Mental health is a growing concern in our society, which also appeals to adolescents. 59.3% of young Spaniards claim to have experienced at least one mental health problem in the last year, according to the IV Health and Wellbeing Barometer of 2023 by Fad Juventud and the Mutua Madrileña Foundation. Of this percentage, 17.4% suffer from them "continuously or frequently."
From the American Association of Pediatrics (AAP), they state that there are many pressures that adolescents face: to achieve good grades in school and enter an elite university, to excel in a sports discipline or extracurricular activity, difficulties to reconcile their schedules with rest and fun, harassment (in person or on social networks), fears about climate change or other current issues, discrimination due to race, gender, sexual orientation, weight...
In this context, they focus on the importance of parents knowing how to identify when their adolescent child may be facing difficulties related to their mental health. Knowing how to recognize these signs is key to asking for help when necessary.
“Biological changes, including hormonal changes that all tweens and teens go through, can affect your child's mood, school performance, and other things. But if you consistently see one or more of these signs, it's time to start a conversation about mental health with your teen," the AAP warns. They also explain that the most common mental health conditions among adolescents are attention deficit or hyperactivity disorder, anxiety, depression, eating disorders and self-harm.
Experts recommend starting a conversation with the teenager, making it clear that they can be honest with you, that they will not be judged. And, of course, they urge you to ask your pediatrician for help to help the adolescent in the treatment process and refer him to the appropriate specialists.
