Mental health conditions among teenagers are more common than most people realize. Conditions such as anxiety, depression, and eating disorders can begin to manifest during the teenage years. The benefits of cognitive-behavioral therapy for teens have been shown to help address these conditions. Professional mental health services, like those offered by Imagine Omaha, can assist your child in improving their mental health and well-being.
According to recent studies, approximately 13% of teenagers worldwide experience some form of anxiety disorder.1 Additionally, about 20% of teenagers may experience depression before they reach adulthood2 and around 3% struggle with an eating disorder3.
These statistics underscore the urgency of addressing mental health issues among teens early on. Professional mental health treatment, like that offered by Imagine Omaha, can play a crucial role through the benefits of cognitive-behavioral therapy for teens. Contact us at 888.306.2681 to learn more.
Common Mental Health Issues Facing Teens and Adolescents
The life of a teenager or adolescent is actually quite stressful. On top of undergoing physical changes, dealing with peer pressure, and navigating social relationships, adolescents are also facing the pressures of school and planning for their future. All of these factors can contribute to mental health issues.
Here are some of the most common mental health conditions faced by teenagers and adolescents:
Anxiety Disorders
Anxiety disorders refer to a group of mental illnesses characterized by excessive fear, worry, and nervousness. Teenagers with anxiety disorders may experience frequent panic attacks, difficulty concentrating, and trouble sleeping.
Depression
Depression is a serious mood disorder that can affect teenagers as well. It is characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest in activities they used to enjoy. Depression can also manifest through physical symptoms like changes in appetite and sleeping patterns.
Eating Disorders
Eating disorders are complex mental health conditions that involve disturbances in eating behaviors. Common types of eating disorders include anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge-eating disorder. These conditions can seriously impact a teenager’s physical and emotional well-being.
Substance Use Disorders
Substance use disorders, or drug and alcohol addiction, can also begin during the teenage years. Adolescents may turn to substances as a way to cope with stress or peer pressure. Substance use disorders can have severe consequences on a teenager’s health and relationships.
The Power of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is one such treatment modality that has shown significant success in treating teenage mental health conditions. CBT is a type of psychotherapeutic treatment that helps individuals understand how their thoughts and feelings influence their behaviors. It’s particularly effective for teens, as it is designed to intervene in harmful thought patterns, teaching them to respond to challenging situations in a more effective way.
Top 5 Benefits of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Teens
- Empowers self-control – CBT teaches teens how to control their thoughts and emotions rather than letting them control their actions. This newfound self-control can lead to improved emotional well-being.
- Promotes healthy coping mechanisms – CBT provides teens with practical strategies to handle stress and anxiety, fostering resilience and emotional strength.
- Improves communication skills – Through CBT, teens learn to express their feelings more effectively, leading to better interpersonal relationships.
- Encourages problem-solving skills – CBT helps teens approach problems in a structured way, enhancing their decision-making and problem-solving abilities.
- Boosts self-esteem – By mastering new skills and overcoming challenges, teens undergoing CBT often experience a boost in self-confidence and self-esteem.
At Imagine Omaha, we believe that every teenager deserves to live a life free from the weight of mental health issues.
Contact Imagine Omaha Today
If you or a loved one is struggling, don’t wait. Reach out to our compassionate team today and take the first step towards mental wellness. Call 888.306.2681 or contact us online to ask questions, verify insurance, or get started today.
Footnotes
1Anxiety & Depression Association of America – “What Are Anxiety and Depression?”
2Mental Health America – “Quick Facts and Statistics About Mental Health”
3National Eating Disorder Association – “Statistics and Research on Eating Disorders”