We acknowledge March 2, 2022, as World Teen Mental Health Day where we bring awareness to the mental health issues that our teenagers may be facing, a day to give teenagers a safe space to discuss mental illness and seek help if needed. This topic hits home for me just as it does for many families. I’ve always known that my child suffered from a bit of anxiety, but it wasn’t until this year when we found out just how severe it was.
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One in five teens between the ages of twelve and eighteen suffers from at least diagnosable mental health disorders. It wasn’t until recently that my husband really understood what those mental health disorders was. My daughter was brave enough to tell my husband and I in early January of 2022 that she’s been having panic attacks at school since October of 2021. When she spoke those words to me my heart broke, and I cried for her. I didn’t know, I didn’t recognize the signs that something was wrong. I didn’t recognize the signs that she is hurting. I cried because I feel like I should have known, I should have been able to recognize what was going on.
As fortunate as I was to have their child come to them and express that they have been suffering from some form of mental health crisis. Mental health dose not discriminate against a person’s age, race, or socioeconomic status. Mental health dose not care if you are male or female, we are all subjected to either have/ or is experiencing some form of mental health experience.
Statistics shows that ADHD, anxiety problems, behavior problems, and depression are the most diagnosed mental disorders in children. Estimates for ever having a diagnosis among children aged 3-17 years, in 2016-19, are given below. https://www.cdc.gov/childrensmentalhealth/data.html
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- ADHD 9.8% (approximately 6.0 million)
- Anxiety 9.4% (approximately 5.8 million)
- Behavior problems 8.9% (approximately 5.5 million)
- Depression 4.4% (approximately 2.7 million)
I recall this day as if it was yesterday, after my daughter shared with us that she has been suffering from Panic Attacks I got online that night and started searching for some help. I came across Austin Therapy for Girls website. This was heaven sent, a therapy center that specializes in girls and young women. Each therapist (female) works closely with their patients and caregivers. Not only was my daughter suffering from Panic Attacks, but my husband and I also must learn what to look for, and how to help her cope outside of therapy. Not everyone is fortunate enough to be able to have access to a mental health professional. I found through my journey that most therapist don’t take private health insurance. It was one setback after another for me. I felt like we pay for private health insurance, but we can’t use it when we need to. I was so lucky to come across Austin Therapy for Girls Website and Dr. Sarah Joyner. My daughter is building a relationship with Sarah, that is a safe space for her to learn how to navigate and process her anxiety disorder.
If you are seeking help and support from a mental health provider below is a list and a place to start.
Austin Therapy for Girls https://austintherapyforgirls.com/
Austin Teen Therapy: https://www.austinteentherapy.com/about
Teen Therapy-Colors Austin: https://www.colorsofaustincounseling.com/adolescenttherapy
Lifeworks: https://www.lifeworksaustin.org/counseling
Out Youth: https://www.outyouth.org/help
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (U.S.): 1-800-273-8255
Photo Credit :: Lynn Walker Photography
