December 1, 2020
Whether you call it the birds and the bees or some other term, teen sexual activity is a big deal. With all the studies that have been done about teen sex , its reasons, its outcomes, and its prevention, we’ve learned quite a bit over the last ten to fifteen years. One of the most neglected aspects of teen sexual experimentation is the subsequent mental and emotional impacts on sexually active minors . Let's take a closer look. In most of the studies conducted over the past decade, we see a profound correlation between sexual activity in teens and mental health issues . The one factor that remains unanswered is which comes first, the poor state of mental health or the sexual behavior in adolescents ? Although Utah doesn’t legally allow researchers to ask youth about their sexual behavior, other statistics surrounding intimate relations in teens is quite telling, as well as general US statistics. Beyond Utah’s borders, the CDC noted in one study that between the ages of 15-19, 44% and 42% of males and females respectively reported having sex at least once. The requests for contraception , STD and STI tests , and pregnancy tests are still present in Utah just the same. What often goes unchecked though is the mental health ramifications of risky teen sexual behavior . What do we mean by risky sexual behavio r? If we were to assume that meant basic vaginal intercourse , you might be surprised to find that those teens who shy away from “all the way” sex may alternately engaging in oral and anal sex . Why is this important? Because even these forms and methods of - are producing long-lasting effects like depression and social anxiety in those who participate. Strong links between risk behaviors and depressive symptoms happen in both females and males of varied ages. The earlier sexual involvement begins the more likely that other negative behaviors like STDs, pregnancy , and suicidal ideation , and other high-risk behaviors like smoking and excessive alcohol consumption will follow. Among females, the risk of Major Depressive Episodes ( MDE ) is much higher as are mental changes due to low self-esteem . The socio-cultural norms of looking down on sexually active girls and celebrating sexually active young males contribute largely to feelings of guilt . Those who have their first sexual experiences before the age of 17 have two times the odds of a Major Depressive Episode. But is there evidence of mental health concerns before the beginning of sexual engagement ? It's difficult to say, and ridiculous to suggest that all initiations into sexual behaviors are a result of mental health instability. We’re talking about teens here, and not only that but teens steeped in a culture permeated with sexuality. So whether the chicken came before the egg or not, there is some pretty firm evidence that those willing to engage in the teen hook-up culture may already have some issues that could be going unaddressed. In their quest for independence, teens wade into the world of dopamine highs when their brains are more sensitive to its influence than any other time in their lives. Many who want to present themselves as “grown-up” or mature may initially cave to peer pressure in areas of substance use and other “maturity markers” like casual sex . Because the risk assessment ability in the teen brain is still under construction (with quite a ways to go), teens may engage in something called “ risk clustering ” or multiple risk behaviors . One study notes this saying “...the coexistence of drugs , risky sex , mental health problems remains a consistent observation in epidemiological studies.” Translation? Certain impaired mental health states are known to go hand in hand with risky behaviors. Those who have problems with ADD ( Attention Deficit Disorder ), ADHD ( Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder ), and ODD ( Oppositional Defiant Disorder ) are more susceptible to risky sexual behaviors . Another study on young adult sexuality found that hyper-sexuality grows within the sector that struggles with substance dependence , are on the schizophrenic spectrum , have depressive problems like dysthymic disorder ( chronic, mild depression ), and antisocial disorders . Substance dependence like cigarettes , marijuana , alcohol , crack, cocaine, and methamphetamine prove to be significant predictors of higher rates of intimate relationships in minors as well as loneliness , depression, and social anxiety. Teens with depression may find a higher rate of involvement with casual teen sex . Even though depression dulls hormonal drives there can be two contraindicated outcomes. The first is that the youth is self-medicating as a diversion from other areas causing depression, to relieve tension or stress , or to try to console themselves with affection seeking behaviors . Those with low self-esteem are more apt to use sex as an act of validation via intimate contact. The second reason a teen experiencing depression would seek out sexual encounters would be for a lack of care about consequences. Those experiencing suicidal ideation or other self-destructive behaviors often have no care about life or the chances of acquiring an STD or STI. So where does a caregiver begin? Puberty is difficult enough to navigate, let alone teen sexual and mental health. Underlying issues causing, or stemming from the lack of teen abstinence can be a parent's worst nightmare. As often recommended by Lifeline For Youth , building a rapport with your child and leaving lines of communication open and welcoming is a good first step. Engaging your teen over a family meal or activities, or even a one-on-one project can present an opportunity to open up about struggles your child may be facing from early sexual activit y. Refraining from condemnation and accusations is always the best policy to keep trust lines open. Guiding your child through difficult topics may make you sweat but can build a relationship that lasts, and now is always the best time to start. If you suspect that your child may already be struggling with issues and sexual activity is a result of them, or that regret or guilt and anxiety is a product of teen sexual experimenting , Utah’s Lifeline For Youth , can give guidance and direction on how to overcome as a family unit. Call today and let our professional staff assist in putting the pieces in place.