Teenage mental illness is a difficult subject for many parents to discuss, but the stigma is even greater for girls. The fear of sexism has, unfortunately, stifled frank discussions regarding the 
frequency with which girls experience mental illness when compared to boys. Indeed, this disparity follows women throughout their lives. Research clearly supports an increased risk and incidence of mental illness for girls; however, many mental health professionals may be hesitant to acknowledge this fact.
Facts about Gender and Mental Health
Statistics have long supported key differences in the mental and emotional challenges men and women face. Although, based on lifetime averages, men are more prone to substance abuse and antisocial disorders, women are significantly more likely to suffer from depression, anxiety, eating disorders and sleep problems.
Some experts speculate that men are less willing to seek help and thus their problems go unreported. The research generally discounts this theory, however. Some possible reasons for the disparity include the greater likelihood of women being suffering abuse and trauma coupled with the increased level of social pressures that women face. Recent research also suggests that basic biological and genetic differences may be to blame as well.
Factors Related to Childhood and Adolescence
Prior to puberty, the numbers of children suffering from anxiety and depression are virtually identical between the sexes. After that, however, girls become twice as likely to suffer from mood and emotional disorders, according to the Child Mind Institute.* Although no specific cause has been identified for this disparity, doctors suggest it may be due to evolutionary factors. Lifestyle changes related to the modern social structure should mitigate the disparity, yet it remains constant year after year.
Treatment Options for Girls
Depending on their age, younger girls may not even be aware that a problem exists. For tweens and teens, social perceptions and stigmas may stand in the way of their seeking help. Consequently, parents, caregivers, teachers and guidance counselors may have to intervene. Many girls hesitate to talk to their parents about what they are feeling, fearing they won’t be taken seriously.
Potential treatment options range from traditional talk therapy to medication. Although medical practitioners often suggest medication as a quick fix, drugs should be considered only in serious and professionally diagnosed mental disorders. Many safe and integrative programs exist today that are designed specifically to help girls and young women. Group therapy and experiential approaches offer a safe and effective way to address mental illness in teenage girls.
Havenwood Academy understands the unique challenges that girls face. Their residential treatment programs utilize experiential therapy and other proven modalities to help young women overcome the many problems they may encounter. Their programs focus on creating an environment for change and success, and a safe place where teens can find their way back to health and happiness. Contact Havenwood today to learn more about helping your daughter cope with teenage mental illness challenges.
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.