Virtually every domain in an adolescent's life has an impact on a young person's mental health. Mental health affects almost every decision an adolescent makes about behavior and is a basic element in the life of every successful teen. Adolescence is the age when serious mental health problems may emerge, the most common being depression, attention and hyperactivity disorder and bipolar disorder.
Social and emotional well-being provides adolescents with a strong foundation
to make healthy choices. However, experts estimate that anywhere between 10 and
15 percent of all children and adolescents have symptoms of a mental health
disorder severe enough to cause some level of impairment. These conditions can
include: depression, substance abuse, post traumatic stress disorder, stress,
anxiety disorders, attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), bipolar
disorder and eating disorders (anorexia, bulimia, binge-eating)
Gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender or questioning (GLBTQ) youth also are at higher risk for mental health problems and poor access to care, especially among youth of color. Homeless teens also suffer disproportionately from issues concerning mental health. Adolescents that are GLBTQ and homeless are even more vulnerable. Differentiating normal adolescent behaviors from serious problem behaviors can also be challenging. Involvement of qualified mental health professionals is indicated for severe or chronic disorders or violent or self-destructive behavior.
BEST PRACTICES
Support Mental Health Services in Primary Care and School Settings Colorado has over 40 comprehensive school-based health centers, of which approximately 30 are in secondary schools.
Promote Integrated Community Initiatives Programs are more likely to be successful if they are comprehensive and intensive, and designed to address suicide and suicidal behavior as part of a broader focus on mental health, coping skills in response to stress, depression, substance abuse and aggressive behaviors.
Establish Programs That Promote Healthy Social Skills and Relationships Relationships of high quality have a beneficial impact on psychological health.
Support Effective Treatment Approaches Effective approaches that work to change a person's thoughts in order to change a behavior or emotional state, drug therapy and environmental strategies appear to reduce mental health disorders, including depression and anxiety.
