Mental Health

 Mental health refers to our emotional, psychological, and social

well-being, affecting how we think, feel, and act. It plays a critical
role in managing stress, building relationships, and making choices
throughout our lives. According to the Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention (CDC), "mental health includes our emotional,
psychological, and social well-being and determines how we
handle stress, relate to others, and make healthy choices. Mental
health impacts every area of life, from academic performance to
relationships and even physical health. When mental health is
stable, individuals are better equipped to cope with the challenges
of daily life, achieve educational goals, and maintain positive
relationships. The World Health Organization (WHO) highlights
that good mental health is essential for overall well-being and is
equally important as physical health .

 Mental health challenges are increasingly common among youth,

with about 1 in 7 adolescents (aged 10-19) globally experiencing a
mental health disorder each year. Conditions like anxiety,
depression, and behavioral disorders are prevalent, particularly
among teenagers. In the United States, the National Alliance on
Mental Illness (NAMI) reports that 20% of youth aged 13–18
experience a severe mental health disorder annually. Early
intervention and support can significantly impact young people's
well-being, especially as untreated mental health issues in
adolescence can have long-term effects on adulthood.

Common Mental Health Challenges Among Youth

 Anxiety Disorders
 Definition: Anxiety disorders are characterized by excessive
worry, restlessness, irritability, and avoidance of specific situations
or activities due to intense fear or apprehension.
 Symptoms: These include physical symptoms (e.g., increased
heart rate, sweating), emotional symptoms (e.g., irritability, feelings
of dread), and behavioral responses (e.g., avoidance of social
situations).
 Statistics:
o Approximately 32% of adolescents experience an anxiety
disorder, making it one of the most common mental health
conditions among youth (National Institute of Mental Health,
2020).
o Anxiety disorders are more common in females than males,
with a 3:2 female-to-male ratio in prevalence during
adolescence (World Health Organization, 2023).
 Depression
 Definition: Depression is a mood disorder characterized by
prolonged sadness, loss of interest in activities, changes in sleep
and appetite, fatigue, and, in severe cases, thoughts of self-harm
or suicide.
 Symptoms: Symptoms include persistent feelings of sadness,
hopelessness, changes in energy levels, difficulty concentrating,
and physical symptoms like aches and pains that have no physical
cause.
 Statistics:
o 20% of teens experience a depressive episode before
adulthood, suggesting a critical need for early intervention
(National Institute on Mental Health, 2019).
 Eating Disorders
 Definition: Eating disorders include conditions like anorexia
nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge-eating disorder, all of which
involve unhealthy eating habits that stem from an intense
preoccupation with weight, body image, and food.
 Symptoms: Symptoms can range from extreme food restriction
(anorexia), cycles of binging and purging (bulimia), to compulsive
overeating (binge-eating disorder).
 Statistics:
o Approximately 9% of the global population suffers from an
eating disorder, with the highest prevalence among females
aged 12–25 (Galmiche et al., 2019).
 Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
 Definition: ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized
by difficulty in sustaining attention, impulsivity, and hyperactive
behaviors.
 Symptoms: Symptoms include inattention (e.g., difficulty focusing,
forgetfulness), impulsivity (e.g., interrupting others, acting without
thinking), and hyperactivity (e.g., restlessness, excessive talking).
 Misconceptions: It is often incorrectly assumed that ADHD only
affects young children; however, symptoms frequently persist into
adolescence and adulthood.
 Statistics:
o ADHD affects approximately 9.4% of children aged 2–17
globally, with boys more likely to be diagnosed than girls
(Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2020).
o Studies show that up to 60% of youth with ADHD will
continue to exhibit symptoms into adulthood (American
Psychiatric Association, 2022).
 Self-Harm and Suicide
 Definition and Symptoms: Self-harm involves intentionally
inflicting harm on oneself, often as a coping mechanism for
emotional pain. Suicide, the act of taking one’s own life, is one of
the leading causes of death among youth.

 Statistics:
o 17.2% of high school students have seriously considered
suicide, with 7.4% attempting suicide (Youth Risk Behavior
Survey, CDC, 2021).
o Suicide is the second leading cause of death for youth
ages 15–24 globally (World Health Organization, 2022).
Causes and Risk Factors
 Genetics

o Explanation: Genetics play a role in many mental health

disorders, as certain conditions can run in families. Children
and adolescents with a family history of mental health issues
may be more likely to develop similar challenges.
o Evidence: Studies have found that genetics account for
about 40-50% of the risk for mental illnesses like depression
and anxiety, with higher heritability in more severe cases
(Wray et al., 2024).

 Trauma and Abuse

o Explanation: Experiences like bullying, abuse, or neglect can
significantly increase the likelihood of developing mental health
issues. These traumatic events disrupt normal emotional
development, leading to long-lasting effects.
o Evidence: Youth exposed to trauma or abuse are at higher risk for
conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD),
depression, and anxiety (Xiao et al., 2021).

 Social Media
o Explanation: Social media can influence mental health by creating
pressure through comparisons, idealized images, and
cyberbullying. Constant exposure can lead to issues with self-
esteem, anxiety, and depression.
o Evidence: Studies have linked social media use with increased
rates of depression, anxiety, and sleep issues among adolescents,
particularly when excessive screen time is involved (Keles et al.,
2019).
 Academic Pressure
o Explanation: High expectations and intense focus on grades,
exams, and future plans can contribute to stress and anxiety in
youth. The pressure to perform academically can affect mental
health, leading to burnout and emotional exhaustion.
 o Evidence: Research has shown that academic stress is a
significant factor in youth mental health, with some students
reporting symptoms of anxiety, depression, and sleep problems
due to academic demands (Pascoe et al., 2019).
 Substance Use
 Explanation: Substance use in adolescents is linked to mental
health challenges, as substances like alcohol and drugs can
worsen symptoms of depression and anxiety, while also impairing
judgment and increasing impulsivity.
 Evidence: Adolescents who misuse substances are at a greater
risk for mood disorders, anxiety disorders, and even suicidal
ideation (Winters et al., 2019).

