What health issues impact teenagers?
The teenage years are a time of immense change—physically, emotionally, and socially. Alongside these changes, mental health issues are becoming more common, underlining the need for greater support. Adolescence can be tough to navigate, especially when life’s challenges—such as family difficulties or financial stress—add to the pressures. That’s why it’s so important for families, schools, and communities to stand by young people during this pivotal stage of their lives.
- Around 14% of teenagers worldwide experience mental health problems, yet many don’t receive the help they need.
- 75% of teenagers struggling with mental health issues don’t receive the support they need.
- Certain groups of teenagers, such as young women and those from less affluent backgrounds, are more at risk of mental health issues.
- For instance, 25% of young women aged 17 to 22 are dealing with significant mental health challenges—more than any other group of young people.
The takeaway is simple: paying close attention to teenagers’ mental health, offering support early, and ensuring access to the right help are crucial steps. By doing this, we can help set them on the path to a healthier, happier future.
Globally, 14% of 10-19-year-olds face mental disorder
25.1% of 13-18 year olds experience severe anxiety disorder
There are around 770,000 school refusers
In England, 1 in 6 young people have experienced a mental health issue
What causes problems in young adults?
Mental health challenges in young adults are often the result of a mix of factors. Think of it as a puzzle, with pieces like brain development, personal experiences, and life circumstances all coming together. During the teenage years and early adulthood, the brain is still developing, making young people more sensitive to their environment. This period of growth also makes them more vulnerable to stress and negative influences.
Contributing Factors to Mental Health Problems in Young Adults:
- Genetics and Physical Illness: Family history or underlying health issues.
- Personal Experiences: Bereavement, bullying, or financial difficulties.
- Life Changes: New schools, breakups, or family upheavals, which can feel overwhelming for those already feeling fragile.
- Gender Trends: Young women report higher rates of anxiety and depression, while young men are more prone to conditions like ADHD or substance misuse.
Lacking the right support, such as a stable home, a positive school experience, or a supportive friend network, can make managing mental health more difficult. Stigma, lack of awareness, and uncertainty about where to seek help can also prevent young people from accessing the support they need.
The impact of health conditions on teenagers
The teenage years are a time of self-discovery, but they can also be incredibly challenging. Mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, substance misuse, eating disorders, self-harm, and even suicidal thoughts can weigh heavily on teenagers. These issues don’t just affect how they feel emotionally—they impact every aspect of their lives.
How Mental Health Challenges Affect Teenagers:
- Sleep: Many teenagers struggle to get enough rest, which can lead to irritability, trouble concentrating, and poor decision-making. Over time, sleep deprivation can have serious effects on their physical and mental health.
- Digital World: Constant engagement with social media can fuel feelings of anxiety and inadequacy, sometimes leading to social isolation and a decline in real-world social skills.
- Parenting Influence: Supportive parenting helps teenagers build self-esteem and tackle challenges with confidence. On the other hand, overly critical or neglectful parenting can make it harder for them to manage emotions.
- Diet and Nutrition: Poor dietary habits can lead to mood swings, trouble concentrating, and in severe cases, eating disorders, posing significant health risks.
- Social and School Environment: The pressures of school life—academic demands, peer pressure, and bullying—can increase the risk of mental health problems, making it difficult to engage fully in education or social interactions.
- Substance Use: Some teenagers may turn to alcohol or drugs to cope with stress, worsening mental health problems and causing long-term harm to both their physical and emotional health.
- Self-Harm and Suicidal Thoughts: These behaviours are serious signs of emotional distress and require immediate intervention and professional support.
Recognising these signs and intervening early can make a life-saving difference.
How can young adult issues be managed?
Supporting young adults through mental health challenges involves open conversations and personalised care. Approaches can include:
- Play Therapy: Helpful for younger children to express their feelings safely and creatively.
- Talking Therapies or Specialist Counselling: Particularly effective for older teenagers, these approaches are backed by strong evidence.
- Medication: In some cases, carefully managed by specialists, medication can help.
- Confidentiality: Ensures that both young people and their families feel safe and respected in their care.
Building a Support Network:
- Mental Health Programmes: Initiatives like Teen Mental Health First Aid help students recognise and respond to their peers’ mental health struggles.
- Support Systems: Whether from family, school, or healthcare providers, early intervention and a strong support network make all the difference.
How can hypnotherapy help young adults?
Hypnotherapy provides young people with the tools to manage their mental health challenges. Solution-focused hypnotherapy, in particular, works by helping young people visualise their ideal future and identify small steps towards achieving it. This approach focuses on solutions rather than revisiting past trauma, making it ideal for addressing issues like exam stress, anxiety, and even the emotional toll of social pressures.
Benefits of Hypnotherapy:
- Stress Reduction: Helps young people manage exam stress and anxiety by teaching them relaxation techniques that calm the mind and body.
- Building Confidence: Encourages a positive mindset and boosts self-esteem, making it easier to tackle challenges like academic pressure and social interactions.
- Improving Focus and Concentration: Through guided relaxation, hypnotherapy helps young people clear their minds, making it easier to concentrate on their studies and other activities.
- Supportive Environment: Hypnotherapy provides a safe space for teenagers to explore their feelings and concerns, equipping them with coping strategies that build resilience.
Solution-focused hypnotherapy promotes a positive outlook, empowering young people to take control of their mental health and find a path to well-being.
Our Students & Young Adults Specialists
Benn Baker-Pollard
Sittingbourne
Carmen Harrington
Market Harborough
Caroline Prout
Thrapston
Chris Johannes
Spalding
Claire Noyelle
Maidstone East
Dawn Ibbetson
Chelmsford
Gary Johannes
Peterborough
Jill Whitehouse
Newcastle upon Tyne
Keeley Smith
Southend-on-Sea
Kerry Seymour
Weston-super-Mare
Peter Ely
Islington
Victoria Anderson
Sunderland
Why Choose Inspired To Change
Our solution focused hypnotherapists empower you to better understand your brain, helping to guide you towards solutions and achieve the outcomes you want. We have a team of fully trained hypnotherapists, giving you the choice of who to work with and how you want to work with them. Solution focused hypnotherapy is just as effective in-person or online in the comfort of your own home, so you can find the ideal therapist to help you reach your goals.
Every one of our hypnotherapists is recognised by governing bodies like the National Council for Hypnotherapy, the UK’s leading not-for-profit hypnotherapy professional association. They have all trained with Clifton Practice Hypnotherapy Training, one of the leading hypnotherapy schools in the UK.
