Depression and anxiety have increased dramatically for teenagers in recent years, especially during their high school education. During this time, it’s fairly common for both males and females to experience symptoms of anxiety and depression, some moderate and some more severe. These can be caused by a variety of factors, including but not limited to the following triggers:
Social Media
Modern teenagers spend a large amount of time on social media throughout the day, connecting with their friends and family. While at first glance this seems as though it’s harmless, the reality is that social media often contributes to the social anxiety symptoms that teens experience, as they find themselves comparing their accomplishments to those of the other teens in their peer group. In addition, social media, texting, and networking apps can be an easy method for teenagers to use to bully one another outside of school hours. This can contribute to depression and anxiety in teens, as well. If you find that your teen is being bullied, you may need to take action to help keep them safe.
School Pressure
Another issue that teenagers struggle with during their high school education is pressure about their studies. They may worry excessively about their grades, be anxious about getting into college, or worry about performance on exams that will determine which schools they are qualified for. This type of pressure intensifies as they work through the higher grades, worsening depression and anxiety symptoms. If you notice that your teen is struggling to complete their work, is having difficulty keeping up, or seems to be overwhelmed in any of their classes, it may help to get them a tutor. If the pressure is mounting and they are having mental health issues because of it, consider therapy or speaking to a health professional for assistance.
Lack of Effective Coping Skills
Often, teenage brains simply aren’t developed enough for them to have the coping skills that they need in order to function with stress. This lack of effective coping mechanisms can lead them to panic or to have serious mental health problems instead of handling their stress more effectively. If your teenager seems to consistently overreact to everything, it may be useful to spend some time helping them learn how to manage their time, prioritize tasks, and cope with negative situations effectively, so that they can proactively manage their stress levels. These tools will help them throughout their life.
Romantic Relationships
A teen may experience their first romantic relationship, as well as their first break up, during high school. This can be a stressful process, and they may need additional help coping with the emotions that they’re going through. If you notice that your teen seems overly depressed or doesn’t seem to be getting over the event, it may be time to seek professional help. Depression and anxiety in teens can show up in a wide variety of ways. If you notice symptoms of these disorders in a teenager you care about, it may be wise to speak with a mental health professional.
