Teenagers all over the world can experience similar issues and conditions. This doesn’t mean there’s no remedy to these problems. On the contrary, there are plenty of resources to help teenagers get through their rough days. Some of these issues may be caused by physical pains or mental health issues—or both. The important thing is they have support from their loved ones and access to available resources.
Many teenagers may face mental health issues from birth, and they can develop them due to extreme circumstances like abuse or trauma. It’s important that if your teenage child experiences any unusual symptoms or shows any signs of self-harm that you get medical help as soon as possible. You can contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline if you suspect this is the case for your teen.
Here are three common teenage problems and ways to address them.
1. Poor Dental Care
Your teenager may not be happy about their smile because some of their teeth may be a bit unaligned, or their jaw may be creating an overbite or underbite. They can also be unhappy with their teeth gaps or any speech impediments caused by these characteristics. For this, you can contact an orthodontist for kids (or pediatric dentist) to help your child find the right option for them.
A visit to the dentist may be the only thing your teen needs to get the beautiful smile they always dreamed of. The orthodontist may recommend your child gets metal braces, permanent teeth removal, or Invisalign. Whatever the option is, be sure your health insurance covers the best orthodontic treatment for your child’s teeth.
2. ADHD
Another common issue teenagers face is ADHD (Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), formerly known as ADD (Attention-Deficit Disorder). During their teen years, children can start to show signs of hyperactivity and a lack of self-control when it comes to paying attention in class, for example. Other common ADHD and ADD symptoms in teens also include impulsivity, irritability, and learning disability. Family members may start to notice their grades for schoolwork assignments are lowering in quality, and their adolescents may be depressed or caught up in distractions.
If a teenager is showing symptoms of ADHD, it’s important to take them to a psychiatrist to get the proper help and remedies for their mental health issues. A psychiatrist will evaluate the child’s symptoms and circumstances and determine if they suffer from ADHD or any underlying issues. They may help the teen through behavioral therapy, medication, and recommended exercise, diet, and sleep routines.
3. Depression
Lastly, about 20 percent of teenagers are affected by depression before adulthood, and only 30 percent get treated for it in the United States. It’s important to understand that depression is a mental disorder in the category of mood disorders and brings symptoms like a loss of interest in things that once brought joy. There may be many different underlying causes associated with depression in younger children such as schoolwork, hormonal imbalance, and stressful events.
Additionally, a family history of depression and/or drug or alcohol abuse may also be harbingers of depression. While there is a wide range of things that can cause depression in teens, it’s important they are properly diagnosed by a professional such as a psychologist or psychiatrist. If they show enough signs of depression, then the doctor may prescribe medication combined with therapy to help your teen get through this debilitating mental disorder. Early intervention may be just what your child needs to live their teen years to the fullest.
Teenagers are the future of this world, so it’s important to do everything we can so they live healthy and fulfilling years until they reach adulthood.
