Various mental health issues emerge during the teen and young adult years. The onset of many of these mental illnesses occurs between the ages of 16 and 21. But, with the proper support, intensive treatment, and healthy coping skills, teens and young adults can live healthy, productive lives.
Mental health disorders affect day-to-day living and make it hard to relate to others. They affect thinking, behavior, feelings, and moods. Understanding and finding the right treatment options can be difficult.
At Innercept, we are here to help. Keep reading to learn about the types of mental health disorders we treat, including the signs and symptoms to watch for and the best treatment options for you.
Mental Health Disorders We Treat
Teens aged 13-17 and young adults ages 18-28 sometimes struggle with complex mental health issues. Some have even tried different treatments with no luck, while others struggle silently.
At Innercept, we pride ourselves on assessing and treating the most complex diagnosis while helping young people continue to excel in their interests. If you are a teen, a young adult, or a parent of either seeking treatment, we offer treatment for the following mental health disorders.
Mood Disorder, Depression, and Bipolar Disorder
A mood disorder primarily affects your emotional state. You experience long periods of extreme happiness, sadness, or both. Certain mood disorders involve other persistent emotions like irritability and anger.
Symptoms of mood disorders include:
- Feeling sad most of the time
- A lack of energy, feeling sluggish
- Feeling hopeless or worthless
- A loss of interest in hobbies
- Trouble concentrating
- Change in sleep patterns
- Change in eating patterns
- Thoughts of suicide or death
While it’s normal for moods to change, a mood disorder diagnosis requires symptoms to be present for two weeks or more. The two most common mood disorders are depression and bipolar disorder.
Depression
Depression is a common mental health issue. Symptoms include feeling sad or hopeless. It can also cause problems with thinking, memory, sleeping, and eating. A diagnosis of clinical depression requires a person’s symptoms to last two weeks or more.
Types of depression include:
- Postpartum depression
- Persistent depressive disorder
- Seasonal affective disorder (SAD)
Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder is a mood disorder that lasts a lifetime. It causes intense shifts in your mood, thinking patterns, behaviors, and energy levels.
A few types of bipolar disorders involve significant fluctuations in mood. These fluctuations are referred to as manic and hypomanic episodes.
Symptoms of manic or hypomanic episodes include:
● Feeling extremely elated or energized
● Rapid movements or speech
● Restlessness, agitation, or irritability
● Risk-taking behaviors
● Racing thoughts
● Trouble sleeping or insomnia
The four basic types of bipolar disorder include:
● Bipolar I disorder
● Bipolar II disorder
● Cyclothymia disorder
● Other and unspecified bipolar and related disorders
Anxiety and Panic Disorders, OCD, and Social Anxiety
An anxiety disorder causes teens and young adults to have frequent, intense, excessive, and persistent worry and fear over everyday situations.
Anxiety disorders often involve repeated episodes of sudden feelings of intense fear, terror, and anxiety, which peak within minutes. These are often called panic attacks.
Symptoms of an anxiety disorder include:
- Feeling nervous, restless, or tense
- Having a sense of impending danger or panic
- An increased heart rate
- Rapid breathing
- Trembling sweating
- Feeling weak or tired
- Difficulty concentrating or thinking about anything but the worry
- Trouble sleeping
- Gastrointestinal problems
- A hard time controlling worry
- Avoiding things that trigger anxiety
Common types of anxiety disorders include panic disorders, OCD, and social anxiety.
Panic Disorder
A panic disorder is when you have unexpected and repeated panic attacks. It causes overwhelming bouts of fear when there isn’t a reason to be fearful. Panic disorders typically start in the teen and young adult years.
While panic attacks happen in other mental health disorders, generally having four or more panic attacks with the persistent worry of having another one means you have a panic disorder.
