Schizophrenia
Imagine feeling a bit off in high school, noting your thoughts drift to strange directions, or always being a bit off in conversation. This is what the early stages of schizophrenia can feel like. Schizophrenia is a complex and often misunderstood condition that affects how someone feels, thinks, and experiences the world and life. 1 in 100 people worldwide live with schizophrenia according to the World Health Organization (WHO), most detailed that their symptoms started between the ages of 16 and 25. The disorder is linked to an imbalance in certain chemicals like glutamate and dopamine. These chemicals help the brain control mood, perception, and thoughts. Because of these imbalances, the brain has trouble interpreting reality accurately. This can lead to hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized speech/thoughts. The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) states that schizophrenia is not caused by bad parenting but rather by changes in how the brain functions, and scientists believe that the causes are a mix of genetics and environmental factors like being exposed to a lot of trauma, stress, or drug use during adolescence.
For teens, schizophrenia can be isolating and confusing. Early signs look like regular teen struggles, having a hard time focusing, mood swings, grades dropping, and pulling away from friends. Because they seem so “normal,” most don’t notice it. Many teens express feeling numb and having a hard time concentrating or thinking that others are always watching them when, relatively, they aren’t. Early-onset schizophrenia (schizophrenia before 18) is rare but is often more severe, according to the American Psychiatric Association. However, with the right tools like therapy, antipsychotic medications, and support from family, friends, and school, teens and people struggling with schizophrenia are able to manage their symptoms and continue to live their lives.
Bipolar
Bipolar disorder (or BD) is a mental health condition that causes intense changes in moods, activities, and energy levels. 2.8% of U.S. adults experience symptoms of bipolar disorder that often start in the late teen or early adult years of life, according to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). There are two main phases of the disorder: Manic episodes and depressive episodes. During manic episodes, a person may feel energetic, irritable, or confident. They might have trouble focusing, making impulsive decisions, or talking very fast. During a depressive episode, one may feel tired, sad, or even hopeless. During a depressive episode, it can be hard to stay motivated, get out of bed, or even focus. Scientists believe that bipolar disorder can be caused by environmental stress, genetic factors, and chemical imbalances in the brain. They have also found a link between those with a close relative with BD having a high risk of developing it themselves.
Living with bipolar disorder as a teen can be difficult, as for many, it can be misdiagnosed as stress, ADHD, or just regular mood swings. Early diagnosis and consistent treatments like therapy, health routines, and mood-stabilizing medications are key to helping prevent episodes from getting worse, according to the American Psychiatric Association. When talking about Bipolar disorder that we remember that it’s not just being moody, but a real mental health condition that deserves just and with all mental health conditions deserve as much respect as physical health.
MJHS Chem 