It can be challenging for anyone who is living with a mental health issue to know when it’s the right time to get help. But, for young adults and adolescents and parents of these individuals, it can be even more difficult to understand when help should be sought out. This can be the case because young adults may not have the best access to help or are avoidant of help out of fear of judgment from family or friends. But, there are things that people of this age group and parents of adolescents can recognize in order to help identify whether or not adolescent mental health treatment services may be necessary.

Identifying the Prevalence of Mental Health Issues in the Adolescent Population

It’s unfortunate, but young people in our country are experiencing higher levels of mental illness and almost 50% of young adults experience mental health issues at some point in their lives. This increases the need for mental health treatment services for young adults. Some statistics relating to adolescent mental health include:

• 32% of adolescents ages 13-18 are living with an anxiety disorder
• 13% of adolescents ages 12-17 are living with a depressive disorder
• 9% of adolescents ages 13-18 years old are living with ADHD
• 3% of adolescents ages 13-18 years old are living with an eating disorder

The difficulties that young adults face with schooling, social pressures, and pressures for their futures can increase their risk of developing mental health issues. Furthermore, the prevalence of social media impacts is also putting pressure on this age group at risk for developing issues with self-confidence, sleep issues, and more that can contribute to the development of mental health issues.

Recognizing the Need for Adolescent Mental Health Help

One thing that adolescents and parents can do to understand whether or not mental health help should be sought out is to look for warning signs and symptoms of mental health issues. Some of the common signs of developed mental health issues in young adults can include:

• avoidance behaviors
• having apathy for things once enjoyed
• sleeping too little or too much
• overwhelming stress or anxiety
• low self-confidence
• exhaustion
• trouble concentrating
• mood swings and irritability
• impulsive and self-harming behaviors
• thoughts or ideation of suicide
• restricting food or binge episodes

Taking the First Step to Get Help

If you or a young adult you love is struggling with a mental health issue, it’s best not to delay. Mental health issues can lead to self-harming behaviors or health issues that can lead to damaging symptoms. However, help is available for those who need it. The best thing you can do is to reach out and contact mental health treatment services that offer specialized care for young adults. Getting in touch with a facility or provider that offers individualized treatment specifically for adolescents can ensure that you or your loved one is being cared for according to your or their personalized needs.

Yellowbrick Offers Mental Health Help for Adolescents

Need help with mental health issues for an adolescent in your life? Yellowbrick offers specialized and individualized care for emerging adults who are living with a wide range of mental health conditions including depression, substance abuse, trauma, eating disorders, and more. Find out more about our programs and services on our website.