Symptoms of a panic attack may include:
- Pounding heart
- Sweating
- Trembling or shaking
- Shortness of breath
- Sense of choking
- Nausea or belly pain
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Feeling unreal or disconnected from oneself
- Fear of losing control
- Fear of “going crazy” or dying
- Numbness
- Chills or hot flashes
- Chest pain and other symptoms that mimic a heart attack
Panic disorder can be upsetting and disabling, with an attack lasting from a few minutes to an hour or longer.
OCD
A panic disorder is when you have unexpected and repeated panic attacks. It causes overwhelming bouts of fear when there isn’t a reason to be fearful. Panic disorders typically start in the teen and young adult years.
While panic attacks happen in other mental health disorders, generally having four or more panic attacks with the persistent worry of having another one means you have a panic disorder.
Symptoms of a panic attack may include:
- Pounding heart
- Sweating
- Trembling or shaking
- Shortness of breath
- Sense of choking
- Nausea or belly pain
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Feeling unreal or disconnected from oneself
- Fear of losing control
- Fear of “going crazy” or dying
- Numbness
- Chills or hot flashes
- Chest pain and other symptoms that mimic a heart attack
Panic disorder can be upsetting and disabling, with an attack lasting from a few minutes to an hour or longer.
Social Anxiety
A type of anxiety disorder, social anxiety causes fear or anxiety in social situations. If you have social anxiety, you may have trouble meeting new people, talking to people, and attending social events. It can cause you to feel like others are judging you.
While you may know your fears are irrational, you are powerless to stop them. Social anxiety is overwhelming and persistent and can interfere with daily functioning.
Social anxiety typically begins in the teen years. Symptoms include:
● Blushing
● sweating
● Nausea
● Shaking
● Rigid body stance
● Trouble speaking
● Mind going blank
● Dizziness or lightheadedness
● Rapid heart rate
People with social anxiety may avoid the following:
● Asking questions
● Job interviews
● Using public restrooms
● Shopping
● Phone calls
● Eating in public
However, some people may have selective or limited anxiety. For example, talking to strangers or eating in public. Those with severe social anxiety may avoid all social events.
Executive Functioning Issues
Executive function is a group of mental skills enabling you to complete tasks and interact with others. Executive functioning issues impair the ability to organize and manage behaviors.
The DSM-5 doesn’t recognize this as a specific mental health disorder. Instead, executive functioning issues are symptoms of other mental health, neurological, and behavioral disorders.
For example, depression affects certain executive functions such as memory and managing inhibitions. Alzheimer’s disease can severely impair executive functioning, limiting the ability to drive, get dressed, or behave appropriately.
Symptoms of executive functioning issues include:
- Trouble managing impulses or emotions
- Trouble starting, organizing, or completing tasks
- Trouble paying attention or listening
- Inappropriate social behaviors
- Inability to learn from past mistakes
- Trouble solving problems
- Difficulty learning new information
These symptoms can lead to:
- Poor performance at work or school
- Difficulty making and maintaining relationships
- Mood issues
- Low self-esteem
- Low motivation
- Avoiding difficult tasks
Adoption and Attachment Issues
Adoption can be a happy and positive event. Many adopted children are well-adjusted and enjoy healthy family relationships. However, some children can struggle with adoption, attachment, and abandonment issues that can cause problems into adulthood.
Adoption Issues
Adoption issues such as adoption trauma can happen because of one incident or ongoing circumstances. Adoption trauma occurs due to the pain and shock of being permanently removed from their biological family.
The level of mental and emotional difficulty and long-term impact of this trauma varies due to the:
- Age
- Maturity level
- Other circumstances
Attachment Issues
Attachment issues are the result of feeling abandoned early in life. These early experiences, including loss and rejection, create security issues. People who have been adopted may struggle with feeling rejected or abandoned by their birth parents.
When children, teens, and young adults feel abandoned, they may experience symptoms such as:
● Aggressive and angry behaviors
● Isolation or withdrawal
● Sadness
● Trouble with self-image
● Daydreaming
● Trouble falling asleep
● Nightmares
Addressing and treating adoption and attachment issues is crucial in helping those who are adopted gain a sense of security and comfort.
