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Mental health refers to emotional, cognitive, and behavioral well-being. The World Health Organization (WHO) explains mental health as “a state of well-being in which the individual realizes his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to his or her community.” The Mayo Clinic define mental health disorders in children as “delays or disruptions in developing age-appropriate thinking, behaviors, social skills or regulation of emotions. These problems are distressing to children and disrupt their ability to function well at home, in school or in other social situations.” Although mental illness can develop at any age, studies have shown that it is not uncommon for dormant mental illnesses to surface and/ or for new mental health conditions to emerge during one’s adolescence and into one’s young adulthood. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) asserts that in the United States “at least one in five youth aged 9-17 years currently has a diagnosable mental health disorder that causes some degree of impairment; one in ten has a disorder that causes significant impairment.” Mental illness can present in a variety of ways, and it can be challenging to tell the difference between typical adolescent behaviors and warning signs that may indicate the need for mental health treatment. According to findings from the World Health Organization’s World Mental Health Survey Initiative half of all mental health conditions start by age 14 but most cases go undetected and untreated.

Why Is Early Intervention Important?

Early detection and early intervention are recognized as key elements for minimizing the impact of any potentially serious health condition in teenagers and are important for a variety of reasons. Effective early intervention and management is fundamental to preventing the progress of adolescent mental health disorders and reducing the mortality often associated with these conditions. One study confirmed that screening strategies and early detection interventions allow for more effective healthcare pathways, as it provides the needed information to act before mental health problems worsen or by preventing their onset. They also allow for a more personalized care which can lesson or delay symptoms, reduce the severity of an illness, and improve prognosis. Significant data accumulated from more than a decade of research suggests that early intervention strategies may produce the greatest impact on young people’s health and well-being.

For Information and Support 

Every family in need of mental health treatment must select a program that will best suit the needs of their family. When one member of a family struggles, it impacts everyone in the family unit. To maximize the benefits of treatment we work closely with the entire family to ensure that everyone is receiving the support they need through these difficult times. Seeking help is never easy, but you are not alone! If you or someone you know needs mental health treatment, we strongly encourage you to reach out for help as quickly as possible. It is not uncommon for many mental health difficulties to impact a person’s life, long term. Pursuing support at the beginning of one’s journey can put the individual in the best position to learn how to manage themselves in a healthy way so they can go on to live happy and fulfilling lives.

OUR KNOWLEDGEABLE ADMISSIONS TEAM CAN BE REACHED 24/7 AT INFO@PACIFICRTC.COM OR CALL: (866) 602-5512

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