Volume 3, Number 2
1996 Indiana University - The Center for Adolescent Studies

Mental Health Issues

Three common mental health problems found in adolescents are Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, depression (and suicide), and eating disorders. While these problems are very different from one another, their effects in the classroom can be similar. Students with any of these problems need special attention in order to succeed. This help may range from spending extra time explaining concepts to getting the student into treatment. The key is understanding these mental health issues and creating a classroom atmosphere conducive to learning - where all the students can be successful

Adolescents must have a balance of 5 things:

• Belonging: a feeling of love, trust and attachment to others or institutions.

• Mastery: many ways to achieve should be possible.

• Independence: learning the difference between being a strong leader and an aggressor.

• Generosity: having opportunities to give to others helps young people learn to be caring.

• Stimulation: young people need to be provided with a variety of interesting, fun activities to stay engaged.

If any of these five virtues is missing or skewed, the child's risk of failure and potentially harmful behavior are increased.

As society continues its rapid change, teacher's expectations of students need to adapt. Too often, children do not receive support from outside the school. Therefore, the school becomes an important place to foster these five qualities. It may be the only place where the student receives the message, "You are valued." Therefore, it is one place where young people need to learn the skills that will socially and cognitively move them toward achieving a better balance.