Adolescent Mental Health

Adolescence (10 to 19 years) is a stage in which the mental health of the person begins to form. The changes that occur in this period, which can be physical, emotional, or social, can make adolescents vulnerable to mental health problems.

Experts from the mental health center, The Meadowglade, indicate that promoting the psychological well-being of adolescents and protecting them from adverse experiences and risk factors, that may affect their ability to develop their full potential is essential both for their well-being during adolescence and for their physical and mental health in adulthood.

Determinants of mental health

The Meadowglade experts point out that adolescence is a crucial period for the development and maintenance of social and emotional habits. These habits, which include adopting healthy sleep patterns, exercising regularly, developing skills to maintain interpersonal relationships, coping with difficult situations, solving problems, and learning to manage emotions, are important for mental well-being. It is also important to have a supportive environment in family, school and the community in general. It is estimated that between 10% and 20% of the adolescents worldwide experience mental disorders, but these are not properly diagnosed or treated.

The Meadowglade mental health specialists, who specialize in mental health and eating disorders, indicate that there are multiple factors that determine the mental health of the adolescent. The more risk factors teens are exposed to, the greater the effects they can have on their mental health. Some factors that can contribute to stress during adolescence are: the desire for greater autonomy, pressure to conform with peers, exploration of sexual identity, and increased access to and use of technology. The influence of the media and the imposition of gender norms can exacerbate the discrepancy between the reality of adolescents and their perceptions or aspirations for the future. Other important determinants of adolescent mental health are the quality of their home life and relationships with their peers. Violence (particularly abuse and intimidation) and socio-economic problems are risk factors that can contribute to a poor mental health. Children and adolescents are especially vulnerable to sexual violence, which has clear detrimental effects on mental health.

Specialists from The Meadowglade point out that some adolescents are at higher risk of suffering from mental health disorders, because of their living conditions or situations of stigmatization, discrimination, exclusion, or lack of access to quality services and support. Among them are adolescents who live in places where there is instability or humanitarian aid is provided, adolescents with chronic diseases, autism spectrum disorders, intellectual disability, or other neurological conditions, pregnant women and teenage parents or those in early and/or forced marriage, orphans and those who are part of minorities with an ethnic or sexual profile, or of other discriminated groups.



On the other hand, adolescents with mental health problems are particularly vulnerable to social exclusion, discrimination, stigmatization (which affects willingness to seek help), educational difficulties, risky behaviors, poor physical health, and violations of human rights.

The Meadowglade is a rehabilitation center, which is located in Moorpark, California. This center is specialized in mental health and eating disorders. The Meadowglade mental health specialists provide individualized therapy to patients, which provide benefits to the benefits to the mind, body, and spirit and maximizes the quality of life in every way.