Title: Navigating Teens' Psychological Wellbeing: Pressures, Trials, and Resources
Navigating the preadolescent years can pose significant challenges to a child's mental health. Known as the 'tween' stage, this period, typically encompassing children aged 9 to 12, is a time of evolving emotions, cognitive advancements, and social pressures.
The term 'tween' refers to the developments that unfold during this transition between childhood and adolescence.1 Some people might term this phase 'middle childhood' or 'young teen' years.1
Preadolescence encourages personality refinement and independence exploration, much like adolescence and adulthood. With the shift in external stressors, children may confront mental health challenges.1
Identifying the Need for Support
Assessing signs of potential mental health challenges in tweens can be challenging due to their growing independence and the newness of their experiences. However, it is essential to be aware of potential signs.
Tweens grappling with mental health issues may exhibit signs such as intense irritability, frequent physical complaints linked to emotional distress, disturbances in sleep patterns, and social withdrawal. Their academic performance may drop, and they may express feelings of fatigue or disinterest in favorite hobbies.1
According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), 17% of children aged 6 to 17 live with a mental health disorder.1
Common Pressures Faced by Tweens
Tweens may encounter cognitive, emotional, social, and physical pressures.
Cognitive
Exciting cognitive advancements take place during preadolescence, as the brain rewires itself based on experiences. Children's thought processes become more intricate, and a stronger sense of "right" and "wrong" emerges.3
Schoolwork and home responsibilities may require more self-reliance and independence from the child.2
Emotional
Emotional strain faced by tweens can stem from fluctuating hormones, social conditions, and academic expectations. As they develop a heightened sense of self-image and a desire to be acknowledged and accepted, emotional pressures can significantly impact their wellbeing.2
Social
Tweenage social pressures often coincide with the emotional stressors they face. Children turn to their peers for companionship and validation.
Social pressures may originate from a desire to fit in, an awareness of sexuality, and self-consciousness about body image. Tweens may fear being labeled as different or unacceptable if they don't adhere to social norms.2
Physical
Many tweens undergo physical developments related to puberty, commonly causing concerns related to body image. Physical changes may include acne, growth spurts, voice changes, body hair, and the onset of menstruation.3
These physical transformations can put tweens at risk of being judged or teased if they are considered too developed or too underdeveloped.3
Common Mental Health Challenges
While not all tweens experience mental health challenges, certain conditions are common during this period.
Depression and Anxiety
Mood disorders like depression and anxiety are common among tweens.3
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 10-14 year-olds live with an anxiety disorder, and depression affects 1.1% of children in the same age group.3
Behavioral Disorders
Behavioral disorders, characterized by disruptive behavioral patterns, can be prevalent among tweens. Examples include Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Conduct Disorder (CD), and Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD).3
Eating Disorders
Body image challenges can progress into full-fledged eating disorders among tweens, such as Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa.3
Promoting Good Mental Health
Encouraging good mental health in tweens is within the purview of caregivers and parents.
Effective strategies to support their mental wellbeing include providing a healthy diet, ensuring ample opportunities for physical activity, relaxation, and sleep.4 Active listening and open dialogue are paramount, as is avoiding criticism and judgment during conversations.4
Parents should also engage in a tween's interests and foster a supportive environment for personal growth.4
Regular check-ins, involvement in their school and academic activities, and helping them with their responsibilities can contribute to their resilience and mental wellbeing.4
Respecting their personal space and involving them in decision-making processes are essential. Parents should model healthy lifestyle choices and self-care to set a positive example.4
Accessing Mental Health Resources
For professional guidance and support, expert mental health professionals can offer valuable insights and guidance, even if the challenges seem typical for the age group.4
Help is available 24/7 through mental health hotlines. Consult our National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357 for more information and resources.4
Conclusion
The preadolescent stage, or 'tweenage,' is a critical period filled with mental health challenges. These challenges can manifest as anxiety, depression, behavioral disorders, and eating disorders.
Parents and caregivers play a crucial role in supporting and promoting positive mental health during this period through active listening, physical activity, and respectful engagement.
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) reports that 17% of children aged 6 to 17 live with a mental health disorder, highlighting the importance of vigilance and support from caregivers.1 In some cases, parents may seek help from medical professionals, such as those at Pfizer, who offer various treatments for mental health conditions.2 A concerned caregiver might find it challenging to admit that their child needs professional help, but blocking potential improvements by refusing such aid could worsen the situation.
