May is Mental Health Awareness Month - 1 in 5 youth has had a serious mental health disorder

One in five adolescents has had a serious mental health disorder, most commonly depression, anxiety disorders, and/or a substance use disorder. As the COVID-19 pandemic improves and life begins to get back to normal, many of our youth are having a difficult time coping with anxiety and the stress of returning to school. Those old feelings of non-acceptance, being bullied and academic stress is causing challenges for many teens. If your child is struggling call Tahoe Youth & Family services for help!

Most mental health problems diagnosed in adulthood begin in adolescence and the importance of managing mental health problems in adolescents can affect adult functioning in areas such as personal and social relationships, and performance in the workforce. There is an average delay of 11 years between the onset of symptoms of a mental illness and treatment. With only about 50% of youth in the United States receiving treatment, it leaves half of our youth unnoticed, uncared for, and vulnerable. According to the CDC, suicide is the second leading cause of death among teens, with females attempting 3 times more than males, but males completing suicide almost 4 times more as females.

Some common mental health warning signs for adolescents include:

• Regularly feeling very angry or very worried
• Having difficulty sleeping or eating
• Losing interest in activities they used to enjoy.
• Isolating themselves and avoiding social interactions
• Experiencing prolonged grief after loss
• Obsessive exercising or eating
• Feeling their mind is not their own.
• Harming themselves, other people and/or destruction of property
• Loss of energy
• Feeling a loss of control over emotions

If your child is having challenges and struggling call Tahoe Youth & Family Services (TYFS). Take this opportunity to help your teen know they are not alone. Our professional licensed counselors can help your teen recognize their strengths and help them learn new skills to help them during these difficult times. We also have an in-person weekly Teen group in our Gardnerville office. We continue to offer Telehealth for those who find this works better for their situation.

Both our Gardnerville and South Lake Tahoe are now OPEN providing in-person counseling services Monday – Thursdays. To schedule an appointment in Gardnerville call (775)782-4202 or in South Lake Tahoe call (530)541-2445.