Teen Mental Health Awareness
What adults can't see.
What we need from adults
Most teens aren't as happy or as "full of life" as we paint them to be. Teens commonly suffer from anxiety disorders, eating disorders and depression. A lot of these teens suffer in silence. They deserve to be heard, but they aren't always willing to reach out. If adults could recognize the signs and symptoms of common mental health disorders in teens, imagine how many lives would be saved. I think it should be a requirement for all adults who are planning a career in teaching students of any age to enroll in a course teaching them the signs of mental disorders common in teens.
Eating disorders
In the US alone, did you know that 1/10 young women suffer from an eating disorder. Anorexia nervosa and bulimia are increasing in teenage girls. They also occur in boys, but it's less common.
Depression
At any given time, 5% of the general population of adolescents and children suffer from depression. Depression also commonly runs in families. It is commonly defined as when feelings of depression are persistent and they interfere with one's ability to function. Common signs and symptoms of depression are feelings of hopelessness, low energy, poor concentration, thoughts or actions of self destruction or suicide, and low self esteem. Depression is a legitimate illness and requires professional help. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential for children suffering from depression. Adolescents often use drugs and alcohol to self medicate. At a young age, they can harm themselves by using these things. For now, they're "numbing the pain" but in the long run, it can cause some serious brain damage and developmental issues.
Help.
A new study shows that attempts at suicide in teens is a growing problem. 1 in 6 high schoolers have really considered committing suicide. 1 in 12 high schoolers have attempted it at least once. Every two hours and eleven minutes a person under the age of 25 attempts suicide and succeeds. Every day, there are almost 11 deaths to teens by suicide. Every year, there are about 10 deaths in teens for every 100,000 youth due to suicide. A huge amount of lives would be saved if adult members in the community (teachers, coaches, etc.) could recognize the symptoms of eating disorders and depression. It should be a requirement for teachers to attend a course that teaches them what to look for in teens who they think are suffering in silence. Any compassionate person would agree with me. If you're going to to be a part of the community like a teacher, you should care about your students' futures. Especially if they're considering ending their lives and not having a future.