Differentiating between normal teenage growing pains and depression isn’t easy. But here are a few of the signs and symptoms to be aware of.
Mental health is just as important as physical health and requires the same attention and care, yet it is often stigmatized and overlooked. It is common for teens to experience various mental health issues, such as anxiety, depression, and stress, especially in today’s fast-paced and high-pressure society. Seeking mental health treatment is a sign of strength, not weakness.
not weakness.
If you are a teen struggling with mental health issues, it is essential to know that you are not alone and that you do not have to suffer in silence. It takes courage to reach out for help, and it is the first step toward healing and improving your quality of life.
Talking to a parent, teacher, or school counselor, is an excellent place to start. It may sound bogus, but they can provide support and/or connect you with a Mental Health professional. If you don’t feel there’s an adult around you whose opinion you actually value, remember that there are also online resources available, such as hotlines and support groups, that have trained professionals available to help 24/7.
If you are a teen struggling with mental health issues, know that help is available. Reach out to a trusted adult, seek professional help, and take care of yourself. Remember, you are not alone, and it is okay to NOT be okay.
Big subject. I don’t really know about it. But Thanks to write about it
Greetings Fanny,
With me mentoring teens and young adults, this is a topic that’s usually close to my mind…. and one of the reasons behind creating Orphans of Pyrah.
What a beautiful illustration of such a sad and important subject. I am curious to know how much social media use contribute to teen depression? And how to help if these signs and symptoms are noticed?
Thank you for bringing this up.
Margareta
Greetings Margareta,
The CDC puts out reports periodically, the latest one everyone has an opinion on is
CDC report shows concerning increases in sadness…
There’s more coming out all the time from research companies and universities, like
The Impact of Social Media on Teens’ Mental Health (Univ Utah) and
Nearly half of California adolescents report mental health difficulties (UCLA)
The New York Times even has an article about what students think about the CDC report as well called What Students Are Saying About the C.D.C. Report on Teen Sadness (NYTimes)
Social media can have a huge impact on mental health, both positive and negative. I don’t think anyone honestly believes that social media has zero impact on teen mental health. I think most people agree that it’s fair to say that social media is a significant contributing factor.
The statistics show that while it can be a great way to stay connected with friends and family, it can also lead to feelings of isolation and depression. Ultimately, it’s important to be mindful of how much time is spent on social media and to remember to take breaks and focus on activities that can help improve mental health.
Love the illustrations 🤗