The problem with recognizing mental illness in teenagers is that we expect them to be moody. Parents have to be extra vigilant to notice signs of mental illness in their teens. Having a family history or a tramautic event in the family is reason enough to keep an eye on their behavior for anything that seems off.
Some teens cope with bottling up their feelings by self-mutilation. Cutting themselves in places that can be hidden gives them an emotional release of the pain that they are feeling inside. The trend is to label these teenagers as being "emo". They wear dark clothing, dye their hair black and give off an overall attitude of not caring. Although for some teens, there is no clinical depression present for others it is a cry for help.
Getting your teen into treatment for their depression is imperative. Teens who are not diagnosed often move on to experimenting with illegal drugs or alcohol in order to ease their inner pain. Becoming sexually active is another way a depressed teen tries to cope. It all leads to problems. From teen pregnancy to increased risk of dropping out or failing school, depression can be the cause for self-destructive behavior.
Many adults who go through their teen years without getting treatment may develop a problem with drugs or alcohol. This is called having a dual diagnosis. This just means that not only do they need treatment for depression but they also need a rehab program for their addiction. This makes it so much harder to become stable. It can be done but it also can take years of therapy, medications and doctors.
It may seem like we have become a society that wants to easily give someone a pill to fix what is wrong. Some people do not approve of psychiatric medication for children or are afraid of acknowledging that their child may have a mental illness. For the parent who tries therapy and still their child needs more, medication can be a blessing. There are disorders that require medication. Accepting that and learning about the medication can give a parent piece of mind.
Parents need to understand that medication is not always necessary to save our children but counselling can often be enough. Much depends on the diagnosis and severity. Left untreated, mental illness does not go away. It used to be believed that mental illness did not affect children and teens. Now that it has become recognized, there are medications that are believed to be safe treatment. If you feel unsure, do the research and check out the medication before you agree to it. A parent needs to be their child/teen's advocate. Knowledge will ensure that you will make educated choices.
There are many good organizations that have excellent resources for parents of children and teens who have a mental illness. Parents need to educate themselves just as you would if your child was diagnosed as a diabetic. ADHD treatment involves the parents, teachers and the child/teen all working together to help make the adjustments needed for the child/teen to cope. A parent who has done their homework, will be able to help their child/teen because they have the knowledge to do so.
Bipolar disorder or manic depression is a disorder that children as young as 5 years old have been diagnosed with. It also is a treatable disorder but early-onset bipolar disorder that is not recognized can be harder to treat. Teens are moody but with bipolar disorder, the mood swings are extreme and can lead to behaviors that can be deadly. Drug abuse , teen pregnancy and even suicide can sometimes be the side effects of untreated and undiagnosed bipolar disorder.
Instead of being afraid of mental illness, we need to educate ourselves and others. More people will seek treatment if they feel there is no shame in it. Parents need to not only educate themselves but their child so that they will grow up with compassion and acceptance.