A psychological disorder is an unusual, distressing, and dysfunctional pattern of thought, emotion, or behavior. Psychological disorders are often co-occurring or comorbid, meaning that a given person suffers from more than one disorder.^[1]

Adolescent Mental Health Crisis

Half of mental health disorders start by age 14 and 75% by age 24, making adolescents a sensitive period for intervention and support (Kessler et al., 2005).

Video reviews why adolescence can be a particularly vulnerable time for mental health.  

The importance of focusing on adolescent mental health has been further highlighted by a recent CDC report which found that adolescent mental health has declined over the past decade for students. This was true for adolescents across gender and racial and ethnic group (CDC, 2021).^[2]

Other 2021 findings included:

• More than 4 in 10 (42%) high school students felt so sad or hopeless almost every day for at least two weeks in a row that they stopped doing their usual activities. Female students (57%) were more likely than male students to experience persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness. Hispanic (46%) and multiracial students (49%) were more likely than Asian, Black, and White students to experience persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness. LGBQ+ students (69%) and students who had any same-sex partners (78%) were more likely than their peers to experience persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness.
• Almost 3 in 10 (29%) high school students experienced poor mental health during the past 30 days. Female students (41%) were more likely than male students to experience poor mental health. Asian and Black students were less likely than Hispanic (30%) and multiracial students (33%) to experience poor mental health. Asian students were also less likely than White students to experience poor mental health. LGBQ+ students (52%) and students who had any same-sex partners (54%) were more likely than their peers to experience poor mental health.
• More than 1 in 5 (22%) high school students seriously considered attempting suicide during the past year. Female students (30%) were more likely than male students to seriously consider attempting suicide. Asian students were less likely than students from most other racial and ethnic groups to seriously consider attempting suicide. LGBQ+ students (45%) and students who had any same-sex partners (58%) were more likely than their peers to seriously consider attempting suicide.
• 1 in 10 (10%) high school students attempted suicide one or more times during the past year. Female students (13%) were more likely than male students to attempt suicide . Black students (14%) were more likely than Asian, Hispanic, and White students to attempt suicide. LGBQ+ students (22%) and students who had any same-sex partners (33%) were more likely than their peers to attempt suicide.^[3]

These findings point to the importance of identifying factors contributing to poor mental health outcomes for adolescents, particularly for students from vulnerable groups such as female students, LGBQ+ students, and Students of Color. The following videos outline potential contributing factors based on conversations with adolescents, researchers, policy makers, and practitioners.^[4]

In the video, the NBC news report reviews the 2021 CDC report and discusses factors that might contribute to declines in adolescent mental health by talking to adolescents, policy makers, and practitioners. Please note: While NBC News frames their reporting around social media the adolescents discuss a number of other factors that may contribute to mental health outcomes including but not limited to school shootings, sexual assault, and world events.   

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Video briefly reviews research on how declining opportunities for childhood independence may be one contributing factor. 

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Video briefly discusses how less sleep and increased academic and extracurricular pressure may be contributing factors.

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Video briefly discusses the shortage of mental health professionals in communities across the country and describes one program in Tennessee that’s working to support youth and their families.

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Video briefly discusses the shortage of mental health professionals in schools in the US and describes one student-led program as well as state legislation in Wisconsin that’s working to offer support. 

Mental Health Disorders

Psychologists diagnose a disorder using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). The following are a few disorders that may affect children, adolescence, and adults.^[5]

The Importance of Maintaining Mental Health and Wellness

When diagnosed, people feel that a mental disorder is a stigma, but mental illness is not a “fault,” and it is important to work to help overcome the stigma associated with disorder. Most people don’t think twice before going to a doctor if they have an illness such as bronchitis, asthma, diabetes, or heart disease. However, many people who have a mental illness don’t get the treatment that would alleviate their suffering. Studies estimate that two-thirds of all young people with mental health problems are not receiving the help they need and that less than one-third of the children under age 18 who have a serious mental health problem receive any mental health services. Mental illness in adults often goes untreated, too.

Consequences of Mental Illness

The consequences of mental illness in children and adolescents can be substantial. Many mental health professionals speak of accrued deficits that occur when mental illness in children is not treated. To begin with, mental illness can impair a student’s ability to learn. Adolescents whose mental illness is not treated rapidly and aggressively tend to fall further and further behind in school. They are more likely to drop out of school and are less likely to be fully functional members of society when they reach adulthood.

We also now know that depressive disorders in young people confer a higher risk for illness and interpersonal and psychosocial difficulties that persist after the depressive episode is over.

Furthermore, many adults who suffer from mental disorders have problems that originated in childhood. Depression in youth may predict more severe illness in adult life. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, once thought to affect children and adolescents only, may persist into adulthood and may be associated with social, legal, and occupational problems. Mental illness impairs a student’s ability to learn.

Self-Harm or Self-Injury

Adolescents struggling with their mental health may engage in self-harm, or thinking about harming oneself. They may be distressed and have difficult feelings as well as the urge to hurt themselves. Some unhealthy ways people may try to relieve emotional pain include cutting, burning, or hitting themselves. These self-harm behaviors can be difficult to detect and are usually kept a secret by covering the wounds with clothing or jewelry. Self-injury is a sign that someone is struggling. People who are anxious, depressed, or have an eating disorder are also more likely to turn to self-injuring behaviors.

Indicators of self-harm include:

• frequent unexplained injuries
• clues like bandages in trash cans.
• clothing inappropriate for the weather (long pants or sleeves when it’s hot)

Video briefly defines self-harm and discusses how to respond if someone confides they are engaging in self-harm.

It’s important when someone confides in self-harm to try to be as nonreactive and nonjudgmental as possible. At this time there are no medications for treating self-injuring behaviors. But some medications can help treat mental disorders that the person may be dealing with, like depression or anxiety. Mental health counseling or therapy can also help.^[7]

Suicidal Ideation

Adolescence who feel like there is no possible resolution to their mental health struggles may consider, attempt, or commit suicide. Suicidal ideation causes immeasurable pain, suffering, and loss to individuals, families, and communities nationwide. On average, 112 Americans die by suicide each day. Suicide is the second leading cause of death among 15-24 year olds and more than 9.4 million adults in the United States had serious thoughts of suicide within the past 12 months. But suicide is preventable.

Video briefly discusses when you should intervene if someone shares they’ve been having thoughts of suicide and what intervention might look like.

Warning Signs of Suicide

If someone is showing one or more of the following behaviors, they may be thinking about suicide. The following warning signs should not be ignored. Help should be sought immediately.

• Talking about wanting to die or to kill oneself
• Looking for a way to kill oneself
• Talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live
• Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain
• Talking about being a burden to others
• Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs
• Acting anxious or agitated
• Behaving recklessly
• Sleeping too little or too much
• Withdrawing or feeling isolated
• Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge
• Displaying extreme mood swings^[8]