Intervention in Addressing the Mental Health Crisis Among Teens

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Intervention in Addressing the Mental Health Crisis Among Teens

Teen Mental Health – Mental health issues among teens require special attention. According to the 2022 Indonesia-National Adolescent Mental Health Survey (I-NAMHS), approximately 15.5 million, or 1 in 3 teens (34.8%), in Indonesia experience mental health problems. This data reflects the urgency of this issue and highlights that teen mental health is a topic that cannot be ignored.

The World Health Organization (WHO) also reports that 1 in 7 children aged 10–19 years experience psychological problems, with depression, anxiety, and behavioral disorders being the leading causes of mental health issues among teens. This underscores that teen mental health problems are a global phenomenon requiring serious attention.

Causes of Mental Health Issues Among Teens

The causes of mental health issues among teens are varied and often complex. Here are some of the main factors:

• Parenting Style: Excessive pressure or overprotectiveness from parents can cause stress in teens, leading to mental health problems.
• Identity Crisis: Teens often face identity crises or struggle with self-discovery, which can trigger mental health issues.
• Social Media: Misleading perceptions on social media can affect teen mental health, creating pressure to meet unrealistic standards.
• Environment and Discrimination: Pressure from the surrounding environment or gender discrimination can increase the risk of mental health problems.
• Unstable Family Life: Unstable family conditions are a major risk factor.
• Economic and Social Problems: Poor economic and social conditions can negatively impact teen mental health.
• Bullying and Sexual Violence: Experiences of bullying or sexual violence can result in trauma and mental health disorders.

Understanding the Various Mental Health Disorders in Teens

Mental health disorders in teens can be categorized based on symptoms and impacts. According to the WHO, common disorders among teens include:

• Eating Disorders

  • Anorexia Nervosa: Excessive fear of weight gain leading to unhealthy eating behaviors.
  • Bulimia: Overeating followed by actions to prevent weight gain, such as vomiting or using laxatives.
  • Binge-Eating Disorder: Compulsive overeating, often as a response to stress.

• Behavioral Disorders

  • ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder): Disorder affecting attention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.
  • Conduct Disorder: Behavioral patterns that violate social norms.
  • ODD (Oppositional Defiant Disorder): Defiant and aggressive behavior toward authority.
  • ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder): Developmental disorder affecting social interactions and communication.

• Psychosis

  • Hallucinations: Perceptions of things that are not real.
  • Delusions: Strong beliefs in things that are not real.
  • Schizophrenia: Serious disorder involving dysfunction in thinking, emotions, and behavior.

• Emotional Disorders

  • Anxiety Disorders: Excessive and persistent anxiety.
  • Depression: Deep sadness and loss of interest in activities.
  • Specific Phobias: Excessive fear of specific objects or situations.

• Risky Behaviors

  • Substance Abuse: Use of harmful substances without considering the negative consequences.
  • Sexual Risk-Taking: Engaging in sexual activity without considering the risks or consequences.
  • Alcohol Abuse: Excessive and risky alcohol consumption.

• Self-Harm and Suicidal Behavior

  • Self-Harm: Injuring oneself as a way to cope with stress.
  • Suicidal Thoughts: Thoughts or desires to commit suicide due to overwhelming stress.

The Importance of Maintaining Teen Mental Health

Mental health issues in teens often go undiagnosed early and tend to be overlooked. However, these issues can negatively affect emotional, social, and even physical development. Untreated cases can lead to suicide.

Awareness and early intervention are critical. Parents should consult a psychologist or psychiatrist if they notice changes in their teen’s behavior, thinking patterns, or mood that seem unusual. Consultations can be done in person or via teleconsultation services, which allow virtual discussions with health professionals.

Recognizing and understanding teen mental health issues is the first step in providing the necessary support. Timely and appropriate interventions can help teens cope with the challenges they face, prevent long-term effects, and promote their well-being.