by Nick Hanzel-Snyder
We all have mental health, just as we all have physical health. And, like physical health, what makes for good or bad mental health can vary greatly among demographics. Knowing the different ways different people can experience mental health problems is an important part of it suicide prevention for teenagers and adults. Given that “A Critical Look at Men’s Mental Health” In one of our most popular blog posts, we look at the mental health of a subset of this population: teenage boys.
Fast facts about adolescent boys’ mental health
- Suicide is now the third leading cause of death in young people aged 15-25; Moreover, boys are 4 times more likely to die from suicide than girls.
- Boys in general more impulsive compared to girls, which is more has reached adulthoodboys usually enter later than girls. This impulsivity can make boys more likely to have suicidal feelings.
- Although attitudes about parenting boys are changing, boys are often socialized to be “tough” and understand their feelings, making them less likely to seek help.
- Studies show starting in adolescence, boys find themselves alienated from the health care system—both for physical and mental health—which further reduces their likelihood of seeking help. Moreover, boys themselves are often blamed for this deviance as a character flaw rather than systemic societal pressures.
- The symptoms of depression in teenage boys don’t always match what we expect: anger and irritability—rather than sadness or hopelessness—may Depression indicators for boys.
- Similarly, anxiety in adolescent boys may manifest as procrastination, obsession, or perfectionism, rather than the extreme worry or panic that we might expect.
Talk and listen
Fortunately, there is a simple way to improve the mental health and well-being of teenage boys: talk about feelings. Parents, caregivers, and other important adults in boys’ lives should listen and talk to boys about what they feel, validate those feelings, and be willing to talk openly about their feelings.
