Anxiety, depression, and eating disorders are common problems during adolescence
Adolescence is one of the most important stages in the formation of human personality and witnesses significant physical and psychological changes. Increasing the psychological security of adolescents and protecting them from harmful experiences is a crucial factor for the safety and physical and psychological health of adolescents .
Adolescence begins at age 10 and continues until age 19.
Adolescence is an important period for promoting and perfecting beneficial habits, such as a healthy sleep pattern, training and developing interpersonal skills, and learning to manage emotions.
Exposure of adolescents to repeated abuse or violence causes psychological problems and disorders.
The World Health Organization estimates that 10 to 20 percent of adolescents are exposed to mental disorders.
The adolescent may suffer from anxiety disorders, depression, or emotional disturbances that take the form of nervousness, frustration, or anger.
Younger adolescents may develop physical symptoms from psychological causes, such as abdominal pain, headaches, or nausea.
“Anxiety and Depression”
Anxiety, depression, and eating disorders are common problems during adolescence.
Anxiety is a natural feeling that the teenager feels as a result of the physical and psychological changes that happen to him, but when this anxiety turns into a constant feeling that affects the teenager’s performance and his involvement in his environment, here parents should talk . their children and strive to provide support and assistance.
An adolescent with anxiety or mood disorders may have physical symptoms such as periodic fatigue, chronic fatigue, dizziness, headaches or abdominal or chest pain, says Harvard University professor Sharon Levy.
Anxiety is the sixth leading cause of illness for teens ages 10-14. Depression is also the fourth leading cause of illness among adolescents between the ages of 15 and 19, according to a recent report by the World Health Organization published on November 19, 2021.
Depression is defined as a mood disorder that causes a persistent feeling of sadness, loss of satisfaction and interest in ordinary things and lack of focus, and can be accompanied by guilt, lack of interest and low self-esteem.
Emotional disorders can significantly affect a teenager’s academic performance.
Eating disorders, especially in girls, are also observed during adolescence. Eating disorders include an exaggerated focus on weight, body shape, and food quality.
Adolescents with eating disorders engage in harmful behaviors, such as eating less, emptying after meals, or using laxatives.
Untreated mental health or mental health problems can increase a teenager’s risk of suicide.
Suicide is one of the leading causes of death in adolescents.
Often, parents will not ignore a broken bone or a visible swelling in the chest. However, when it comes to the early signs of mental illness, the symptoms often persist without treatment for months or even years.
Some parents may not recognize the warning signs of adolescent mental disorder in their children. Some families may also fear that their son will be labeled a “psychopath” if they seek help.
But doctors agree that early intervention and proper treatment are key to helping your teen. Health experts point out that most mental disorders during adolescence are curable and that the real danger lies in not seeking specialized help, which exacerbates the simple disorder and turns it into a disease that requires longer periods of treatment.
“Sometimes, parents try to accept their suspicion that their teenager may have a mental illness,” says Amy Morin, a psychologist and mental strength trainer, in a medical article. But ignoring the problem is unlikely to solve it. In fact, without treatment, your teen’s mental health is likely to deteriorate. “
“Without proper treatment, your teen may be tempted to try self-medication. They may seek out drugs, alcohol, food or other unhealthy habits that temporarily relieve their pain. Ultimately, self-medication adds more problems in your teen’s life. ” says Maureen ..
“If your teen makes comments about wanting to hurt or kill himself, take it seriously. Do not assume that they are saying these things just to ‘get attention’ or ‘because they are angry.’ Take comments such as a warning sign. serious that your teen is suffering. ” confirms the psychologist.
Parents should observe their children during adolescence and try to embrace them, understand their problems, and seek help if signs of a psychological or mental disorder appear that need specialized help.
- How to protect our children from psychological crises during adolescence?
- How do we encourage our children to talk about their problems during adolescence?
- Do parents do enough to be close to their children during adolescence?
- Are some parents still afraid to seek professional help for their children?
- How did the problems of adolescence affect your personality?
We will discuss these and other topics with you in one episode FridayDecember 3rd.
He also discusses the BBC Extra programadolescence issues In a special podcast series entitled “my adolescence” Prepared by Mrs. Baqy and present Kwah cream. Can be heard through:https://www.bbc.com/arabic/podcasts/p0b3xdrj
The communication lines open half an hour before the program on the number 00442038752989.
If you would like to participate by phone, you can email your phone number to nuqtat.hewar@bbc.co.uk
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You can also watch episodes of the program through this link on youtube