Trends and Issues in Mental

Health among Adolescents

Presented by Kristine Joy D. Sauler, LPT, RGC
Kamusta ka?
Recent Trends in Mental Health and Substance Use
Concerns Among Adolescents
Nirmita Panchal, Robin Rudowitz, and Cynthia Cox (2022)

Deaths due to drug overdose among adolescents nearly doubled

from 2019 (282 deaths) to 2020 (546 deaths).

Suicides are the second leading cause of death among adolescents.

The share of adolescents experiencing anxiety and/or depression

has increased by one-third since 2016 but held relatively steady
from 2019 (15%) to 2020 (16%)

In 2021, many adolescents reported adverse experiences such as

emotional abuse (55%), parental job loss (29%), hunger (24%), and
physical abuse (11%).

Around 30% of high school students report feeling overwhelmed

by academic stress, according to the American Psychological
Association (APA).
Voices of Adolescence
Emma's Journey with Anxiety
Emma, a 16-year-old, faced crippling anxiety due to academic pressures and
societal expectations.

Carlos's Struggle with Bullying

Carlos, a 15-year-old, faced relentless bullying at school due to his perceived
differences.

Aisha's Social Media Dilemma

Aisha, a 17-year-old, grappled with body image issues exacerbated by
unrealistic beauty standards on social media.

Tyler's Experience with Remote Learning

Tyler, a 16-year-old, faced mental health challenges during the transition to
remote learning.
 "Myth vs. Fact"
1. "Adolescents only experience mood swings; serious mental health issues
are rare.“

2. "Seeking professional help for adolescent mental health issues is

unnecessary; they'll grow out of it.“

3. "Adolescents who self-harm or express suicidal thoughts are just seeking

attention.“

4. "Only traumatic events can cause mental health issues in adolescents.“

5. "Talking about mental health with adolescents can encourage them to

engage in risky behaviors.“
 "Myth vs. Fact"
1. "Adolescents only experience mood swings; serious mental health issues
are rare.“ - MYTH

2. "Seeking professional help for adolescent mental health issues is

unnecessary; they'll grow out of it.“ - MYTH

3. "Adolescents who self-harm or express suicidal thoughts are just seeking

attention.“ - MYTH

4. "Only traumatic events can cause mental health issues in adolescents.“ -

MYTH

5. "Talking about mental health with adolescents can encourage them to

engage in risky behaviors.“ - MYTH
 Risky Behaviors of
Adolescents
A risk is the probability that an environmental
hazard may negatively impact an individual.

Risky behavior is any action that increases the

likelihood of a person in risk of disease or injury,
which can subsequently lead to disability, death,
or social problems.

World Health Organization (2019)

• injuries (road traffic/driving and drowning),
• violence (from bullying and sexual abuse),
• mental health (depression and suicide),
• alcohol, tobacco and drug use, HIV/aids,
early pregnancy, and childbirth.
Commonly Used Substances
 Unsafe Sexual Behaviors
Males tend to first engage in sex
earlier on average: 17.6 y/o while
females’ first sexual experience
One in three Filipino on average occurs during the age
adolescents has had a 18.1 y/o.
sexual experience.

1.2% have paid for sex while

1.3% have received payment
for sex
One in 50 has had sex
before the age of 15 while
one in four has had sex
before the age 18. More males engage in FUBU
experience
Why do young people engage in these risky
behaviors?
Sensation Seeking + Delayed Executive Functioning

• ‘reward system’ develops early in

adolescence.
• This is stimulated when someone engages in
sensation-seeking behavior, (try novel
experiences, and those where they can
experience heightened emotions and
bodily sensations). (Romer, 2010)
• Your brain is wired to make you want to repeat
experiences that make you feel good.
So you’re motivated to do them again
and again.

• The drugs that may be addictive target your brain’s

reward system. They flood your brain with a
chemical called dopamine. This triggers a feeling of
intense pleasure.
So you keep taking the drug to chase
that high.

• Over time, your brain gets used to the extra

dopamine.

So you might need to take more of the drug

to get the same good feeling. And other things you enjoy, like food and
hanging out with family, may give you less pleasure.
 Sensation Seeking + Delayed Executive Functioning

“Executive Functions are those cognitive capabilities

that enable independent, purposeful, goal-
directed behaviour.” (Randy Kulman)

• Executive functioning—is processed

mainly via the prefrontal cortex of the
brain, tends to develop later during
early adulthood.
• When the brain experiences extreme and
prolonged stress, the underdeveloped
prefrontal cortex becomes overwhelmed,
impairing its function further. (Romer, 2010
 Early Stressors + Normative Influence

Adolescents who have adverse

childhood experiences (ACEs) also tend
to be more likely to engage in risky
behaviors.
e.g. abuse (physical, sexual, community), neglect,
familial substance abuse or mental illness,
homelessness, discrimination, natural disasters, wars,
etc
 Early Stressors + Normative Influence
• Adolescents who have a certain degree of
curiosity or who have a history for risk-taking
behaviors may seek out peers who have the
same interest.

• Adolescents who want to gain acceptance of

their peers and who want to belong to certain
cliques often become willing to engage in risky
behaviors.

• Portrayals of certain characters and behaviors

in popular media and social media also tend to
influence young people.

