Home » How to Help Your Teen Struggling With Mental Health Issues
The Recovery Village aims to improve the quality of life for people struggling with a substance use or mental health disorder with… read more
As the content manager at Advanced Recovery Systems, Melissa Carmona puts years of writing and editing… read more
Kevin Wandler is the chief medical officer at Advanced Recovery Systems. With more than 30 years of experience in addiction medicine,… read more
With each new generation come new challenges or different versions of the same struggles that have affected teens for decades. Bullying, peer pressure, body shaming, negative self-perception — the list of teen issues goes on and on. As a parent, you might have your own list from when you were young, but you may be unsure if it fully equips you to help your teen through their own difficulties. Many of the challenges adolescents face involve mental health issues, some of which have the potential to lead to drug abuse as a coping mechanism. But how much do you know about these issues? Do you know the signs to look for or how to effectively help your teen?
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, approximately 49.5% of all teens between the ages of 13 and 18 had any mental disorder with an estimated 22.2% with severe impairment. This includes mood, behavior, and anxiety disorders. Your teen is not alone in their struggles. You’re not alone either, and it’s important that you both always keep that in mind while exploring your treatment options.
Mental illnesses like depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder affect thousands of teens across the country every year. These statistics point to their prevalence — and the need for compassionate counsel and care from loved ones.
“Are you a friend, relative or partner of a teen with mental illness? There are ways you can help that show you care. “
Mental illness can often fuel eating disorders, drug or alcohol abuse, and suicidal thoughts. If you’re worried that your teen’s mental illness has led to substance abuse or an eating disorder, reach out to The Recovery Village. Our facilities provide comprehensive, confidential treatment for substance use, mental health, and eating disorders, so your teen can get back on track to wellness.
Need immediate advice or a listening ear? Representatives on these hotlines are always available to take your call and offer advice.
National Parent Helpline
https://www.nationalparenthelpline.org/
1-855-427-2736
National Crisis Text Line
https://www.crisistextline.org/
Text 741741 to be connected to a trained crisis counselor
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/
800-273-TALK (8255)
The Recovery Village aims to improve the quality of life for people struggling with a substance use or mental health disorder with fact-based content about the nature of behavioral health conditions, treatment options and their related outcomes. We publish material that is researched, cited, edited and reviewed by licensed medical professionals. The information we provide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider.