A recent research study by Yahoo finds that despite the fact that parents may be concerned about their teen being depressed, they don’t seek treatment due to the negative stereotype associated with mental health.
This stigma associated with mental health is resulting in many teenage deaths. Suicide is the third leading cause of death for children 10 to 18 years old (CDC). In fact, suicide is considered a teenage epidemic (CDC). Research studies have confirmed that teenagers who report symptoms of depression are more likely to attempt and succeed at suicide (CDC).
Parents are reluctant to seek treatment because they are afraid if the diagnosis of depression is on their medical records their teenager may denied medical insurance and possibly job opportunities in the future. We need to change this stereotype. Parents need to feel safe to seek treatment for their children are depressed. They should not have to worry about insurance coverage or how people will judge them or their child. Parents are also reluctant to seek treatment because people may judge their child as weird or label them as bad parents.
If we want to decrease the number of Teenage Suicides and the number of teens dealing with depression or anxiety, we must change how we view mental health. I have included a link to the article so you can read more about this issue. Parents ‘In Denial’ About Teens’ Depression and Anxiety https://www.yahoo.com/parenting/parents-in-denial-about-teens-depression-and-117195820377.html?soc_src=community&soc_trk=tw via @YahooNews.
Dr. Michael Rubino is a psychotherapist with over 20 years experience treating teenagers. For more information about Dr. Rubino’s work or private practice visit his website http://www.RubinoCounseling.com or his Facebook page http://www.Facebook.com/drrubino3
