Mental Health
Important mental health habits—including coping, resilience and good judgment—help adolescents to achieve overall wellbeing and set the stage for positive mental health in adulthood. Although mood swings are common during adolescence, approximately one in five adolescents has a diagnosable mental disorder, such as depression and/or “acting out” conditions that can include extremely defiant behavior. Friends and family can watch for warning signs of mental disorders and urge young people to get help. Effective treatments exist and may involve a combination of psychotherapy and medication. Unfortunately, less than half of adolescents who need mental health services receive them. MORE »
Resources
Depression triples between the ages of 12 and 15 among adolescent girls
Treatment Options for ADHD in Children and Teens: A Review of Research for Parents and Caregivers
Many Youths with Autism Not Employed or In College 2 Years After High School
Mental Health in the States
Spotlight
Youth Depression
The likelihood of depression in 15 year old girls is triple that of 12 year old girls.
DID YOU KNOW?
Almost one in five adolescents ages 12-17 who experienced a major depressive episode in 2009 also reported issues with illicit substance abuse.
