#shawleveryday2019 Day 57
While mental health issues can happen at any age, teens are especially vulnerable. A lot of changes are going on in their life, and things can get very stressful very quickly. It is estimated that 20-25% of teens experience mental illness and suicide is the 3rd leading cause of death for people ages 15-24. One of the first things you can do is be able to recognize signs of a potentially serious mental illness:
withdrawal from friends and social life
lack of enthusiasm, energy, or motivation
overreaction to criticism
poor self-esteem or guilt
anger and rage
changes in eating or sleeping patterns
indecision, lack of concentration or forgetfulness
sadness and hopelessness
substance abuse
If you think a teen you know is experiencing mental health issues, here are additional ways you can help:
talk openly about mental illness
be supportive, but not enabling
don't use dismissive or judgmental language
consult your pediatrician or primary care doctor, and potentially get a referral to a mental health specialist
Additional resources:
