Being an adolescent is not easy. Transition from childhood to the age of adolescence  is accompanied by emotional, physical, hormonal, intellectual, social and sexual changes. The problems and pressures that teens  encounter can be too overwhelming and can lead to mental health disorders that can be life threatening .

What are the red flags of mental health disorders ?

• Loss of self esteem.
• Loss of appetite and weight loss which could indicate an eating disorder .
• Excessive sleep beyond what is normal could indicate depression or substance abuse.
• Personality changes such as aggressiveness and excessive anger that are out of character. This could be an indication of psychological, sexual or drug problems.
• Excessive worry or fear.
• Feeling excessively low or sad.
• Dramatic decline in school grades .
• Avoiding friends and social activities

NOTE

Concerns about your adolescent’s mental health should first be addressed with your child. It is important to foster open communication. It goes a long way  toward fostering sound adolescent mental health habits. If you have serious concerns, discuss it with your pediatrician.