You’ve probably heard some common advice for taking care of your mental health, like “get enough sleep,” “limit your screen time,” or “eat healthy foods.” These tips are helpful, but it’s not always easy for every teenager to follow them. Sometimes, there are other life factors that get in the way that you can’t always control. These are called social determinants of health, and they play a big role in how you feel, both mentally and physically.  

Our health—whether we’re kids or adults—isn’t just about our genes or how quickly we bounce back from injuries. Social determinants of health are aspects like having a safe place to live, access to healthy food, and the ability to exercise safely. These factors can affect our overall health in a big way—up to 80% of health outcomes, including mental health, are affected by social determinants of health.  

So, how do these social factors affect teens’ mental health? And, most importantly, how can you start to address them?  

Social determinants of mental health in adolescents  

In psychiatry, there’s a helpful framework we use to improve mental health called the Six Pillars of Lifestyle Psychiatry. These are habits that can improve your health and mental well-being, and they include:  

  • Diet
  • Exercise 
  • Sleep 
  • Social connection 
  • Stress management 
  • Reducing harmful substances

Before deciding on treatments for a mental health condition, we usually look at these six areas of a teen’s life to see if something needs attention. By improving these lifestyle factors by getting better sleep, reducing stress, or eating healthier, many teens can get relief from anxiety, depression, or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) without needing medication. 

However, teens who struggle because of social issues may have a harder time improving in these areas. Here are some reasons why: 

  • Limited access to healthy food: Some teens live in areas called food deserts, where there aren’t many grocery stores with fresh, healthy food. This makes it harder for them to eat well, which can affect their mental health. Poor nutrition can also make conditions like ADHD worse, making it even harder for teens with ADHD to manage their symptoms.
  • Exercise and mental health: Exercise is great for mental health, but in some neighborhoods, it can be unsafe to go outside due to gun violence or areas that aren’t pedestrian-friendly (with no sidewalks or places to walk safely). Being exposed to violence can also lead to post-traumatic stress disorder or PTSD.
  • Sleep problems: Not getting enough sleep can make mental health problems worse. Some teens struggle with sleep because they don’t have a safe or quiet place to sleep, or they might stay up late using screens. Poor sleep can also worsen symptoms of depression, anxiety, or ADHD.
  • Limited access to mental health services: Many communities don’t have enough mental health services for teens, or families may have trouble getting help because of language barriers, not having health insurance, or not being able to afford treatment.

The good news is that many healthcare professionals, like doctors, psychiatrists, and mental health specialists, are here to help. They work with people like you to come up with plans to tackle these challenges. For example, at ChristianaCare, we help teens by looking at these lifestyle factors and seeing what we can do to improve them.  

How can we improve our mental and social health?  

Social issues can be tough to change, and it can seem overwhelming. But don’t worry—there are steps that you can take to improve mental health. Working with a healthcare team can make a big difference, and there are things you can do on your own, too.  

Here are some ways you can try:  

  • Join a community health or recreation center: These centers are great places to exercise and have fun. If money is a concern, many community recreation centers offer free or low-cost memberships for young people.
  • Find a group activity that gives you purpose: Doing something with others, like joining a sports team, an art club, or a music group, can help improve your mental health. When you feel connected to others and to something that gives you meaning, it can make a big difference.
  • Set safe screen time limits: Talk with your parent or guardian about setting boundaries on screen time—especially on social media. Social media can make mental health issues worse for many teens, so it’s important to find a balance that works for you.

It’s important to remember that some of these issues are not easy to fix, especially if you’re struggling to get enough food or if you don’t feel safe at home or in your community. If this is the case for you, make sure to talk to a trusted adult—like a parent, guardian, or healthcare provider—so you can work together on finding a solution.  

Taking care of your mental health isn’t always simple, but with support from others and by making small changes, you can feel better and live a happier life. 

We can help with your teen’s mental health

Our comprehensive behavioral health program features a team of professionals dedicated to helping you with your teen’s mental health. Schedule an appointment with one of our providers today by visiting us online or calling us at 302-320-2100. We look forward to helping you!

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