Mental illnesses are some of the most common and least understood problems of today's youth. Ranging from simple emotional struggles to complex psychological diseases, mental illnesses affect a large portion of American teenagers. While statistics vary, Fanning and McKay's Family Guide to Emotional Wellness reports that between 8 and 15 percent of the population in the United States will encounter problems associated with mental illnesses at some time in their lives. The majority of these problems occur during adolescence. Over the past few decades, the number of people under 18 who showed signs of mental disorders has doubled or even tripled, according to some sources. Recent studies report an upswing in the number of adolescents struggling with depression, eating disorders, and suicide. These roadblocks to mental health can only be fully explained through careful research, open-mindedness, and support.

Although the statistics are still being gathered, it appears that at least one...