The Importance of Recognizing Teen Mental Illnesses

Mental health is one of the most powerful factors in someone’s life, having the ability to completely destroy their future within a few weeks or build up their life after the most traumatic events. The absence of a stable internal mindset is most prevalent among teenagers in America due to the significant number of cases that go undiscovered. In addition to comparing themselves with the people around them, the pressure from school and family members come together to finally take an immense toll on kids’ mental health. The number one reason why depression and anxiety often go hidden is because the lack of importance it is given in schools and colleges. According to recent statistics collected by researcher, Jim Bradley, over half of the schools in America do not have school counselors. This researcher also stated that schools are also beginning to realize how essential counseling can be, allowing a possibly improved academic life for future generations. One out of every seven people around the world has a mental illness- ranging from extremely severe to vague and mild. Because these illnesses are not always prominent in the behaviors of teenage kids, parents often overlook their subtle hints, resulting in more dangerous side effects the longer the condition goes undetected. Mental health is immensely important to acknowledge in the lives of teenagers because it leads to drug abuse, self harm, and even causing people to take their own lives. Suicide is the second highest reason for teenage deaths in America, which could be preventable if the country gave more importance to these people. The kids struggling to find the will to live every morning silently scream for help, only to be met with a truckload of homework the next day. Situations like this inevitably convince kids that their grades and test scores are more important than their own mental health. Eventually, about 8.9% of teenagers terminate their sufferings by taking their own life. All in all, by recognizing mental illnesses at earlier stages of its effects can possibly save millions of lives every year and ensure a healthier, happier environment.