Teenage Mental Health Problems
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Please keep this thread on topic and in response to the OP.
It's fine to disagree with someone else's opinion but please keep it civil and don't derail the thread. If you don't like a post, report it and it will be dealt with. I don't want to have to start removing things and giving out cards- thanks!
It's fine to disagree with someone else's opinion but please keep it civil and don't derail the thread. If you don't like a post, report it and it will be dealt with. I don't want to have to start removing things and giving out cards- thanks!
(edited 7 years ago)
I bet you £10, there's going to be people on this thread saying 'people are too sensitive these days' etc.
*Scrolls down*
You owe me a tenner.
*Scrolls down*
You owe me a tenner.
Hi, thank you all for the responses.
I think my original aim had bee misinterpreted, and apologises on my behalf.
I am no expert on mental health, I can only speak on a personal level and from what I have seen around me.
I am researching and exploring from a situational angle, which by no means is the only angle, or is it the correct one. That's all I'm trying to find out.
I am researching looking from a period of time, as there is evidence to see that more and more young people are being diagnosed. I was asking for other people's opinions on that, if you do believe that there has been an increase on mental health problems in young people.
Nevertheless, in my on-going study, I have found that although situational factors may affect, but mental health issues are something that we may all go through in life, and it would be quite reductionist to pinpoint on one exact factor.
But again, thank you for your comments.
I think my original aim had bee misinterpreted, and apologises on my behalf.
I am no expert on mental health, I can only speak on a personal level and from what I have seen around me.
I am researching and exploring from a situational angle, which by no means is the only angle, or is it the correct one. That's all I'm trying to find out.
I am researching looking from a period of time, as there is evidence to see that more and more young people are being diagnosed. I was asking for other people's opinions on that, if you do believe that there has been an increase on mental health problems in young people.
Nevertheless, in my on-going study, I have found that although situational factors may affect, but mental health issues are something that we may all go through in life, and it would be quite reductionist to pinpoint on one exact factor.
But again, thank you for your comments.
Original post by Ezme39
I'd suggest you get a bit more informed on the subject 
As someone who has wanted to end their life, and had two 'dark' periods before the age of 20, I can honestly say that they were not in proportion to my life.
My life is theoretically pretty good actually, but when I am in those phases I cannot see anything worth carrying on for. It's as though each day drags out for so much longer, and I don't enjoy anything - to an extreme extent.
Why would I be affected, as opposed to another student in a similar situation? The environment doesn't account for this...
Do you see what I mean? (Even if you disagree)
As someone who has wanted to end their life, and had two 'dark' periods before the age of 20, I can honestly say that they were not in proportion to my life.
My life is theoretically pretty good actually, but when I am in those phases I cannot see anything worth carrying on for. It's as though each day drags out for so much longer, and I don't enjoy anything - to an extreme extent.
Why would I be affected, as opposed to another student in a similar situation? The environment doesn't account for this...
Do you see what I mean? (Even if you disagree)
I understand your point, thank you for sharing your experience.
Original post by Marked Target
Beyond knowing a few people who have claimed to have depression (I should say, I'm only talking about depression here.) nothing. I am basing this mostly on my perception of the world. I do know someone quite closely who tried to kill themselves before.
I think if people took a step back and had an overview of things they would appreciate that things aren't nearly as bad as they may seem. I suppose it depends if you have an aspiration. If I had no ambition then the days probably would just merge together in a grey blur. I think a vocation in life is important and while you may not have one yet there is one somewhere for you no matter who you are (some people's is being a pornstar. I'm not suggesting you try it but there is a career for everyone no matter who you are.)
I mentioned I know someone who tried to kill themselves. He was bullied at school before moving elsewhere. He went to therapy where they told him he was depressed and yada yada so they gave him medication which did 'cure' his depression. However, he was visibly not himself when on this medication and after it was taken away he went back into being depressed. So one day when he was moaning I asked him why he was actually depressed and he said he was lonely, he'd always be alone, he was ugly, had nothing to look forward to and whatever.
