Understanding Teen Mental Health   

A dialogue to Secure Mind

The teens are challenging. You're struggling to make major choices to get close to you family, achieve well in school, and attract the others along. Most of these tensions seem inescapable; therefore, thinking about them is completely acceptable. Yet, suffering profound despair, feeling worthless, or helplessness may be indicators of a psychological disorder.

      What is mental health?

Our social, emotional, and psychological well-being have all been included in our mental health. It shapes our mindsets, emotions, and deeds and is essential to how we respond to stress, interact, and make decisions. All phases of life, from childhood and teenagers to adulthood, demand it.

            What are the key features of good mental health?

• Emotional Resilience: The capacity to handle stress and overcome hardship.1
• A positive self-image is characterized by a balanced and healthy sense of self-worth. 
• Healthy Relationships: Establishing and preserving bonds with people that are gratifying and supportive.
•  Effective stress management is the use of coping mechanisms and stress-reduction techniques.
• Balanced Emotions: Having a healthy range of emotions and expressing them.
•  Clear Thinking: The capacity for rational thought, wise decision-making, and efficient problem-solving.

       Here we may come to the most frequent questions:

       What contributes to teen suicide risk?

 Mental health disorders, such as anxiety and depression, are common among adolescents who   attempt or survive suicide. The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) reports that these   conditions can significantly affect teenagers' emotional and mental well-being. As a result, they  often struggle with adolescent stresses like rejection, failure, and family issues, and may not see their ability to make positive changes, viewing suicide as a permanent solution to temporary problems. Addressing these mental health issues is crucial for effective support.

        Which factors increase the risk of suicide in teenagers?

   It's necessary to note that teenagers frequently handle terrible health, physical, and life         circumstances without trying to harm themselves or commit suicide. However, it's a good idea to know about these risk factors. The following physical or medical conditions can increase a person's risk of suicide besides some situations in life.

                  1-Physical or Medical Conditions:

• Mental health conditions such as oppositional defiant disorder, bipolar disorder, depression, or anxiety.
• Alterations caused by puberty or a prolonged illness.
• Substance abuse issues.

               2-Situations in Life:

•       Family history of suicide, mood problems, or suicidal behaviors. 

•       Knowledge of a friend or family member’s suicide.

•       Past experiences with physical or sexual abuse, as well as exposure to aggression or harassment. The Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN) provides information on dealing with such experiences.

         How can I stop teenage suicide?

You have the power to protect your adolescent. Openly address mental health concerns and suicide to begin. Ask your teen straight out if they are experiencing difficulties or if they are feeling nervous or depressed. Make yourself available to support and listen. Recognize the warning indications of suicidal behavior or thoughts, and treat any talk of suicide with seriousness. Make sure your teen has supporting friends and family in order to discourage them from spending too much time alone. Talk to them about how they use social media and keep a lookout for any possible problems like cyber bullying, unreasonable comparisons, and peer pressure. Encourage a healthy lifestyle by pushing for a balanced diet, frequent exercise, and enough sleep. Assist your teen in adhering to their treatment plan to support the treatment process. For additional support, visit Mental Health America (MHA).

Watch this video to  get further information about how social media influences the mental & behavioral health of children age 13 to 17.

             What role does social media play in reducing teen suicide risk?

The younger generations have a keen interest in social media, using sites like Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok frequently. Research shows 90% of teens aged 13 to 18 use social media, with over 60% doing so regularly. While social media can foster connections and support, it also poses risks such as increased suicidal thoughts and behaviors.Positive social media use can strengthen relationships and offer support. However, some teens may experience negative effects like cyber bullying, harmful content, and unrealistic comparisons, which can worsen depression and anxiety.To prevent suicide, monitor and discuss your teen's social media use. Encourage positive interactions, limit exposure to harmful content, and ensure they have access to both online and offline support. Managing social media's effects can help reduce risks and support your teen's mental health.

     Conclusion

To prevent teen suicide and promote overall well-being, it's crucial to understand and support adolescent mental health. Identifying common conditions such as depression and anxiety, recognizing risk factors, and engaging in open conversations with teenagers are essential steps. Additionally, monitoring social media usage, encouraging a balanced lifestyle, and ensuring access to appropriate mental health resources can help reduce risks. By adopting a comprehensive and proactive approach, we can support teens in navigating the challenges of adolescence with resilience and confidence, ultimately improving their mental health and quality of life.