What Happens When You Fail to Seek Treatment for Mentally Ill Teens

By Craig Rogers

C.A.R.E. is an array of licensed residential treatment centers providing therapeutic treatment for teens who are mentally ill. It is our mission to provide quality behavioral treatment and psychiatric therapy for teens and their families in a manner consistent with the highest ethical levels of care. We employ a seasoned and dedicated staff of professionals who are trained to figure out what your child needs to overcome his or her mental health challenges and be successful in academics and in life. 

Mental illnesses are medical conditions that interrupt one’s ability to relate to others, thinking, mood, feeling and daily functioning. Through correct identification, evaluation, and treatment, mentally ill teens can lead productive lives. They can achieve success in school, and in family life and lead a normal adult life. However, the overwhelming majority of teens with mental disorders fail to be identified, and families fail to seek the treatment or support their teen needs, thus, they have a lower quality of life. An untreated mental disorder can lead to a more severe, more difficult to treat illness and to the development of co-occurring mental illnesses.

Throughout history people with mental illnesses have been stigmatized and they are still being stigmatized despite modern medicine and better treatment. As stigma persists, many teenagers are left behind. Researchers suggest that the stigma attached to mental illness is one of the major factors in families who do not seek help for their mentally ill child.

Teens with Untreated Mental Illness Leads to Poverty in Adulthood

The consequences of untreated mental disorders in teens is overwhelming, such as suicide, school failure and ending up in jail. Suicide is the third leading cause of death in teens, and over 90 percent who commit suicide have a mental disorder. Approximately 50 percent of teenage students who are living with a mental illness, drop out of high school. Teens with untreated mental illnesses also sadly end up in jails and prisons. If left untreated and families fail to seek treatment, adolescent disorders will most likely lead to very limited or non-existent employment opportunities and poverty in adulthood. No other illnesses harm so many children so seriously.

For parents of troubled teens who are seeking therapeutic treatment for their mentally ill teen, we can help. C.A.R.E. is an excellent choice to help your child get through the difficult times, safe and secure and restore their lives.