#adolescent-mental-health

#adolescent-mental-health

When I was in high school, there was a peer with a Napoleonic complex who loved to target anyone who stood out as "weak." One day, this lanky, glasses-wearing kid we'll call Brian, who, if you didn't know him, might think he was a complete nerd who would flee at any sign of conflict. An unprovoked verbal assault began following Brian up the hall. As the aggressor advanced, a particularly foul barrage of insults settled like a fog around Brian in the hallway.

Feeling isolated after loss from parental death is common for teenagers, but that doesn't make their situation any easier. In fact, it can complicate the grief process even more if teens don't have anyone else close to them in their life who also lost a parent. The loss can suddenly make them feel different from their peers, almost like an outcast. This is where a helpful positive coping mechanism exercise can benefit them.

Parents are often concerned that too much screen time (e.g., time spent looking at social media apps on smartphones, monitors while gaming, or TV while watching series or movies) may negatively affect the mental health of their kids. There is indeed ample psychological research that supports this idea. For example, a recent integration of meta-analyses containing data from more than 1.9 million people showed a statistically significant association between increased time spent on social media and depression

Let's be real: being a teenager isn't easy. You're balancing schoolwork, friendships, family expectations, and figuring out who you are, all while trying to keep up with the fast-paced world around you. On top of that, social media, the pressure to succeed, and even world events can all weigh your mood down. It's no surprise that many teens today are struggling with anxiety, stress, and emotional fatigue.

Back-to-school season can bring excitement as well as anxiety. Research consistently shows that transitions-whether starting a new grade, entering high school, or moving away to college-are major stress points for children and young adults. For kids already coping with depression or anxiety, these changes can feel especially overwhelming. As parents, we cannot prevent every stressor, but we can buffer our children against them by offering support, structure, and understanding.

The NSDUH revealed a one-third reduction in serious thoughts of suicide among 12 to 17-year-olds, dropping from 13% to 10%, contributing to a decline in tragic outcomes.

Addictive screen use significantly correlates with increased suicidal behaviors and mental health issues in youth, surpassing the effects of total screen time.

The Ice Bucket Challenge has returned, now focusing on mental health awareness, allowing participants to share personal struggles and promote safe spaces for discussion.