Autism Spectrum Disorders and/or Related Diagnoses
Autism spectrum disorder varies in symptoms and severity. But, knowing whether your teen is behaving like a normal teen or displaying signs of autism spectrum disorder can be difficult.
Since social skill deficits are more pronounced in teenagers, these and other signs may lead toward autism spectrum disorder, including:
- Difficulty understanding puberty
- Seizures and epilepsy
- Trouble in school
- Losing friends
- Mood disorders
Stress can worsen the symptoms of autism, and the teen years are full of life changes which can be stressful. However, teens don’t develop autism out of the blue. So if your teen is socially withdrawn or fixated on repeating behaviors for the first time, it’s typically not autism spectrum disorder.
Trauma/PTSD
Trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can significantly impact teenagers’ and young adults’ mental health and well-being. Trauma is any distressing experience that overwhelms a person’s ability to cope.
Trauma can include:
- Physical or sexual abuse
- Neglect
- Accidents
- natural disasters
- witnessing or experiencing violence
PTSD is a mental health condition that can develop after a traumatic event and is characterized by symptoms such as intrusive memories, avoidance of trauma reminders, negative changes in mood and cognition, and hyperarousal.
Teens and young adults who experience trauma are at higher risk for developing PTSD due to their developing brains and increased vulnerability to stress. Symptoms of PTSD can interfere with daily life, relationships, and school or work performance. Additionally, untreated trauma and PTSD can lead to substance abuse, self-harm, and other mental health disorders.
The symptoms of PTSD in teens and young adults can vary depending on the individual, the type of trauma experienced, and other factors such as social support and coping skills.
Common symptoms of PTSD in this age group include:
- Intrusive thoughts or memories of the traumatic event may cause distress or flashbacks.
- Avoidance of people, places, or situations that may trigger memories of the traumatic event.
- Negative thoughts or beliefs about oneself, others, or the world around them, such as feeling guilty, ashamed, or disconnected from others
- Hyperarousal, including being easily startled, having difficulty sleeping, or constantly feeling on edge.
- Irritability or outbursts of anger, sometimes directed towards oneself or others.
- Difficulty concentrating or completing tasks.
- Feelings of detachment from loved ones or activities they once enjoyed
- Physical symptoms such as headaches, stomach aches, or chronic pain
Strained Relationships with Parents and Authority Figures
As teens grow up, they want to be more independent and make their own choices. This can cause issues between them and their parents or other authority figures, like teachers or coaches.
These conflicts can strain the relationships between the teen and the authority figure, making it difficult for them to communicate and work together.
One reason for these conflicts is that young people may feel like their parents or other authority figures don’t understand them. They may also feel like they are not being heard or respected. This can lead to arguments and misunderstandings, making it hard for them to get along.
Another reason for these issues is teens and young adults want to try new things or take risks, while their parents or other authority figures want them to be more cautious or follow specific rules. This can lead to disagreements about what is best for the teen or young adult, which can cause tension in the relationship.
The teen or young adult and the authority figure must try to understand each other’s perspectives and talk openly and respectfully. This can help build trust and improve the relationship over time.
It’s also important for young people to remember that their parents or other authority figures care about them and want what’s best for them, even if they may not always agree on everything.
If conflicts persist, it may be helpful for the young person to seek help from a trusted adult or counselor to learn better ways to communicate and work through their disagreements.
A Decline in Academic Performance
If your child has always struggled in school, it may not be surprising that they get bad grades as a teen. But, if your child always did well in school and is now struggling as a teen, one or more factors could be involved.
Here are a few possible reasons:
- Difficulty with the subject – Some teens may need help with specific subjects, like math or science. As a result, they need help to keep up with the coursework.
- Lack of motivation – Sometimes, teens can lose interest in school and become less motivated to do their best. This can be due to feeling like the work is too hard or not seeing the relevance of what they are learning.
