Teenage mental health, an often-overlooked topic, may deserve more attention than parents and caregivers believe. When we discuss mental illness today, it’s usually thought of as an adult 
problem; however, new research shows that more than half of mental and emotional problems first manifest during childhood or the early teen years.
Today, 15 million children in the United States suffer from a diagnosable mental disorder; 4 million of these cases are considered serious. Despite this staggering statistic, only 20 percent of those children will be diagnosed and treated, and disorders in adolescent and teen girls are the most frequently overlooked.
The Importance of Early Identification and Treatment
Left undiagnosed and untreated, mental illness in kids and teens can profoundly affect their future. Mental and emotional problems can lead to a variety of complex consequences. For example, half of kids 14 and older who suffer from mental illness will drop out of high school. A full 75 percent of incarcerated teenage girls have at least one mental or emotional challenge. Of those children and adolescents who commit suicide, 90 percent have struggled with mental or emotional illness.
For girls and young women, problems of this nature are often missed. Teens can be creative when it comes to hiding their symptoms, but more often, parents and caregivers simply are unaware of common symptoms that may signal a problem.
Mental Disorders Affecting Adolescent and Teen Girls
The most common issues affecting adolescents and teens involve ADHD, mood disorders, depression, anxiety, conduct disorder, substance abuse and addiction, developmental problems and social dysfunction. For girls, however, the demographics change significantly.
Girls and young women are especially prone to depression, eating disorders, self-harm and victimization (bullying). Recent research shows that parents of teenage girls may focus more on substance abuse, and consequently, miss the warning signs of other issues.
Some Common Signs Your Child May Have a Problem
Studies show that more than two-thirds of girls and young women feel awkward talking with their parents about mental health-related issues. The onus is on parents and caregivers to watch for signs of a problem.
Although disorders may manifest with a variety of symptoms, some of the most common warning signs include a sudden decline in academic performance; extreme, ongoing aggression; and social withdrawal. Take notice if your daughter undergoes dramatic changes in sleeping or eating habits, personal hygiene, energy levels or ability to concentrate.
Finally, if she develops a strong resistance to going to school, especially if she complains of recurring, generalized physical symptoms (headache, nausea, etc.) this may also indicate a problem.
Many parents question themselves or fear their own overreaction on issues involving mental health. Without the advice and counsel of a trained professional, it may be impossible to determine for sure whether your child has a problem or is simply going through a normal developmental phase.
At Havenwood Academy, we work exclusively with adolescent and teenage girls ages 12 to 17, providing residential treatment in an environment based on love and trust. Contact us today if you have concerns about your teenager and her mental health.
Think Havenwood Might Be For You?
We encourage any visitors considering placing their daughter in treatment to fill out our online assessment as soon as possible. This two minute form will give our admissions team all the information needed to determine if your daughter is a good fit for our program.
Eric Allred was born and raised in Rigby, Idaho. He grew up on a family farm where he learned the value of work. He graduated from Rigby High School and attended Rick’s College, now known as BYU-Idaho. He received his bachelor’s degree in journalism from Utah State University, received a master’s degree in organizational behavior and human relations from the University of Phoenix and a second master’s degree in marital and family therapy from Phillips Graduate Institute. Eric has been involved in Rotary and was president of a local Rotary Club. He enjoys being with his family and doing outdoor activities such as fly fishing.
Chase was very fortunate to start in this industry as a struggling 17 year old kid looking for a mentor and something to be passionate about. Wilderness therapy was Chase’s first stop in this industry and was truly a transcendental experience for him. Chase has an enormous love for this line of work and the power that it has in creating change in everyone involved. Chase’s biggest belief is the power a mentor, strong, healthy relationships, and accountability can have on anyone, especially youth. Taking a very relational approach to his work, Chase has always been very relatable to the students he works with. Being able to understand and relate to a vast variety of the same struggles as a lot of the students he works with has been able to help him continue to grow, learn, and teach. Chase believes that with great rapport and trust, he can use his experience to continue to coach and train new staff, and has the ability to find those staff with the passion for this industry, and help them grow. His love and passion can be felt the moment you talk with Chase about this industry and he passes that on to others he works with. In his spare time you will find Chase cheering for the Eagles, Yankees, and Mavericks, hanging out with his brother, learning more about Eastern Psychology, and continuing to grow and learn.