How Mental Illness Affect Teens

Do you ever wonder if your teen is struggling with a mental health issue? Are they acting differently, other than normal teen changes? Then this book may be of help.

I wanted to write this short book that just briefly touches this subject. I hope you find this book useful.

The subject of mental health is very close to my heart because not only do I have depression, many of my family members do as well. Both of our children suffer anxiety, three of my teenage grandchildren have also been diagnosed with anxiety and depression and one also has ADHD, which does not help with the anxiety.

My father had undiagnosed depression until he tried, unsuccessfully, thank God, to commit suicide. I’m not sure exactly if my mother had a diagnosed mental health disorder, but she had a nervous breakdown when I was in 3rd grade. Of course, I did not know what that was at that time, but it was scary to me. Her doctor suggested she get a job, since she had always been a stay at home mom, which was very difficult with my oldest sister.

My oldest sister has depression, and many other mental health issues which caused many difficulties in her life and the lives of my parents and my other sister, and I. My next-to-oldest sister has anxiety, which also caused many difficulties for her.

Since I have depression, I know how it affects your life, lack of joy, inability to join in with activities which you normally enjoy, being sad when there is really nothing to be sad about. I did not want my children or grandchildren to have to go through this illness as well. So, I’m determined to reduce the stigma around mental health!

NOTE: I am not a professional who is just going by my experience and I’m really just a concerned mom/grandma!