In recent years, America’s teenagers have experienced a notable increase in mental health risks. This increase is a warning sign for both today and the future. That’s true because of the many potential consequences of poor mental well-being. Fortunately, there are ways you can support your teen and help them feel better. In some cases, you may be able to do this independently. However, you may also need the guidance and care an adolescent mental health treatment program provides.
Imagine Fort Collins offers mental health services for teens in Colorado. Call 888.291.2309 to learn more about how we can help your teen improve their mental health.
The Scope of America’s Teen Mental Health Crisis
Serious mental health issues are not uncommon among U.S. teens. Research shows that more than a third of all teenagers have persistent hopelessness or sadness. More than one in every 10 teens qualifies for an official depression diagnosis. In addition, roughly one in every three has a diagnosable anxiety disorder. Other relatively common issues include:
- Severe substance abuse or addiction
- Suicidal thinking and planning
- Actual suicide attempts
Anyone can be affected by these kinds of teen mental health concerns. However, certain groups bear a disproportionate risk. Those groups include girls and African-Americans. They also include LGBTQ+ teenagers.
The Importance of Maintaining Good Adolescent Mental Health
Sound mental health is vital for all adolescents. That includes teens not affected by a severe or diagnosable problem. Why? Subpar adolescent mental health can contribute to issues that include:
- Poor performance in school
- Difficulty thinking clearly or making good decisions
- Lack of adequate sleep
- Decreased physical health
Other notable problems are also associated with teenage mental health issues. For example, these issues can increase your child’s risk for exposure to violence. They can also play a role in the development of risky sexual behaviors. In addition, teens with poor mental health are more likely to start drinking or taking drugs.
Teen Mental Health’s Impact on Adult Life
How teens habitually think, feel and behave tends to establish a pattern for the future. Robust mental health in adolescence makes healthy adult cognitive function more likely. In contrast, poor mental health as a teen can help set your child up for even more significant problems in adulthood.
How Mental Health Services for Teens Can Help
If you think your child is experiencing significant mental health issues, it might be time to consult a specialist. Today, a full range of mental health services for teens are available. These services support recovery from even the most severe kinds of issues.
Where should you begin? If your child is involved in suicidal thinking or behavior, you must call a crisis hotline immediately. In other circumstances, you can consult a doctor or teen mental health specialist. These professionals can spot severe problems and recommend how to treat them.
Customized treatment programs are available for all diagnosable mental health concerns. Psychotherapy is a common element in the typical recovery plan. Medication also frequently plays an important role. In addition, your child may benefit from supportive options such as family therapy or trauma therapy. Your teen’s treatment team will help you make appropriate choices.
Learn More About Maintaining Good Teen Mental Health in Colorado at Imagine Fort Collins
Want to know more about why it’s essential to pay attention to your child’s mental health? The experts at Imagine Fort Collins can help. We understand the many challenges that can interfere with teenagers’ mental well-being. We also know how to cope with those challenges and help your teen thrive.
You can also turn to Imagine for specialized mental health care for adolescents. Our deep experience allows us to devise suitable plans for all circumstances. Contact Imagine Fort Collins today at 888.291.2309 to get started or fill out our online contact form.