Mental health encompasses our emotional, psychological, and social well-being, influencing our feelings, thoughts, and actions. Its significance spans every life stage, from childhood through adulthood. Experiencing mental health challenges throughout life can impact thinking, mood, and behavior. However, it’s important to differentiate between poor mental health and mental illness. While a person diagnosed with a mental illness may go through periods of mental, physical, and social well-being, poor mental health doesn’t necessarily equate to a mental illness.

Various factors contribute to mental health problems, including biological aspects such as genes or brain chemistry, life experiences like trauma or abuse, and a family history of mental health issues.

How Does Mental Health Affect Teens?

Adolescent mental health issues extend beyond mere feelings of sadness or distress, significantly impacting multiple aspects of a teen’s life. Teens grappling with poor mental health might encounter difficulties in school, decision-making, and overall health. Moreover, such problems often intertwine with other health and behavioral risks, increasing the likelihood of substance use, exposure to violence, and engaging in risky sexual behaviors. Given that many health behaviors formed during the teen years persist into adulthood, fostering good mental health in adolescents becomes crucial.

Early Warning Signs

Identifying early indicators of mental health problems can be pivotal. Signs like withdrawing from usual activities or people, feeling emotionally numb or indifferent, experiencing helplessness or hopelessness, excessive smoking, drinking, or drug use, and disrupted eating or sleeping patterns can signify a developing issue.

How to Help Others?

Supporting someone dealing with mental health challenges involves providing a space for them to express their feelings and offering a listening ear. Letting them know you’re there for them whenever they’re ready to talk is essential. Reassurance about their not being alone holds great significance. While you might desire to delve deeper into their thoughts and feelings or prompt them to seek immediate help, it’s crucial to respect their pace in seeking support.

References:
What is mental health? What Is Mental Health? | MentalHealth.gov. (n.d.). Retrieved January 14, 2023, from https://www.mentalhealth.gov/basics/what-is-mental-health

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021, June 28). About mental health. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved January 14, 2023, from https://www.cdc.gov/mentalhealth/learn/index.htm

How to help someone seek mental health support. Mind. (n.d.). Retrieved January 14, 2023, from https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/guides-to-support-and-services/seeking-help-for-a-mental-health-problem/helping-someone-else-seek-help/