I told him that if that's his attitude how does he expect to change this? He got decent grades and had a bright future. If he wants something to look forward to then he should make something to look forward to. If he isn't happy with his appearance then he should change it, go to the gym or something (it wasn't like he had elephantiasis or something).
I wont say that I made him better because I don't think I did, 1 conversation can't. However, following this I convinced him to join a gym and apply to university. He did recover from his depression later and I think a large part of that was having a purpose and gaining more confidence in his appearance.
I wasn't happy with myself in the past so i changed it. I used to be horribly out of shape so one day I decided I'd had enough and made a change to my life. In my opinion, again a completely unfounded opinion, people hide behind depression as a reason not to make the effort to change their lives and fix their problems. This isn't universally the case and unless I knew someone's circumstance I wouldn't accuse them of it. If someone claims to have depression then it should be taken seriously because if it isn't and they did then it could be tragic but if they don't and it is then its just a waste of money which is not nearly as bad.
EDIT: No, i don't think you can prove psychology so until there is a device which puts me in another person's brain I doubt I'll be convinced.
I think if people took a step back and had an overview of things they would appreciate that things aren't nearly as bad as they may seem. I suppose it depends if you have an aspiration. If I had no ambition then the days probably would just merge together in a grey blur. I think a vocation in life is important and while you may not have one yet there is one somewhere for you no matter who you are (some people's is being a pornstar. I'm not suggesting you try it but there is a career for everyone no matter who you are.)
I mentioned I know someone who tried to kill themselves. He was bullied at school before moving elsewhere. He went to therapy where they told him he was depressed and yada yada so they gave him medication which did 'cure' his depression. However, he was visibly not himself when on this medication and after it was taken away he went back into being depressed. So one day when he was moaning I asked him why he was actually depressed and he said he was lonely, he'd always be alone, he was ugly, had nothing to look forward to and whatever.
I told him that if that's his attitude how does he expect to change this? He got decent grades and had a bright future. If he wants something to look forward to then he should make something to look forward to. If he isn't happy with his appearance then he should change it, go to the gym or something (it wasn't like he had elephantiasis or something).
I wont say that I made him better because I don't think I did, 1 conversation can't. However, following this I convinced him to join a gym and apply to university. He did recover from his depression later and I think a large part of that was having a purpose and gaining more confidence in his appearance.
I wasn't happy with myself in the past so i changed it. I used to be horribly out of shape so one day I decided I'd had enough and made a change to my life. In my opinion, again a completely unfounded opinion, people hide behind depression as a reason not to make the effort to change their lives and fix their problems. This isn't universally the case and unless I knew someone's circumstance I wouldn't accuse them of it. If someone claims to have depression then it should be taken seriously because if it isn't and they did then it could be tragic but if they don't and it is then its just a waste of money which is not nearly as bad.
EDIT: No, i don't think you can prove psychology so until there is a device which puts me in another person's brain I doubt I'll be convinced.
Thank you for sharing your story
Original post by TK_23
I am currently researching if there has been an increase in teenage mental health problems, particularly focusing on the last 16 years.
1. Do you think there has been an increase or that mental health problems are increasing in teenagers?
2. Why do you think there is an increase/decrease? What are the causes
3. What could be done to prevent the increase of mental health in teenagers.
Many thanks !
Tadi
1. Do you think there has been an increase or that mental health problems are increasing in teenagers?
2. Why do you think there is an increase/decrease? What are the causes
3. What could be done to prevent the increase of mental health in teenagers.
Many thanks !
Tadi
1) I think that there is a slight increase, but also that more teenagers are 'owning up' to their mental health problems as it becomes more socially acceptable.
