HUNTSVILLE LIVING | DECEMBER 2024 | 29
of anxiety depends on a child ’ s age , with ages 12 to 17 having the highest incidences . Girls are more at risk than boys .
3 . Depression : The Cleveland Clinic says 3 percent of children experience depression . Age also is a factor in relation to depression , as 13.3 percent of adolescents between the ages of 12 and 17 are diagnosed with depression . Symptoms include feeling worthless or hopeless , low self-esteem , loss of interest in activities , and changes in appetite . These indicators must persist for two weeks or longer to meet the criteria for clinical depression .
4 . Eating disorders : Eating disorders are defined as abnormal eating behaviors that can include eating too much or too little . Anorexia nervosa , bulimia nervosa and binge-eating disorder can compromise kids ’ ability to function socially and emotionally . Disrupting healthy eating patterns can take a physical toll on the body as well .
5 . Addiction : Children are not immune to addiction . Youngsters can become addicted to alcohol , drugs , social media , gambling , and other things .
Many children are diagnosed with mental health disorders every year . Although some behaviors may be growing pains that go away as children age , others might be signs of a mental health condition .
5 . Addiction : Children are not immune to addiction . Youngsters can become addicted to alcohol , drugs , social media , gambling , and other things .
Many children are diagnosed with mental health disorders every year . Although some behaviors may be growing pains that go away as children age , others might be signs of a mental health condition .
Did you know ?
Data from the United States Department of Health and Human Services indicates nearly one in two adolescents has had a mental health disorder at some point in their lives . According to the Canadian Paediatric Society , one in five Canadian children and youth will experience mental illness . The World Health Organization reports that anxiety disorders , which can involve panic or excessive worry , are the most prevalent mental health issues among adolescents . In fact , data from the Institute of Health Metrics and Evaluation indicates about 4 percent of the world ’ s 10- to 14-year-olds and 5.5 percent of 15- to 19-year-olds across the globe will experience an anxiety disorder .
HUNTSVILLE LIVING | DECEMBER 2024 | 29