- Stress or anxiety – School can be stressful, and some teens struggle to cope with the pressure. They often feel overwhelmed by assignments, exams, or social situations.
- Learning disabilities or attention issues – Some teens and young adults may have learning disabilities or attention issues, such as ADHD.
- Personal or family issues – Personal or family issues can impact a teen or young adult’s ability to perform well in school. This could include a family member’s illness, a divorce, or financial problems that may cause stress and distractions.
If a teen or young adult is experiencing a decline in academic performance, it’s important to identify the underlying cause so that appropriate support and treatments can be provided.
ADD/ADHD Issues
Attention deficit disorder (ADD) is a term no longer officially used. Instead, the term is now attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The DSM-5 now describes “presentations.”
Inattentive ADHD
Inattentive ADHD is often unofficially referred to as ADD. Teens and young adults with inattentive ADHD struggle with organization, listening, and paying attention. However, they are not hyperactive.
Teens and young adults with inattentive ADHD may display symptoms such as:
- Difficulty paying attention to details or making careless mistakes
- Difficulty sustaining attention in tasks or activities, including during conversations or while reading or watching TV
- Avoiding or disliking tasks that require sustained mental effort, such as schoolwork or paperwork
- Trouble organizing tasks and activities, often leading to poor time management
- Constantly losing things, such as keys, wallets, or phone
- Forgetfulness in daily activities, such as forgetting appointments, chores, or obligations
- Often seeming forgetful or absent-minded
- Difficulty following through on instructions, including failing to finish assignments or follow through on promises
- Easily distracted by external stimuli or internal thoughts, leading to difficulties in focusing
- Often daydreaming or getting lost in thought, even during conversations or when engaging in activities
Hyperactive-presenting ADHD
Hyperactive-presenting ADHD causes difficulty being still, remaining quiet, and waiting. They may also be impulsive.
Teens and young adults with hyperactive-presenting ADHD may have the following symptoms::
- Fidgeting, restlessness, or squirming in their seat
- Difficulty staying seated, such as frequently getting up from their chair during class or at work
- Excessive running or climbing in situations where it is not appropriate, such as in a classroom or office
- Difficulty playing or engaging in activities quietly
- Talking excessively or blurting out answers before the question has been completed
- Difficulty waiting their turn, such as interrupting or intruding on others
- Often interrupting or disrupting others during conversations or activities
- Difficulty engaging in activities that require sustained mental effort or attention, such as homework or paperwork
- Often seeming to be “on the go” or as if “driven by a motor”
- Difficulty with time management, often leading to lateness or missed deadlines
It’s important to know that not all individuals with hyperactive-presenting ADHD display hyperactivity and impulsivity to the same. Some may only have a few symptoms, while others may show all of them.
Combined ADHD
Teens and young adults with combined ADHD struggle with both inattentive and hyperactive-presenting ADHD. This is the most common form of ADHD.
Anger Management
Anger management can be particularly challenging for teens and young adults. This is a time when emotions can be incredibly intense and challenging to regulate.
When teens and young adults struggle to control their anger, it can negatively affect them and others. Here are some of the potential consequences:
- Relationship problems – Uncontrolled anger can lead to conflict and strained relationships with family members, friends, and romantic partners.
- Academic or work problems – Difficulty managing anger can lead to poor academic or work performance, absenteeism, or even job loss.
- Legal problems – When anger leads to aggressive or violent behavior, they may face legal consequences such as assault charges or a criminal record.
- Physical health problems – Uncontrolled anger can lead to physical health problems, such as high blood pressure, headaches, and digestive issues.
- Mental health problems – Uncontrolled anger can also contribute to developing mental health problems such as anxiety, depression, or substance abuse.
- Self-harm or suicide – In severe cases, uncontrolled anger can lead to self-harm or suicidal thoughts or behaviors.
It’s important to seek professional help if a teen or young adult struggles with anger management. A mental health professional can provide guidance and support for developing effective coping strategies and improving emotional regulation skills.
