Psychiatrist Help Teenagers With Mental Health
Mental health issues are a big problem in today’s society. According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, as many as one in five children will suffer from some form of mental illness at some point during their childhood. The good news is that there are many things parents can do to help reduce the risk factors for their kids, such as instilling healthy habits into their routine and encouraging them not to use drugs or alcohol before they’re 18. Psychiatrists also play an essential role in helping teenagers with mental health issues and should be sought out if necessary.
A recent study by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has found that mental health issues are rising among teenagers. The CDC reports that 9% of teens have a major depressive episode, 16% suffer from an anxiety disorder, and 11% have an attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Mental health problems can be caused by many different factors such as genetics, environment, trauma or abuse in childhood, bullying at school or home.
As a parent, how do I know if my teenage child is suffering from mental health issues like depression?
Do you have a child who is struggling with mental health? Are they refusing to go to school or wanting to stay in bed all day? These are signs of depression. Depression can happen at any age, and your child must know this. If they’re feeling suicidal, then please don’t hesitate, call 911 immediately! There are ways that we as parents can help our children deal with their mental illnesses. You might need professional help from a psychiatrist. Psychiatrists will diagnose the disorder and prescribe medication if necessary. They’ll also talk through family issues and advise on managing symptoms so your teenager can function OK again in society. It’s not often talked about, but teens do have a mental illness just like adults do.
Here are the few signs that your child is suffering from depression:
- They have a hard time getting out of bed in the morning
- They are always tired and draggy
- They start to feel guilty about everything they do, even things that don't make sense
- Their grades drop significantly, or they stop coming to school altogether
- They withdraw from friends and family members (they may not want anyone to know how bad they're feeling)
- The person starts talking about suicide, death, or other morbid topics more often than usual
There are many ways that parents can help their teenagers cope during this challenging time in life. Here are some tips a Psychiatrist suggests for parents of teenagers:
- You should create a safe environment for your teen and try not to overreact when they do something wrong. This will reassure them that they have someone on their side which accepts them unconditionally even if they make mistakes.
- Don't forget about the importance of family activities together like going out to eat, watching movies, or playing games together as a way to connect.
- Communicate regularly about how they are feeling, what they are thinking, and what is going on in their lives.
- Listen to their concerns with empathy and respect.
- Encourage your child to develop interests outside the home Make time each day for quality one-on-one time with your teen
How Does A Psychiatrist Diagnose A Teenager With Mental Health?
A psychiatrist diagnoses and treats emotional, cognitive, behavioral, and thought disorders. Psychiatrists are experts at determining if any underlying physical conditions are causing the symptoms. The process of diagnosing a teenager can be long because doctors need to rule out any other medical condition before diagnosing them with a mental disorder. Doctors will also want to know about their family history and past experiences contributing to their current behavior.
The diagnoses can vary from ADHD to depression and everything in between. A teenager with a mental illness may have trouble focusing, paying attention, or controlling impulses that lead to fights at school or things being broken around the house. For teens, mood swings are normal, but they should manage them better than an adult might.
Dr. Mitchell’s experience in psychiatry has taught him that many teenagers need help with mental health issues, but they often don’t know where to turn for professional advice. It is not uncommon for teens to feel like they are the only ones experiencing what they are going through. It can be challenging to find someone who understands their feelings; isolation is common among many teens struggling with mental health issues. Dr. Mitchell helps these adolescents by listening without judgment and providing them with resources that will help them address their problems head-on to have a better quality of life!
