Understanding and Addressing Teenage Mental Health Issues

Introduction

A lack of teenage mental health is a critical issue that requires our immediate and sustained attention. With rising statistics and a multitude of contributing factors, educators, youth workers, and those supporting young people find themselves at the forefront of addressing these challenges.

This comprehensive guide provides valuable insights and practical strategies to support teenagers facing mental health issues. We will explore common mental health problems, the importance of early intervention, and present coaching as an approach you can take to make a positive impact in helping prevent the onset of mental health issues for teenagers.

Statistics for Teenage Mental Health Issues in the UK

Recent statistics highlight the growing concern around teenage mental health issues in the UK. According to the Office for National Statistics (2021), nearly one in seven young people aged 11-16 report experiencing some form of mental health problem. Shocking statistics (March 2024) show that more than a quarter of a million (270,300) children and young people are still waiting for mental health support after being referred to Children and Young People’s Mental Health Services (CYPMHS) in 2022-23.

Anxiety and depression were the most common mental health issues. The Guardian reported in August 2024, that 3 children and young people in the UK are referred to the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) every minute - almost 4000 a week - for anxiety-related mental health problems.

These numbers although high are underreported and it is suspected that mental health issues in teenagers are even higher than this.

This data highlights the importance of addressing mental health proactively. Schools, settings and communities must allocate resources and training to support young people effectively.

How Does This Relate to the Rest of the World?

Teenage mental health problems are not just a UK-specific issue, but is a global concern. Studies from various countries indicate similar trends, with rising rates of anxiety, depression, and other mental health problems among teenagers. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that mental health conditions account for 16% of the global burden of disease and injury in people aged 10-19.

Globally, depression and anxiety are among the leading causes of illness and disability among adolescents, and suicide is among the leading causes of death in people aged 15–19 years. Half of all mental health disorders in adulthood start by age 14, with most cases going undetected and untreated.

This global perspective highlights the need for shared best practices to address teenage mental health effectively.

What are Mental Health Issues in Teenagers?

Mental health issues in teenagers encompass a range of emotional, psychological, and behavioural problems. These can include anxiety, depression, eating disorders, and more. Such issues can significantly impact a teenager's daily life, affecting their academic performance, relationships, and overall well-being.

Common Teenage Mental Health Issues

There are several common mental health issues that teenagers may experience. These include:

• Anxiety disorders: characterised by excessive worry, fear, and nervousness.
• Depression: a persistent feeling of sadness or loss of interest in activities once enjoyed.
• Eating disorders: unhealthy eating habits such as anorexia, bulimia, or binge eating.
• Self-harm: deliberate harm to one's body without the intent to die.
• Substance abuse: misuse of drugs or alcohol to cope with emotional distress.
• Suicidal thoughts: persistent thoughts about ending one's life.
• Stress: although not strictly a mental health issue, stress is a state of mental or emotional strain caused by demanding circumstances, that can lead to the development of mental health problems.

Understanding the signs and symptoms of these issues is crucial. For instance, a teenager with anxiety might exhibit restlessness, excessive worry, and physical symptoms like headaches or stomach aches. Depression can manifest as persistent sadness, loss of interest in activities, and changes in sleep and appetite.

Once warning signs are noticed by a teacher, professional, peer or parent, early intervention and prevention is key.

What is Causing a Rise in Mental Health Issues in Young People?

Teenagers today face a myriad of challenges that can affect their mental health. These issues often stem from both internal and external pressures:

Academic Stress:

The pressure to perform well in school and secure a future can be overwhelming. Exams, assignments, and peer competition contribute significantly to stress and anxiety.

Social Media Influence:

Constant exposure to social media can lead to unrealistic expectations and comparisons, fuelling feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem.

Family Dynamics:

Family problems, such as divorce or financial instability, can create an unstable home environment, adding to a teenager's emotional burden.

Lack of Positive Relationships :

Teens may struggle to form meaningful relationships, leading to feelings of loneliness and isolation which can result in a lack of healthy friendships and positive relationships which are essential for healthy teenage development.

Trauma:

Experiencing traumatic events like bullying, abuse, or loss can have long-lasting effects on a teenager's mental health. Relational trauma, such as emotional neglect or abandonment, can also significantly impact a teenager's well-being.

Trauma can also include the 'small t trauma' these are the upsetting situations often to do with relational trauma that young people don't have the resources to cope with and so internalise the traumatic event.

Fear of the Future:  

With the increasing pressure to make decisions about their future, teenagers may feel overwhelmed and anxious about their career prospects, financial responsibilities and what the future will look like for them contributing to anxiety and mental health issues

Lack of Pro-Active Preventative Strategies:

The current de-facto approach to supporting mental health issues in teenagers is overly reliant on medicalised and clinical approaches and is not consistently or proactively promoting positive mental health. Young people are no routinely taught strategies that promote wellbeing and protect their mental health. This leaves them to 'figure it out for themselves' which many aren't able to do so due to lack of skills and support.

