Mental Health: The Rising Problem Among Teens

The mental health of individuals greatly impacts their ability to live a productive life. These mental health issues range from depression and anxiety to bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, psychosis, mania, and bi-polar disorder. All of these problems have different symptoms, but when left unchecked, these issues can quickly become severe, disabling the sufferer’s ability to function normally in their daily lives. For this reason, it is imperative that an individual receive regular mental health screenings and receive treatment if necessary. These screenings not only help determine if a person has mental health issues, but also help identify the best course of action for treatment.

The mental health issues outlined above fall into four major categories. The first category is depressive or manic depression. These types of mental health disorders include major depression and bipolar disorder. Major depression is one of the most common illnesses in the United States. This illness typically lasts a minimum of five months and may require the services of a physician or other mental health professional.

Bipolar disorder is another common mental health issue for those 40 years and older. Symptoms typically involve mood swings, extreme highs (mania) and lows (depression). Most of the time, there are no preventative interventions for this type of disorder. There are some medications that doctors can prescribe to help control symptoms, such as antidepressants and mood stabilizers.

psychosis is also one of the most common mental health issues for those 40 years and older. Symptoms of psychosis usually involve hearing, seeing, and speaking of things that are untrue. Psychotic episodes often require the services of an attending psychiatrist. Because this illness is similar to those of depression and mania, those suffering from either of these mental health issues can be treated with the same medications.

GAD, or generalized anxiety disorder, is also among the top ten most common mental illnesses for those 40 years and older. Those suffering from GAD typically have a persistent feeling of worry or fear, regardless of whether current events or situations actually cause them physical discomfort or set off their worries. Those who are diagnosed with GAD will find that regular doctor visits and effective treatment can help them manage their symptoms. Fortunately, most mental health professionals can provide medication treatments for generalized anxiety disorders, which have been found to be very effective at relieving the symptoms and allowing patients to live regular, productive lives.

Another facet of mental health issues for those 40 years and older is experiencing difficulty with relationships. Those who are experiencing relationship problems may feel as though they are unable to function normally within their daily life. This can make it difficult to maintain close relationships with friends and family members, which can lead to feelings of loneliness and hopelessness.

When mental health issues are left untreated, these issues can eventually impact physical health and lead to physical ailments such as high blood pressure, heart disease, depression and diabetes. Living with any of these physical ailments can interfere with one’s quality of life, making it difficult to work and maintain an active lifestyle. In addition, the symptoms of these conditions often times become more severe as the patient ages, which can lead to a greater need for treatment. As more people begin to seek treatment for their mental illnesses, the number of mental health professionals who will receive increased caseloads will also increase, creating a positive impact on the overall level of mental wellness in the community.

The increased prevalence of substance use disorders among people of all ages may also be an indication that there may be an issue with mental health issues at play. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Survey, conducted by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, nearly 20% of people between the ages of 12 and 65 may experience some type of substance use disorder, such as alcoholism, marijuana or cocaine use. People who abuse these substances are more likely to report other health problems, including depression, stress and other physical ailments. While the reasons for this increased occurrence of substance use disorders among younger adults aren’t yet clear, the presence of mental health issues may be. If you or someone you know shows signs of depression or other mental health issues, it is important to seek treatment in order for these conditions to get the help that they need.