Teen Mental Health Issues: Serious Business

If you suspect that a teenager you know is suicidal, take immediate action! For 24-hour suicide prevention and support in the U.S., call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255). When in doubt, CALL 911
Teenage years can be stressful and challenging. Yet, you may wonder whether a teen is experiencing just the typical “growing pains” or a real mental health problem. While adolescence is a difficult time for many teens, there is a difference between “typical” and “troubled.” Mental health problems in teens are real, painful and, left untreated, can have serious consequences.

What you know and taking action will make a real difference in a teen's life. Research shows that if left untreated, mental health problems can become worse over time, affecting a teen's school performance, social and emotional life.  However, mental health treatment can be effective for teens and the sooner these disorders are recognized, the greater the likelihood that treatment will be effective.

Adults close to teens – especially parents, teachers, coaches and school personnel – can learn to recognize the warning signs of mental health problems in teens, and refer the teen to a mental health professional.  Effective mental health interventions and a positive school climate contribute to improved student achievement. Let’s all work together to help our children achieve life-long mental health!

Recent Articles

"The Silicon Valley Suicides"
​The Atlantic- December 2015
"How Not to Raise a Workaholic
Los Angeles Times - 1/29/16

Information Printables (PDF)

The Teen Brain
Children & Adolescent Depression Fact sheet
Cornell Research on Self Injury: Parent Info
Suicide Prevention:
Secondary Students
Suicide Prevention:
Elementary Students
Self Injury:
Parent Guide
NIH What is Depression
NIH Student
depression FAQ
Depression in Teens

Informative Web Links

https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/teenmentalhealth.html
(National Institutes of Health (NIH): Teen Mental Health)
https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/teen/Pages/Mental-Health-and-Teens-Watch-for-Danger-Signs.aspx
(American Academy of Pediatrics: Mental Health and Teens)
http://preventsuicide.locoe.edu
(Los Angeles County website dedicated to educating school personnel, parents and students about suicide prevention)
http://teenshealth.org/teen/your_mind/ 
(website geared for teenagers seeking answers about mental health issues)
http://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/teen/Pages/Mental-Health-and-Teens-Watch-for-Danger-Signs.aspx 
(American Academy of Pediatrics guide to danger signs indicating mental health issues)
http://selfinjury.bctr.cornell.edu/ 
(Cornell Research Program website on self-injury and recovery)
http://www.helpguide.org/mental/depression_teen.htm 
(Teen Depression, a help guide for parents)
@2014 GHS PTSA