creates a fertile breeding ground for issues of adolescent mental health in Minneapolis.
The disorders that affect teens in Minneapolis and elsewhere across America vary. This does not make them unique. They are found in the adult population as well. Yet, some adolescent mental health disorders are more prevalent than others are. These are depression, bipolar disorder and generalized anxiety disorder.
Adolescent Mental Health: Major Depression
Teen depression is a form of mood disorder. It is classified as a major depression because of its severe nature. While everyone gets depressed, it does not last for an extended period. Major depression in teens does.
While more commonly manifested in teenage girls, it can and does appear in males. The symptoms in both genders are identical. The overall characteristics are persistent and very intense negative emotions. This adolescent mental health problem consists more of irritability than sadness. Hostility also appears among affected teens. Overall symptoms to watch for include:
1. Headaches
2. Stomachaches
3. Indications the teen feels alone, worthless and/or helpless
4. The teen has problems concentrating
5. Extreme disinterest or fatigue
6. Crying bouts occur with frequency
7. Suicidal thoughts
8. Preoccupation with death
9. Hypersensitivity
Adolescent Mental Health: Bipolar Disorder
A mood disorder, this type of adolescent health issue involves a lack of balance in the brain’s regulation of moods. The teen swings from a very good (or irritable) mood to depression and back again. The switch from mania to depression can be rapid. Such episodes (or cycles) may be frequent or occur years apart. A teen is likely to experience a depressive or more than one depressive cycle before swinging to the manic episode. The frequency and pattern help to classify what type of bipolar disorder is affecting your teen.
Adolescent Mental Health: Generalized Anxiety Disorder
This is an anxiety disorder not a mood disorder. Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is characterized by excessive anxiety and worry – even when there is no indication such actions are existing. Such emotions are not limited to a single episode. They are repeated over a lengthy period. This adolescent health issue is exhausting both mentally and physically. It creates problems socially, emotionally and physically at school and at home in Minneapolis, Miami, Philadelphia, New York and in other urban and rural communities.
Treating Adolescent Mental Health Disorders
Adolescence is a very trying time for both teens and their families. While some teens seem to escape unscathed, many do not. They suffer from anxiety, bipolar disorder and depression. If your child or family member exhibits any signs or symptoms of any of these types of adolescent mental health issues, make sure they receive the help and support they need to overcome it.
If you need adolescent mental health treatment in Minneapolis, then you will need to contact “Company Name” for more information.