Eating Disorders
Eating disorders are serious mental health conditions. They involve disordered eating behaviors, distorted body image, and a preoccupation with weight and shape.
Eating disorders commonly develop during teen years and young adulthood and affect people of all genders and backgrounds.
The three main types of eating disorders are:
- Anorexia nervosa -Is characterized by a fear of gaining weight, a distorted body image, and severe calorie restriction, leading to weight loss and potentially life-threatening complications.
- Bulimia nervosa – Is characterized by a cycle of binge eating followed by purging behaviors such as vomiting, laxative use, or excessive exercise, often with normal or slightly above-normal body weight.
- Binge eating disorder – Is characterized by episodes of uncontrollable eating, often followed by feelings of guilt, shame, or distress. Unlike bulimia, there are typically no purging behaviors after a binge episode.
Some potential risk factors for developing an eating disorder in teens and young adults include:
- Genetics and family history
- Cultural and societal pressures to be thin
- Perfectionism and high achievement standards
- Trauma or stressful life events
- Low self-esteem or poor body image
- Dieting or weight-loss attempts
- Co-occurring mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, or substance abuse
Eating disorders can have serious physical and mental health consequences, including:
- Malnutrition
- Electrolyte imbalances
- Gastrointestinal problems
- Heart problems
- Suicidal thoughts or behaviors
Early intervention is important for improving outcomes and preventing long-term health consequences.
Thought Disorders
Thought disorders are a type of mental illness affecting a person’s thinking patterns and communication ability. These disorders are commonly seen in teens and young adults and can be very distressing for them and their loved ones.
Here are some examples of thought disorders:
- Schizophrenia – This is a chronic mental illness characterized by a range of symptoms, including delusions, hallucinations, disorganized thinking and speech, and abnormal behavior.
- Schizoaffective disorder – This is a condition that combines symptoms of both schizophrenia and mood disorders, such as depression or bipolar disorder.
- Delusional disorder – This is a condition in which a person holds fixed, false beliefs that are not based on reality. These beliefs may involve persecution, grandiosity, or jealousy, among other themes.
- Brief psychotic disorder – This is a short-term condition characterized by the sudden onset of psychotic symptoms such as delusions, hallucinations, and disorganized thinking and speech.
- Substance-induced psychotic disorder – This is a condition in which the use of drugs or alcohol triggers psychotic symptoms.
Some common symptoms of thought disorders in teens and young adults include:
- Disorganized thinking and speech
- Delusions and/or hallucinations
- Confused or illogical thoughts
- Difficulty communicating or expressing oneself
- Inappropriate or unusual behavior
- Flat affect (lack of emotional expression)
- Withdrawal from social situations
Personality Disorders
Personality disorders are characterized by long-term behavior patterns, thoughts, and feelings that differ from societal expectations. These patterns cause problems in daily life.
Personality disorders can often manifest in teen years or early adulthood and can impact an individual’s ability to maintain healthy relationships, work, and function in society.
Some examples of personality disorders commonly seen in teens and young adults include:
- Borderline personality disorder – Is characterized by unstable relationships, emotions, and self-image. Teens and young adults with this disorder may also engage in impulsive or risky behaviors and may struggle with self-harm or suicidal ideation.
- Antisocial personality disorder – A disorder characterized by a disregard for other people’s rights and feelings, a tendency to engage in criminal behavior, and a lack of empathy or remorse
- Narcissistic personality disorder -Is characterized by an inflated sense of self-importance, a need for admiration and attention, and a lack of empathy for others.
- Avoidant personality disorder – Is characterized by social anxiety, fear of rejection, and a tendency to avoid social situations or relationships.
- Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder – Is characterized by a need for order and control, a rigid adherence to rules and routines, and a tendency to focus on details and perfectionism.
- Schizotypal personality disorder – Is characterized by odd or eccentric behavior, beliefs, and thought patterns. People with this disorder may also experience paranoid thoughts or hallucinations.
