Mental health refers to the emotional and psychological working order of your mind and describes your thoughts, feelings and understanding of yourself and the world around you.

 

Your teenage years are a time of change both physically, emotionally and mentally.  You are moving into adolescence and are beginning to find your own identity, forming closer relationships with your friends and perhaps detaching emotionally from your parents and other adults, even though you still rely on them for security.

 

It can be difficult for teenagers and their parents to adjust during this time, but it is important that these adjustments are made and a good relationship with your parents is maintained as this is the time when mental health problems such as eating disorders and depression may kick in.

There are many reasons why these issues may arise at this period of your life i.e.  changes in your family such as divorce or separation, bullying, death, feeling alone and exam stress.

 

Visit the young adults section for further information and advice on various mental health issues, including eating disorders, depression and stress.  If you feel you can identify with any of the health issues raised, you should speak to your parents, GP or school nurse.