2) I think that the increase is due to social media and expectations. I'm not saying social media is all bad - I (mostly) love it. But going from my own experience (and I have a lot of experience with Mental Health - I've been in a Psychiatric hospital for 7 months now and am still there) I found that many of my 'friends' and followers on social media could hide behind their screens and verbally attack me. I also found that my expectations of reality kinda changed... I thought that all other teenage girls always looked how they did in their photos, and so assumed I was ugly/fat etc. The same goes for models in magazines and stuff which is more easily accessible than it has been previously.
3) Acceptance and support networks. Literally, it's taken 7 months for me to realise this, and I'm still working on it. Only once you accept your thoughts and feelings can you start to change them. Also, only surrounding yourself with positive people/influences, so blocking 'haters' and making some supportive friends/accepting help from family.
Original post by Marked Target
So much is true. However, I do think as someone <20 you have very few legitimate reasons to be depressed. You have your entire future ahead of you and almost no matter your current situation you can have a bright future.
I've seen a number of people claim to be depressed and diagnosed with it. I think perhaps 1 of them had any real cause. However, I am a cold hearted SoB so there is that.
I've seen a number of people claim to be depressed and diagnosed with it. I think perhaps 1 of them had any real cause. However, I am a cold hearted SoB so there is that.
Please just be mindful that anything could have happened to someone, and you can't know the full truth about anyone. Someone's life may look 'perfect' - with good grades, nice family and friends, good job - but one or two events are enough to change their whole life and those events can affect them for months and years afterwards. I
Original post by Marked Target
Eh, i probably am just a miserable old man inside and, yeah, I'm aware that it is.
I don't think its always the best solution but I think for some people they really need it.
I don't think anti-depressants are much of a better solution. Treating the symptoms does not address the route cause. I could be completely wrong and depression could just be unlucky biology but I don't think that explains the large increase in cases of depression because its not like teen suicide rates were through to roof previous to them.
I don't think its always the best solution but I think for some people they really need it.
I don't think anti-depressants are much of a better solution. Treating the symptoms does not address the route cause. I could be completely wrong and depression could just be unlucky biology but I don't think that explains the large increase in cases of depression because its not like teen suicide rates were through to roof previous to them.
Antidepressants are actually designed to treat one of the causes. Although depression is usually triggered by some traumatic experience or other negative force, it sets of an imbalance of chemicals in the brain which continue to cause havock even after the origional trigger has been dealt with. ADs level out these chemicals agin. They are designed to be used with therapy since depression is partially to do with negative though patterns, but for a lot of people they are necessary.
If anything you could argue that therapy is treating the symptoms.
Original post by TK_23
I am currently researching if there has been an increase in teenage mental health problems, particularly focusing on the last 16 years.
1. Do you think there has been an increase or that mental health problems are increasing in teenagers?
2. Why do you think there is an increase/decrease? What are the causes
3. What could be done to prevent the increase of mental health in teenagers.
Many thanks !
Tadi
1. Do you think there has been an increase or that mental health problems are increasing in teenagers?
2. Why do you think there is an increase/decrease? What are the causes
3. What could be done to prevent the increase of mental health in teenagers.
Many thanks !
Tadi
I'm not sure if there has been an increase, but if there is I expect it is partially to do with more diagnosis and recognition. I think a lot of people will have suffered in silence up until now.
I think that the internet, phones, and apps like Watsapp and all that also make it easier for bullying to be an issue. I know of a couple of cases where teenagers have commited suicide due to this. This could mean a higher rate of actual depression (compared to diagnosis).
KNOWLEDGE! Tell teenagers that depression is a thing. Never once in PSHCE or any other class was I taught about mental health problems. If I had been I would have probably recognised my own sooner and maybe other people would have been more understanding too. I think this applies to both youth and adults (even doctors and counselors).
I think that if teenagers knew when they needed help, where to get it and that they would be treated with respect they would get treatment. I think that if it is caught early it is even better as it stops it becoming a big thing.
Original post by Kindred
I'm not sure if there has been an increase, but if there is I expect it is partially to do with more diagnosis and recognition. I think a lot of people will have suffered in silence up until now.
