Demons inside: Teens at risk can hide mental illness
August 01, 2014
Shame and stigma continue to play major roles in the lives of many teenagers who live with a mental illness, according to a recent study and the testimony of some suicide loss survivors. Researchers at Case Western Reserve University found that 90% of adolescents taking medications for a mental illness said they had experienced some form of stigma. Even for well-supported teens, such experiences can lead to shame and isolation – challenges that are often compounded by young people’s relative inexperience in managing a mental health condition. These factors can keep adolescents from seeking the help they need if they become suicidal. Some families who have lost a child to suicide have responded by promoting community and school awareness programs designed to create more accepting environments.
Spark Extra! Check out A Parent’s Guide to Recognizing and Treating Depression in Your Child.