One of the most prominent things teens struggle with is their mental health. There are many different types of mental health problems a person can struggle with. There are more than 200 classified forms of mental illness. Some may be more common than others. A few examples would be depression, bipolar, dementia, schizophrenia, and anxiety disorders. Not only does mental health affect physical health, but untreated mental health problems can interfere with a person’s life greatly. Some ways mental health can affect a person’s life are through learning abilities, self-esteem, socialization, and important aspects of a child’s development. 

5 signs of mental illness

• Feeling sad or down all the time

• Extreme mood changes

• Loss of interest in things you love

• Uncontrollable emotions 

• Change in sleeping habits and eating habits

Anyone at any age can struggle with any kind of mental illness. Many of your friends, family, bosses, and co-workers, struggle with something in their life. Mental illnesses can be caused by stressful life situations, traumatic experiences, brain damage, and more. If you know someone that is struggling, or you are struggling, with any kind of mental illness; reach out for help. A lot of people might find it hard to talk to another person about themselves, their mental health, their past, or even current situations they are going through. But reaching out and asking someone for help can be way more helpful than harmful! 

5 ways to help yourself or someone else with mental illnesses

• Care for yourself 

• Talk about self-care with someone or even with yourself (write it own)

• Spend less time on your phone

• Try therapy 

• Have a positive mindset(you won’t get anywhere with being negative) 

If you are a guardian, parent, friend, or someone who knows someone that is struggling with their mental health and you would like to help there are many ways you can reach out to someone and help before anything gets worse.

Do’s and Don’t’s helping someone with a mental illness

• DO ask questions

• DON’T make comments like “You’re fine” or “Cheer up”

• DO listen with an open mind

• DON’T question their medical decisions

• DO help out with daily tasks

• DON’T say you know how they feel if you don’t

• DO encourage them to seek help

• DON’T pressure them

• DO be patient

• DON’T take it personally

Thanks for reading my article about teens’ mental health. Remember we are all human and all deal with something at some point in life. The way you deal with it is your choice!