• Storylines and scenes romanticizing casual sex,

or normalizing the use of illicit substances,
especially of characters with elevated social
status may be misinterpreted as ideal or normal.
 MENTAL HEALTH

MENTAL HEALTH is a state of well-being where

an individual realizes his or her abilities, can
cope to normal stresses of life, can work
productively and fruitfully, and is able to
make contributions to his or her community.

Mental Health is not just the

absence of disorder.
Mental Health as a Continuum
• Nearly ½ the world's population is affected by
mental illness (WHO)

• Impacts on their self-esteem, relationships &

and ability to function in everyday life.
Everyday stress & and even rapid
technological advances make most people
under marked stress

Good mental health can enhance one's life,

while poor mental health can prevent someone
from living a normal life.
 Prevention and Intervention

1. Life skills training (problem solving and personal decision-making, stress

management and adaptive coping strategies, assertiveness skills and resisting
peer pressure)
2. Parenting training
3. Improving student-parent communication skills
4. Supportive school counselors and teachers
5. Responsive home-neighborhood-school environment
6. Available and accessible government and non-government
resources particularly concerning reproductive health, mental
health, substance use prevention and rehabilitation
How do we take care of our Mental Health?

“Our mental health is as important as our physical health”

Mental Health is a way of
LISTENING TO YOUR
BODY.
Mental Health…
No one is spared!
Ways to become mentally well
Promote Open Communication
Creating a supportive environment where adolescents feel
comfortable expressing their thoughts and emotions
 Cultivate Empathy and Understanding

Cultivate empathy and

understanding involves
recognizing the pivotal role
of empathy in connecting
with adolescents and
understanding their unique
experiences
Provide Education on Mental Health

Highlight the significance

of normalizing
conversations about
mental health to increase
awareness and reduce
stigma.
 Foster Resilience-Building Activities
Resilience is key to mental well-
being, and we'll explore specific
actions to promote it, including
mindfulness practices, stress-
management techniques, and
engaging in hobbies."
Encourage Healthy Lifestyle Habits

The strategy to encourage

healthy lifestyle habits involves
specific actions such as
conducting educational
workshops on the link between
lifestyle and mental health,
launching sleep hygiene
campaigns, initiating physical
activity challenges, etc.
Establish Supportive Peer Networks
Highlight the importance of peer support in adolescent mental
health and encourage participants to foster an environment
where peer relationships are built on empathy, inclusivity, and
support
Identify Warning Signs and Red Flags

We should aim to develop the

skills needed for early
intervention, ensuring that
mental health issues are
addressed before they escalate.
Collaborate with Mental Health
Professionals

By facilitating open
dialogue, sharing resources,
and creating cohesive
support networks,
individuals aim to enhance
their ability to provide
comprehensive support for
adolescent mental health.
 Ask for help
● What are healthy ways to process
your emotions?

● What are some challenges in

asking for help?

● If you’re having difficulty managing stress

and coping on your own, ask for help.
 There is always help!
Call: 1-800-10-333-teen (8336)
Text: 0998.532.4047
0917.775.9256
0925.5469.919
E-mail:dohro6ahconnect@gmail.com
In Conclusion,

• Supporting adolescent mental health is a collective responsibility

that requires the collaboration of educators, parents, mental health
professionals, and the broader community.

• By working together, we can break stigmas, foster understanding,

and create environments where adolescents feel valued,
supported, and empowered to thrive emotionally and mentally.

• Let's continue the conversation, challenge misconceptions, and

ensure that every adolescent has access to the support they need
to flourish.
 "Youth is a tapestry of potential. Take care of your
mental threads, weave them with purpose, and create a
life that's a true reflection of your inner strength.

Yours is not just a phase; it's a canvas for your mental

health masterpiece. Paint it with curiosity, passion, and
the vibrant hues of self-discovery.”
- Ms Tin
 References
• (2020). Retrieved from American Psychological Association: https://www.apa.org/topics/stress

• American Psychological Association. (2012). Retrieved from Building your resilience: https://www.apa.org/topics/resilience

• Beck, A. (1963). Thinking and depression: I. Idiosyncratic content and cognitive distortions. Archives of General Psychiatry, 324–333.

• Crum, A., Akinola, M., Martin, A., & Fath, S. (2017). The role of stress mindset in shaping cognitive, emotional, and physiological responses
to challenging and threatening stres. Anxiety, Stress and Coping, 1-17.

• Haelle, T. (2020). Your ‘Surge Capacity’ Is Depleted — It’s Why You Feel Awful. Retrieved from https://elemental.medium.com/your-
surge-capacity-is-depleted-it-s-why-you-feel-awful-de285d542f4c

• National College Health Assessment. (2019). Retrieved from American College Health Association (ACHA):
https://www.acha.org/documents/ncha/NCHA-II_Spring_2018_Undergraduate_Reference_Group_Executive_Summary.pdf

• Research Gate. (2020). Retrieved from ResearchGate.net: https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Illustration-of-the-Yerkes-Dodson-

human-performance-and-stress-curve-2_fig15_283155324

• The American Institute of Stress. (2019). Retrieved from Stress in College Students: https://www.stress.org/stress-in-college-students-for-
2019-how-to-cope

• Yerkes, R. M., & Dodson, J. D. (1908). The relation of strength of stimulus to rapidity of habit-formation. . Journal of Comparative
Neurology and Psychology, 459-482.