Negative Peer Relationships
Negative peer relations in teens and young adults can significantly impact their emotional and social development. Peer relations can refer to friendships, romantic relationships, and interactions with others in their peer group.
Negative peer relations can manifest in several ways:
- Social exclusion – A person may feel excluded from their peer group, leading to feelings of loneliness, depression, and anxiety.
- Bullying – Bullying can take many forms, including physical, verbal, and online. It can lead to decreased self-esteem, social anxiety, and depression.
- Peer pressure – Peer pressure can lead a person to engage in risky or unhealthy behaviors, such as substance use, without regard for the consequences.
- Interpersonal conflict – Conflict with peers can lead to negative emotional experiences and may escalate into physical altercations.
Negative peer relations can have long-lasting effects on a teen and young adult’s mental health and social functioning. Some consequences of negative peer relations include:
- Increased risk of depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues
- Decreased self-esteem and self-worth
- Social isolation and difficulty forming positive relationships
- Poor academic performance and reduced motivation
- Engaging in risky behaviors, such as substance use or self-harm
It’s important to address negative peer relations early to prevent long-term negative consequences.
Somatoform Disorders
Somatoform disorders, now known as somatic symptoms and related disorders, refer to a group of conditions in which a person experiences physical symptoms that are not fully explained by a medical condition or physical illness.
These physical symptoms often cause significant distress or impairment in daily life. Some somatic symptoms and related disorders that are commonly seen in teens and young adults include:
- Conversion disorder – A disorder in which a person experiences physical symptoms that are not fully explained by a medical condition or physical illness. These symptoms may include paralysis, blindness, or seizures. Conversion disorder is thought to be caused by psychological stress or trauma.
- Hypochondriasis – A condition in which a person is preoccupied with the fear of having a serious illness, despite medical reassurance that they are not ill. This preoccupation may lead to persistent worry and anxiety about health, which can interfere with daily life.
- Body dysmorphic disorder – A disorder in which a person is preoccupied with an imagined or minor physical flaw in their appearance, such as a perceived abnormality in their skin or facial features. This preoccupation may lead to social isolation, anxiety, and depression.
- Illness anxiety disorder – A disorder in which a person is preoccupied with the fear of having a serious illness, despite medical reassurance that they are not ill. This preoccupation may lead to persistent worry and anxiety about health, which can interfere with daily life.
Gaming & Technology Issues
Gaming and technology have become increasingly popular forms of entertainment for teens and young adults. However, they can lead to many issues if not appropriately managed.
Some common gaming and technology issues in teens and young adults include:
- Gaming addiction – Some teens and young adults can become addicted to gaming. They spend excessive amounts of time playing games to the point where it interferes with their daily life, relationships, and responsibilities.
- Social isolation – Spending excessive amounts of time gaming or using technology can lead to social isolation and difficulty forming and maintaining positive relationships.
- Cyberbullying – Online harassment, or cyberbullying, can occur through various forms of technology, such as social media, texting, and online gaming. Cyberbullying can lead to negative emotional experiences and can have long-lasting effects on a person’s mental health.
- Sleep disturbances – The blue light emitted from electronic devices can disrupt sleep patterns and lead to difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep.
- Physical health issues – Spending excessive amounts of time gaming or using technology can lead to physical health issues, such as poor posture, eye strain, and carpal tunnel syndrome.
It’s essential for teens and young adults to have a healthy relationship with gaming and technology and to use these resources in moderation. Setting boundaries and limits, such as limiting screen time and taking frequent breaks, can help prevent negative consequences.
What is Mental Health?
Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we feel, think, and act. It also affects how we handle stress, relate to others, and make decisions.
What are Mental Health Disorders?
Mental health disorders are serious and even severe conditions which affect thinking, mood, and behavior. Some disorders are short-term, and others long-lasting.
Mental health disorders are common in Americans. More than half will be diagnosed at some point in their life. However, with treatment, people can manage their symptoms or recover completely.
