Your health is important, whether its physical or emotional, being in good condition inside and out can help you lead a much more pleasant life. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) around 20% of children have a mental illness which, in many cases, goes undiagnosed or misdiagnosed. These illnesses could include hyperactivity, obsessive-compulsive, panic or anxiety issues, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and more. In addition to these illnesses, some youth may also have secondary substance abuse problems which make treatment harder but not impossible.
Depression in Youth
Environmental factors play a major role in children and teens that develop depression. Parents getting a divorce or fighting, cruelty from siblings or step-siblings, or other issues at home can build up to a point of turning into a depressive disorder. Trouble in school, such as being bullied on a daily basis or feeling unable to keep up with school work can also lead to depression in youth. Often times, the younger age and less life experience can make these feelings seem much worse than they are; but depression is nothing to be brushed aside. Diagnosing and treating it quickly can be a literal life saver.
Anxiety Issues
Many youth and adults face various forms of anxiety on a daily basis. It’s characterized by a non-stop feeling of being afraid, distressed, trapped or embarrassed in certain social situations, and can severely impair the person’s ability to attend school, work or social events. Anxiety is a highly treatable mental issue, but it often times goes untreated due to its very nature. Social phobia, for example, is the feeling of unease when around other people and it can have varying degrees of severity from mild to complete panic attacks. Many people with social phobia do not visit a doctor because the thought alone is terrifying to them.
Drug Abuse
Mental illnesses are complex enough in diagnosing and treating, but sometimes they come with a secondary issue of substance abuse. The person suffering from the illness may feel that drug abuse is a quick way to escape certain feelings they may be experiencing so they turn to alcohol, marijuana or worse. While the diagnosis and treatment plans will change, there is still help for you if you want it. You do not have to suffer with a mental illness or substance abuse for the rest of your life. Taking that first step, as hard as it may be, and getting in contact with a medical expert can change your entire life for the better.
