80 Myburgh Str, Strand, Western Cape, 7130
Monday - Friday 08.00 - 18.00
Practice no. 864 0815
021 853 2889

Mental Health Problems of Teenagers

HomeBlogMental Health Problems of Teenagers

Mental Health Problems of Teenagers

Teen depression is a serious medical illness that goes beyond typical adolescent moodiness. It involves lasting feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or severe irritability that disrupt daily life, school, and relationships. Early recognition and professional support from a doctor or mental health provider are vital for recovery.

Common Signs and Symptoms

  • Persistent sadness, anxiety, or emptiness
  • High irritability, anger, or hostility over minor issues
  • Loss of interest in hobbies or sports once enjoyed
  • Withdrawal from family and friends
  • Drop in grades or lack of motivation at school
  • Changes in sleep (insomnia or oversleeping)
  • Changes in appetite or weight
  • Frequent physical complaints like headaches or stomach aches
  • Thoughts of death, self-harm, or suicide.

Potential Risk Factors

  • Family history of mental health conditions or genetics
  • High stress, bullying, abuse, or trauma
  • Co-occurring conditions like anxiety, ADHD, or learning disabilities
  • Difficult social adjustments or unsupportive environments regarding identity

Treatment Options

  • Talk Therapy: Methods like cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) help teens change negative thought patterns and build coping skills.
  • Medical Support: Healthcare professionals may evaluate if medication is appropriate while closely monitoring for safety.
  • Family Involvement: Family counselling helps improve communication and support systems at home.

Getting Support

Mental health challenges during the teenage years can affect many areas of a young person’s life, but appropriate support can make a meaningful difference. If you notice ongoing changes in your teenager’s mood, behaviour, relationships or ability to cope with everyday life, consider speaking to a qualified healthcare or mental health professional. Early support can help identify what they are experiencing and provide them and their family with appropriate strategies and guidance.

Oostenbrink Psychology provides professional psychological support for teenagers and their families. If you are concerned about your teenager’s mental wellbeing, contact us to discuss your concerns or arrange an appointment.

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About

Jacob Oostenbrink, MA (Clinical psychology) has been in private practice since 1998. He started his practice in Brackenfell and then relocated to Rustenburg where he practiced for 11 years. His practice focused mainly on clinical work but he was often requested to do consulting work in the Mining Industry (which included the selection of employees, treatment of their substance abusers, assisting them with trauma counseling and addressing employees’ emotional well-being). In 2012 he relocated back to the Western Cape and opened his Clinical practice in Strand. Although he is registered as a clinical psychologist, he has completed both his internships in consulting and clinical psychology and finds himself comfortable in both areas. Prior to completing his MA degree, he was employed in the business environment for 12 years which has given him extensive experience in the Human Resources field. He practices as a clinical psychologist, rendering a variety of services to high school learners (adolescents), adults, couples and business environment.

What is a clinical psychologist?

A clinical psychologist is a person who holds an MA degree in clinical psychology and is registered with the Health Profession Council of South Africa (HPCSA). This profession specialty is mainly concerned with diagnosing more serious mental, emotional and behavioral disturbances. Clinical psychologists tend to view emotional well-being in an integrated way by taking into consideration the related aspects of the environment, body, brain and the mind.

Why do people visit a clinical psychologist?

Individuals visit a clinical psychologist because they are troubled with problems, traumas or issues that they are not able to effectively deal with. These problems mostly have a significant negative impact on various areas of their life and may include school-, work-, home or their relational/marital life.

How are appointments made?

Clients often make appointments for themselves when they have the need to, but are mostly being referred to psychologists by their General Practitioner (GP’s), certain Specialists, Pastors of their congregation, their schools or even by their employers.

What types of problems does a psychologist treat?

Individuals seeking help from a clinical psychologist usually require assistance with both assessment and/or treatment of problems or certain conditions. Clients may present with various problems or symptoms for example:
  • Attention-Deficit and Disrupted Behaviour Disorder (including ADHD)
  • Substance-Related Disorders (Including Alcohol, Nicotine, and Drugs)
  • Schizophrenia and other Psychotic Disorders
  • Mood Disorder (Including Depressive Disorders and Bipolar Disorders)
  • Anxiety Disorders (Including Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Panic attacks, Phobias and Obsessive- Compulsive Disorder (OCD).
  • Personality Disorder (Including Antisocial-, Narcissistic-, Avoidant- and Borderline personality disorder)

How can we help you?

Jacob Oostenbrink has thorough experience in the fields of clinical-, counseling and industrial psychology, and does various types of assessments on adolescents and adults for diagnostic, guidance and treatment purposes. His experience and interests are in the following areas
  • Mood disorders (such as major depression and bipolar mood disorders)
  • Anxiety disorders (such as panic disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder)
  • Substance related disorder (such as alcohol and Nicotine dependency)
  • Personality disorders (assessment and support)
  • Marital- and relational therapy (Imago therapy)
  • Subject- and career guidance
  • Trauma counseling (such as assistance after the death of a loved one, brutal attacks, serious accidents and other life threatening events)
  • Selection/psychometric assessment of personnel (by making use of various psychometric tests)

Therapeutic Approach

Jacob Oostenbrink believes in a holistic treatment approach. It is therefore important to assess clients and their presenting problems in the context of their psychological history (including childhood wounding and other significant traumatic experiences) as well as present life circumstances that are integral to the individual’s well-being. The client needs to be made aware of why his life is disruptive and how he needs to change in order to achieve a state of emotional well-being. Therapy is an active process and personal responsibility is essential. Because no two clients are the same, therapeutic techniques may differ but it will always have the client’s best interest in mind. Compliance with medication, if it was suggested, is important and is used in collaboration with therapy. Jacob Oostenbrink prefers using the following therapeutic techniques
  • Hypnosis/Relaxation Therapy
  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
  • Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
  • Imago Relational Therapy

“Probably the biggest insight...is that happiness is not just a place, but a process...Happiness is an ongoing process of fresh challenges, and...it takes the right attitudes and activities to continue to be happy”.
-Ed Diener