Understanding these causes can help educators and practitioners develop targeted interventions

Importance of Early Intervention

Early intervention is crucial in addressing teenage mental health issues. Many teenagers may not have the tools or resources to cope with their problems, leading to long-term consequences. By intervening early, we can help prevent these issues from becoming more severe and impacting other areas of a teenager's life.

Early intervention is also essential during the adolescent brain development phase of synaptic pruning. This pruning, responsible for fine-tuning connections between neurons in the brain, is crucial for a teenager's emotional and cognitive functioning.  

Half of adult mental health problems start by the age of 14 but most go unaddressed (WHO). Providing strategies that promote wellbeing and protect against mental health problems is imperative to support young people to flourish and tackle this burden of disease (Keyes, 2013).

The teenage years are a critical time to proactively intervene in order to help young people learn strategies for wellbeing during this stage of brain development, which protects against the onset of mental health problems.

Early Intervention How Can It Help?

Early intervention is a proactive approach that can prevent the onset of chronic mental health problems.

Benefits of Early Intervention:

• Reduced Severity: Addressing issues early can prevent them from escalating.
• Improved Outcomes:  Early support can lead to better academic and social outcomes.
• Empowerment:  Teenagers learn coping skills that can help them manage future challenges.
• Cost effective: Preventing problems early on can save resources in the long term.
• Reduce staff stress: Knowing effective strategies to support mental health in teenagers can reduce stress and increase staff confidence.
• Create a positive school culture: By promoting early intervention and open communication, schools can create a more supportive and inclusive environment for students.

Practical Strategies for Supporting Teenagers' Mental Health

As an educator, practitioner or youth worker, you play a crucial role in supporting teenagers' mental health. Here are some practical strategies to consider:

• Build Connections: Create a safe, supportive space where teenagers feel comfortable opening up about their feelings and experiences. Peer-led interventions such as our Wellbeing Ambassador programme can support the development of positive peer relationships and connections that support teenage mental health.
• Share Strategies for Wellbeing: The absence of mental health issues doesn't mean that teenagers have strategies for wellbeing, sharing practical positive psychological wellbeing strategies can promote wellbeing and protect against the development of mental health issues in teenagers.  Our Wellbeing Activity Booklet is a free resource for sharing mental health strategies.
• Provide Resources: Share information about local support that is available to encourage and support young people to access available support, mental health issues can result in apathy which means accessing support can be more challenging for young people experiencing mental health issues.  

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Practitioners, schools and settings play a critical role in early intervention by recognising early signs and providing appropriate support. Training professionals in Coaching help young people access a range of practical strategies and resources for wellbeing in supporting their mental health

Coaching as an Approach to Address Teenage Mental Health Issues

Coaching has proven to be a highly effective approach in addressing teenage mental health issues. It involves a collaborative partnership between the coach and the teenager, where they work together to identify challenges, set goals, and develop strategies to overcome them.

Coaching focuses on building resilience, self-awareness, and empowering teenagers to take control of their mental wellbeing proactively. By equipping young people with essential life skills like coping mechanisms, problem-solving skills, and positive thinking patterns, coaching can help prevent the onset on mental health issues.

How Can Coaching Help Support Teenage Mental Health Issues?

As an alternative or addition to Counselling or Therapy, life coaching offers a unique approach to supporting teenagers with mental health issues. Unlike traditional therapy, coaching focuses on the present and future, helping teenagers set goals and develop strategies to achieve them.

Coaching is a positive approach for young people who may want to proactively move forward without the need to understand the causes of some of their issues, but require more strategies to stop issues impacting daily their life or academic outcomes.

Benefits of Coaching For Mental Health Problems in Teens:

Goal-Oriented: Coaching helps teenagers identify their goals and create actionable plans and build the skills and strategies to move forward towards their goals.

Empowerment: Teenagers learn to take control of their lives and develop self-confidence, which improves mental health, and also helps prevent further mental health issues.

Positive Reinforcement: Coaches provide encouragement and support, reinforcing positive behaviours and positive relationships that can become habits as well as help prevent issues impacting the teenager so severely in future.

Coaching can be a valuable addition to the support system for teenagers, complementing other forms of mental health support. To find out more about Coaching you can access our free Introduction to Coach Training Course.

To train to become a coach and help prevent the onset of mental health issues in young people, join our Certified Worth-it Coach Training Programme.

Conclusion

Addressing teenage mental health is a complex but essential task for educators, professionals, schools and settings. By understanding the common issues, recognising the signs, and implementing early intervention strategies based on coaching, we can make a significant difference in the lives of young people.

Creating supportive environments, providing access to resources, and incorporating preventive measures are key steps toward promoting mental wellbeing. If you are looking to make a more significant impact, consider attending our Introduction to Prevention Programmes workshop. Your support can make a tangible difference in the lives of teenagers facing mental health challenges.

References

ONS 2021

Children's Commissioner 2024  

Guardian August 2024

WHO

Keyes 2013