Adolescence and the intergenerational transmission of mental illness and self-harming

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), adolescence is the phase of life following childhood, spanning roughly from the first to the second decade of life. This stage is crucial for healthy physical and psychological development into adulthood. It is marked by rapid physical growth and significant body changes due to puberty, alongside cognitive and psychosocial evolution, including decision-making skills. Adolescence and young adulthood are peak times for the onset of adult mental illnesses, with three-quarters of adults with mental health issues showing their first symptoms by age 24 ¹. The onset of mental illness during this critical period can hinder personal achievements, leading to long-term disadvantages such as school failure, job instability, and poor social functioning ². In fact, the onset of mental illness during adolescence may contribute to several negative outcomes, impacting many aspects of an individual’s life. Among those adverse outcomes, it is possible to enlist potential academic challenges, since adolescents with mental health issues often struggle with poor academic performance, absenteeism, and school dropout rates, leading to consequent employment instability due to difficulties in securing and maintaining stable employment, which may result in financial instability in adulthood. Above all, adolescents with mental illness may experience delays in achieving key developmental milestones, affecting their ability to function independently as adults. The cumulative effect of these challenges often limits personal and professional opportunities, affecting the individual’s long-term potential and success. Furthermore, social and family relationships can be compromised since mental illness may impair an adolescent’s ability to form and maintain healthy social and family relationships, leading to social isolation and familial conflicts. Lastly, mental health issues can negatively affect physical health due to poor self-care, engagement in risky behaviors like substance abuse or self-harm, and a higher risk of chronic illnesses and a higher likelihood of chronic mental health issues, reducing overall quality of life.