The Stigma of Mental Illness in Adolescents

A society blaming individuals for illnesses like cancer exemplifies how stigma adds to the burden of terminal diagnoses. They may be told that their life choices led to the illness or accused of fabricating the diagnosis for attention. This scenario, as disconcerting as it sounds, mirrors the experiences of many individuals suffering from mental illnesses. According to a New York Times article, a staggering sixty-two percent of adolescents reported experiencing 'overwhelming anxiety' in the past year. Furthermore, hospital admissions for suicidal teenagers have increased significantly, doubling over the past century (Denizet-Lewis).

While the stigma surrounding mental health issues is daunting, it is crucial to draw attention to the seriousness of these issues and their profound impact on teenagers. Addressing this stigma is the first step towards creating a society that supports mental health as vigorously as it does physical health.

Prejudice and Lack of Resources

Prat Wingert, author of Young and Depressed, highlights how many teenagers struggling with depression are unable to access the help they need. This is largely due to prejudiced opinions about mental illnesses, inadequate mental health resources, and a general ignorance of the severe emotional turmoil that can devastate young lives (Wingert). The stigma attached to mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety, and OCD, is a significant barrier. This type of shaming can deter adolescents from seeking treatment out of fear of being mocked, harassed, or bullied by their peers. For instance, many teens face daily ridicule for taking multiple medications just to manage their day-to-day lives. Seeking counseling or medication should not carry such a negative connotation; after all, if a cancer patient sought chemotherapy, it would be unthinkable to deny them treatment. Without proper care, any illness—mental or physical—can become life-threatening.

Self-Harm and Misconceptions

The stigma surrounding mental health issues is closely linked to misconceptions about self-harm. Many individuals who engage in self-injury do so not with suicidal intent but as a maladaptive coping mechanism. Approximately one-third to one-half of teens have engaged in self-harm at some point (Peterson). This behavior is often misunderstood and mischaracterized as attention-seeking. However, the reality is that self-harm can induce a state of euphoria by triggering the release of endorphins, dopamine, and serotonin, temporarily relieving stress and numbing emotional pain. Unfortunately, social media platforms sometimes glorify self-harming behaviors, presenting them as part of a 'goth' or 'beauty' culture. Over two hundred thousand Tumblr blogs have been reported to contain content related to self-harm, potentially triggering others (Megan). The stigma persists, as exemplified by a nurse who dismissed a young girl as 'attention-seeking' before a diagnosis of borderline personality disorder was confirmed (Peterson). Rather than seeking attention, many adolescents hide their scars and feel ashamed of their actions.

Inadequate Support and Barriers

Penny Williams, author of Lack of Mental Health Care for Children Reaches 'Crisis' Level, reports that approximately half of all teenagers experience some form of mental disorder. Yet, only seven-point-four percent of these children receive treatment (Williams). Failing to recognize and adequately treat these potentially life-threatening conditions can exacerbate symptoms and lead to severe consequences, such as dropping out of school, incarceration, substance abuse, or even suicide. Barriers to accessing mental health care include misunderstandings, stigma, and unsupportive parents who may be unwilling to accept that their child needs accommodations. Dr. Harold S. Koplewicz emphasizes that children can be remarkably resilient if they have the necessary support and tools to overcome challenges (Williams). Providing the right accommodations can significantly ease the path to recovery.

Addressing the Issues

Ensuring access to affordable healthcare and insurance can help cover the costs of counseling, medications, and psychotherapy, benefiting adolescents struggling with mental illnesses. Although Medicare now requires coverage for inpatient services, many copayments and deductibles remain prohibitively expensive for low-income families. Some insurance companies also limit the quality and frequency of mental health services. To prevent finances from hindering access to quality care, government programs should offer free or reduced-cost counseling and affordable training for service or emotional support animals. School-based mental health services would be greatly beneficial, as would nationwide laws enhancing confidentiality protections for children aged thirteen and older, allowing them to seek help without parental notification. More than fifty-five percent of youth would be discouraged from seeking mental health care if parental notification were required (Burgess). Online services with professional counselors or trained volunteers could also encourage more young adults to reach out for help, as these services are accessible and convenient.

Access to Mental Health Care

The cost of mental health care remains a significant barrier, with a shortage of counselors extending wait times to three weeks or even three months—far too long for impulsive teens in crisis. Young adolescents often require therapists skilled in working with their age group, but there are only about eight thousand three hundred youth-trained psychiatrists in the United States, compared to approximately fifteen million teenagers and children in need. This creates an impossible ratio of one psychiatrist for every one thousand eight hundred kids (Weinstein). Increasing the number of mental health specialists and ensuring they come from diverse backgrounds is essential for expanding access to culturally competent care. Investing in technology to facilitate virtual therapy sessions could also help reach patients unable to travel. However, these steps alone may not suffice, as the demand for adolescent-based counselors far outstrips supply, and treatment does not guarantee recovery. A doctor spending only a few minutes with a child may miss the distinction between temporary sadness and a serious disorder (Roleff 109).

Medications and Therapy

The efficacy of medications for adolescents remains uncertain due to limited research on their effects on developing brains. Antidepressants can increase suicidal thoughts, anxiety, and other side effects. The FDA mandates a black box warning on all antidepressants and related medications to alert users to serious risks (US Food and Drug Administration). Despite these warnings, children are often quickly prescribed medications, fostering a false belief in 'magic pills' that will bring happiness. This approach can lead to dangerous outcomes, as children may turn to substances like alcohol or drugs for relief (Roleff 110). Pharmaceutical companies, such as Eli Lilly, which produces Prozac, have even introduced flavored versions of their drugs, potentially encouraging use among young people (Roleff 109). Instead of having meaningful conversations about well-being, some parents rely on medication to address their child's issues, which some view as a form of child neglect (Roleff 110).

Each individual's path to recovery is unique; what works for one person may not work for another. Medications may alleviate symptoms for some while increasing suicidal thoughts for others. Similarly, talk therapy may be beneficial for one individual but increase anxiety for another. It is essential for each person to explore various treatment options until they find the approach that works best for them. While mental health care is undeniably costly, government-funded counseling, medical supplies, and other supports are valuable solutions. Additionally, psychiatrists should conduct thorough evaluations before prescribing medication to ensure accurate diagnoses. These measures will help improve America's mental health care system, reduce stigma, and convey that it is okay not to be okay.

Ending the Stigma

Speaking out about mental well-being, whether through social media, public speeches, or personal conversations, is crucial for raising awareness of mental health issues. Anxiety and depression should not be taboo subjects, as over half of adolescents experience symptoms associated with mental health challenges. As a society, we readily support individuals with physical ailments, but we often neglect mental health. "Unfortunately, we live in a world where if you break your arm, everyone runs over to sign the cast, but if you tell someone you're depressed, they all run the other way" (Breel). When a student's parent is hospitalized for cancer, educators are typically understanding and accommodating. However, when a parent is in a mental health facility, the same empathy is not extended, despite both scenarios involving serious illnesses. The persistence of negative views toward mental health diagnoses hinders progress and growth. To become a better society, we must learn to embrace and support mental well-being with the same vigor as physical health.

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