I think that the internet, phones, and apps like Watsapp and all that also make it easier for bullying to be an issue. I know of a couple of cases where teenagers have commited suicide due to this. This could mean a higher rate of actual depression (compared to diagnosis).
KNOWLEDGE! Tell teenagers that depression is a thing. Never once in PSHCE or any other class was I taught about mental health problems. If I had been I would have probably recognised my own sooner and maybe other people would have been more understanding too. I think this applies to both youth and adults (even doctors and counselors).
I think that if teenagers knew when they needed help, where to get it and that they would be treated with respect they would get treatment. I think that if it is caught early it is even better as it stops it becoming a big thing.
I think that the internet, phones, and apps like Watsapp and all that also make it easier for bullying to be an issue. I know of a couple of cases where teenagers have commited suicide due to this. This could mean a higher rate of actual depression (compared to diagnosis).
KNOWLEDGE! Tell teenagers that depression is a thing. Never once in PSHCE or any other class was I taught about mental health problems. If I had been I would have probably recognised my own sooner and maybe other people would have been more understanding too. I think this applies to both youth and adults (even doctors and counselors).
I think that if teenagers knew when they needed help, where to get it and that they would be treated with respect they would get treatment. I think that if it is caught early it is even better as it stops it becoming a big thing.
Wow! Thank you for this ! And I definitely agree that more should be done within schools to make more young people aware!
(edited 7 years ago)
Original post by *SweaterWeather*
1) I think that there is a slight increase, but also that more teenagers are 'owning up' to their mental health problems as it becomes more socially acceptable.
2) I think that the increase is due to social media and expectations. I'm not saying social media is all bad - I (mostly) love it. But going from my own experience (and I have a lot of experience with Mental Health - I've been in a Psychiatric hospital for 7 months now and am still there) I found that many of my 'friends' and followers on social media could hide behind their screens and verbally attack me. I also found that my expectations of reality kinda changed... I thought that all other teenage girls always looked how they did in their photos, and so assumed I was ugly/fat etc. The same goes for models in magazines and stuff which is more easily accessible than it has been previously.
3) Acceptance and support networks. Literally, it's taken 7 months for me to realise this, and I'm still working on it. Only once you accept your thoughts and feelings can you start to change them. Also, only surrounding yourself with positive people/influences, so blocking 'haters' and making some supportive friends/accepting help from family.
Please just be mindful that anything could have happened to someone, and you can't know the full truth about anyone. Someone's life may look 'perfect' - with good grades, nice family and friends, good job - but one or two events are enough to change their whole life and those events can affect them for months and years afterwards. I
1) I think that there is a slight increase, but also that more teenagers are 'owning up' to their mental health problems as it becomes more socially acceptable.
2) I think that the increase is due to social media and expectations. I'm not saying social media is all bad - I (mostly) love it. But going from my own experience (and I have a lot of experience with Mental Health - I've been in a Psychiatric hospital for 7 months now and am still there) I found that many of my 'friends' and followers on social media could hide behind their screens and verbally attack me. I also found that my expectations of reality kinda changed... I thought that all other teenage girls always looked how they did in their photos, and so assumed I was ugly/fat etc. The same goes for models in magazines and stuff which is more easily accessible than it has been previously.
3) Acceptance and support networks. Literally, it's taken 7 months for me to realise this, and I'm still working on it. Only once you accept your thoughts and feelings can you start to change them. Also, only surrounding yourself with positive people/influences, so blocking 'haters' and making some supportive friends/accepting help from family.
Please just be mindful that anything could have happened to someone, and you can't know the full truth about anyone. Someone's life may look 'perfect' - with good grades, nice family and friends, good job - but one or two events are enough to change their whole life and those events can affect them for months and years afterwards. I
A really useful response! Thank you so much.
I definitely agree with the fact that social media may have aspects which may lead to problems with mental health problems, such as depression, after bullying.
Thanks again.
