Mental illness occurs when something disturbs the brain and prevents it from functioning properly, according to the website Teen Mental Health. Each mental illness is made up of specific signs and symptoms that distinguish it from other mental illnesses. Mental illness is considered a chronic disability that can impair a person's ability to function in daily life. It may last a few months, repeatedly come and go or last a lifetime, depending on the specific disorder.
Changes in Behavior
One of earliest signs of teenage mental illness is a noticeable change in behavior. Mentally ill teens usually lose interest in activities that they used to enjoy. Many teens isolate themselves from others by cutting off contact with family and friends, according to the National Mental Health Information Center.
These teens may start abusing illegal substances or engaging in reckless behavior as a way to block out their confusing feelings. Some teens may begin to have difficulties completing assignments and paying attention in class, causing a rapid decline in their grades. A teen that normally excels in school may skip classes, daydream during class and/or neglect to turn in homework assignments. In addition, mentally ill teens may begin to have suicidal thoughts. They may become fascinated with the concept of death and begin writing about it in their journal, stories or poems.
Extreme Anger and Irrational Beliefs
Extreme anger is an early sign of teenager mental illness. Mentally ill teenagers may become extremely angry and blame themselves if everything in their lives is not perfect. They may believe that someone or something is controlling their thoughts and taking over their lives. Some mentally ill teenagers believe that have superhuman powers and strengths, while others feel that they are worthless and powerless.
Mentally ill teens may become suspicious of others. They may believe that someone is out to harm them or the people they love. During the early stages of mental illness, teens usually have a feeling that something is wrong, but they do not know what it is or how to fix the problem.
Excessive Worry
An early warning sign of mental illness is excessive worrying. Mentally ill teens obsess over their appearance and what others think of them, according to Cummins Behavioral Health System, a treatment center located in Indiana. Mentally ill teens may constantly complain that they are too fat or too ugly to make friends or fit in with their peers. These teens may compulsively exercise or diet as a way to achieve the desired look. In addition, mentally ill teenagers may develop unexplained phobias and fears that cause them to go to great lengths to avoid certain situations.
Problems Making Decisions
Teenagers with mental illness will suddenly have problems making decisions, according to Cummins Behavioral Health Systems. Mentally ill teens tend to have poor judgment and may make big decisions based on a whim. A teen with a mental illness may decide to have sex with a random stranger simply because he tells her that she looks pretty in the dress she is wearing.
References
- Teen Mental Health: Teens and Families: FAQ
- Cummins Behavioral Health System: Mental, Emotional, and Behavioral Disorders in Teens
- National Mental Health Information Center: Teen Mental Health Problems: What are The Warning Signs?
- Suicide and Mental Health Association International: Teen Mental Health Problems: The Warning Signs
- National Alliance on Mental Illness: Teen Mental Health Problems: What Are The Warning Signs?