Common Misconceptions
“Mental Health Problems are Rare in Young People”
o Explanation: Contrary to this belief, mental health problems are
quite common among youth. Adolescents are in a vulnerable stage
of development, with many experiencing mental health challenges.
o Evidence: Approximately 1 in 5 adolescents (ages 12–18) have a
mental health disorder, making mental health issues among young
people a significant concern (CDC, 2022). Anxiety, depression, and
ADHD are among the most common disorders affecting this age
group (NIMH, 2020).
“Mental Health Issues are Just Part of Growing Up”
 Explanation: While adolescence brings natural emotional
changes, mental health challenges should not be dismissed as a
“phase.” Issues like anxiety and depression are serious conditions
that require attention.
 Evidence: Studies show that untreated mental health disorders
in adolescence can persist into adulthood, increasing the risk of
continued emotional, social, and academic difficulties (Collizi et al.,
2020).
“Therapy and Medication are Only for ‘Serious’ Cases”

 Explanation: Therapy and medication can benefit individuals at all

stages of mental health challenges. Early intervention and access
to a range of treatments are essential for effective mental health
care.
 Evidence: Studies show that early treatment, whether through
therapy, medication, or both, leads to better long-term outcomes
and can prevent mental health challenges from worsening (Collizi
et al., 2020). Different treatment options provide support tailored to
varying levels of need.

Warning Signs of Mental Health Struggles

 Withdrawal from Friends or Family

o Explanation: A sudden or consistent avoidance of social

interactions, including time with family and friends, may
indicate a mental health struggle. Withdrawal can be a
coping mechanism for feelings of anxiety, sadness, or
overwhelm.
o Evidence: Social withdrawal is a common symptom of
depression, especially in adolescents, as they may feel
misunderstood or lack energy to interact with others
(American Psychiatric Association [APA], 2022).

 Changes in Eating and Sleeping Habits

o Explanation: Alterations in appetite, significant weight changes, or

shifts in sleep patterns (like insomnia or hypersomnia) can be
signs of underlying mental health issues.
o Evidence: Studies have shown that changes in eating and
sleeping habits are common among youth with anxiety and
depression, affecting both mental and physical health (Lim et al.,
2021).

 Feelings of Worthlessness or Guilt

o Explanation: Adolescents experiencing feelings of worthlessness

or guilt may be struggling with low self-esteem or self-worth,
common symptoms in depression.
 o Evidence: Feelings of worthlessness often accompany depressive
episodes and can lead to more severe symptoms, including
suicidal ideation (Harrison, 2021).

 Prolonged Sadness or Irritability

o Explanation: Persistent sadness, frequent tearfulness, or

irritability that lasts for more than two weeks can be a sign of
depression or other mood disorders in adolescents.
o Evidence: Prolonged sadness and irritability are key indicators of
depressive and anxiety disorders in youth, as reported by the CDC
(Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2022).

Statistics on Youth Mental Health (Global and Local)

 Global Perspective:

o Globally, it’s estimated that 1 in 5 youth experience a mental

health disorder each year, with common conditions including
anxiety, depression, and eating disorders (World Health
Organization [WHO], 2021). The WHO reports that approximately
10–20% of children and adolescents are affected by mental
health issues, highlighting the need for early intervention and
support (WHO, 2021).
o Breakdown by Condition: According to the National Institute of
Mental Health (NIMH), the prevalence of mental health disorders
among youth includes anxiety disorders (31.9%), behavioral
disorders (19.1%), and depression (14.3%) (NIMH, 2022).
 Local (Philippines) Perspective:

 The Department of Health (DOH) in the Philippines reports that

approximately 10-15% of Filipino children aged 5–15 years
suffer from mental health conditions, with many remaining
untreated due to stigma and limited access to resources (DOH,
2020).
 Specific data from the National Center for Mental Health
(NCMH) indicate that anxiety and depression are particularly
prevalent among Filipino youth, with cases rising dramatically in
recent years. For instance, calls to the NCMH helpline doubled
between 2019 and 2021, reflecting increased mental health
concerns during the COVID-19 pandemic (NCMH, 2022).

References:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). Mental health: Overview. Retrieved from
https://www.cdc.gov/mentalhealth/

World Health Organization. (n.d.). Mental health. Retrieved from

https://www.who.int/health-topics/mental-health

National Alliance on Mental Illness. (n.d.). Mental health by the numbers. Retrieved from
https://www.nami.org/mhstats

National Institute of Mental Health. (2020). Anxiety disorders. Retrieved from

https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/anxiety-disorders
World Health Organization. (2023). Adolescent mental health. Retrieved from
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/adolescent-mental-health

National Institute on Mental Health. (2019). Major depression. Retrieved from

https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/major-depression

Galmiche, M., Dechelotte, P., Lambert, G., & Tavolacci, M. P. (2019). Prevalence of eating
disorders over the 2000–2018 period: A systematic literature review. American Journal of
Clinical Nutrition, 109(5), 1402–1413. https://doi.org/10.1093/ajcn/nqy342

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020). Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder

(ADHD). Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/adhd/data.html

American Psychiatric Association. (2022). Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Retrieved from https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/adhd/what-is-adhd

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Youth Risk Behavior Survey: Data
summary & trends report 2009-2019. Retrieved from
https://www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/data/yrbs/index.htm

World Health Organization. (2022). Suicide worldwide in 2019: Global health estimates.
Retrieved from https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240026643