Why adolescence is a difficult time for mental health | COUNTRY Express

According to the latest UNICEF study, 40% of Spanish teenagers have more or less severe mental health problems. And more than 50% of serious mental disorders in adulthood begin in adolescence.

But what happens during these years?

• Teens have a harder time controlling impulsivity and regulating self-control because the part of the brain that regulates planning and decision-making is not yet fully developed.
• Moreover, the transition from childhood to adulthood involves a transformation of body image and the development of sexuality. And feeling comfortable with one’s physical image and personal identity is a key element of adolescent mental health.

The problems resulting from these changes differ between men and women:

• Girls, who tend to be more sensitive to social pressures regarding body image, develop eating disorders, as well as anxiety and depression.
• However, the risk of addiction is higher in boys. Excessive exposure to screens can lead to addiction to social media, online gambling or video games.

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