What Can Affect Mental Health?
Many factors can impact a teen’s or young adult’s mental health. Some of the most common ones include:
- Genetics: Mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder can run in families.
- Environment: Living in an environment that is stressful, traumatic, or dangerous can impact mental health negatively. This can include exposure to violence, abuse, or neglect.
- Life events: Traumatic or stressful life events such as the death of a loved one, divorce, or job loss can impact mental health.
- Substance abuse: Substance abuse can lead to or worsen mental health conditions.
- Medical conditions: Chronic medical conditions or illnesses can impact mental health negatively, as can medications used to treat those conditions.
- Social factors: Social isolation, lack of social support, or discrimination based on gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or religion can impact mental health negatively.
- Brain chemistry: Imbalances in brain chemistry can lead to mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder.
It’s important to note that mental health is complex, and there is often no single cause for mental health conditions. Instead, it’s often a combination of factors that impact a person’s mental health.
Early Warning Signs of a Mental Health Issue
Regarding emotions, it’s often hard to know what is normal and what isn’t. But, there are early warning signs that you may struggle with a mental health disorder, including:
- A change in eating habits
- A change in sleep patterns
- Low or no energy
- Feeling numb
- Feeling helpless or hopeless
- Abusing drugs or alcohol
- Unexplained aches and pains
- Feeling unusually forgetful, confused, angry, worried, or scared
- Severe mood swings
- Having intrusive thoughts or memories
- Believing things that are untrue
- Hearing voices
- Out-of-control or risky behaviors
- Thoughts of self-harm or suicide
- Struggling with daily activities and responsibilities
If you or someone you love is struggling with any of the above symptoms, talk to your doctor or someone you trust. Struggling in silence only makes things worse.
Combatting the Mental Health Stigma
Mental health stigma refers to the negative attitudes and beliefs that exist in society regarding mental health. This stigma leads to discrimination, shame, and social exclusion for people struggling with mental health disorders.
The mental health stigma can significantly impact the mental health of teens and young adults. Some ways in which this stigma affects them include:
- Being reluctant to seek help due to fear of judgment or being seen as weak
- Delaying treatment which can worsen mental health disorders
- Increases feelings of isolation and shame
- Negatively affects self-esteem making them feel flawed or defective
- Increases the risk of being bullied
It’s important to recognize the impact of the mental health stigma on teens and young adults. Creating supportive and understanding environments encourages more people to seek help.
Ways to combat the mental health stigma include:
- Educating yourself about mental health disorders and their impact on people
- Avoid using stigmatizing language such as “crazy,” “insane,” or “psycho.”
- Share your experiences with mental illness
- Offer support to those struggling with mental health disorders
- Promote mental health awareness, get involved with advocacy efforts
We work towards a more understanding and supportive society by taking these steps. We also break down the barriers that stop people from getting help.
Our Mental Health Treatments
Innercept is a residential treatment center offering a range of mental health treatments for teens and young adults struggling with various conditions.
Our center offers a holistic approach to treatment. This means we focus on addressing all aspects of a person’s well-being, including physical, emotional, and spiritual health.
We use a variety of evidence-based treatments, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR).
In addition to evidence-based therapy, we offer a range of holistic treatments, such as equine therapy, adventure therapy, and art therapy. These therapies help clients develop new skills, build confidence, and explore their emotions in a safe and supportive environment.
We place a strong emphasis on community and connection. Teens and young adults live in small, supportive homes and participate in group therapy and other group activities. This helps clients develop social skills and build relationships, which is crucial to long-term recovery.
Treating Mental Health in Teens and Young Adults in Idaho
No “one treatment works for all” in mental health treatment exists. At Innercept, our thorough evaluation helps us choose the best course of treatment to offer you the best chance of recovery.
If you or a loved one is struggling with daily life, we can help. If your teen has been in and out of treatment facilities and still struggling, we can help. Contact us today to learn how a personalized treatment plan can help you.