The challenges faced by youth with mental illnesses range from coping with home and school problems to social and interpersonal relationships. While most youth experience episodic mental health distress, treatment is important in navigating the many facets of growing up. Support from parents, teachers, and peers can help youth develop the skills they need to cope with the stress and challenges of growing up. But, many young people experience mental illness, which may require medical attention or even therapy.
The COVID pandemic prompted significant changes in the delivery of youth mental health services, including the introduction of telehealth, work from home and split teams. Staff across all three services quickly adjusted to the new service delivery model, which was both disruptive and beneficial. While the shift has a range of benefits, it has also come with a number of challenges. These are listed below. If you’d like to know more about these challenges, read on.
A new initiative is underway by the Office of U.S. Surgeon General to highlight the impact of the mental health pandemic on young people. The initiative will convene stakeholders and engage in school visits to better understand the unique challenges facing young people. The Surgeon General’s initiative will spend $1 billion on hiring school psychologists, counselors and nurses to provide mental health services to youth. The Office also plans to increase the number of mental health professionals in public schools and rural communities.
Depressive disorders among young people are increasing and the rates are rising. Depression, the second leading cause of death among young people, is now estimated to be 14.2%, and the coronavirus pandemic is likely contributing to this trend. In fact, a study in Iceland concluded that more young people suffered from mental ill health during the coronavirus epidemic than before. Furthermore, girls suffer from depression more than boys. Therefore, the importance of early detection and intervention for addressing youth mental health issues cannot be underestimated.
Increasing access to youth mental health services is essential to the overall health of youth in the United States. With the prevalence of social media, more youth are exposed to negative effects of the internet. On the other hand, social media can be beneficial for youth when used with care. As a youth mental health advocate, you’ll find ways to help children overcome challenges resulting from loneliness, social isolation, and low self-awareness. For example, the importance of social support and community support is critical.
In addition to social and emotional development, an adolescent’s environment is essential to developing healthy mental habits. Adequate sleep, physical exercise, healthy diet, and protective environments are all important for their mental health. However, when an adolescent has a more serious issue, residential mental health treatment may be necessary. In addition to these, there are some genetic risk factors that can lead to mental illness. Head trauma, birth defects, or even brain tumors can lead to mental disorders.
Research has shown that improving cognitive skills is more effective than treatment for depression and anxiety. But why does this work? One theory is that these therapies improve coping mechanisms by improving young people’s ability to control their emotions. But this theory remains unclear. For now, it remains to be seen how youths need to improve their emotional control to cope with the stresses of growing up. A recent UNICEF report highlights the urgent need for better treatment for youth depression and anxiety.
A youth mental health professional often has advanced training and expertise in particular fields. For example, some specialize in teen depression or early psychosis. Other specialists work with families, schools, and communities to promote youth mental health. This kind of professional is essential in ensuring that young people live in a healthy mental environment. And because it’s not an easy career choice, it’s an excellent career option. However, it’s important to consider the stigma of seeking help from these professionals.
There are many factors that contribute to adolescent violence. These factors include age, gender, and co-morbid conditions such as ASD, intellectual disability, and exposure to domestic violence. Those who want to work in this field should have a strong knowledge of mental health, a passion for youth, and a commitment to improving the lives of the youth they serve. So, if you’re interested in becoming a youth mental health counselor, start looking for ways to improve your skills.
Statistical surveys can be a good source of information. The National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) gathers information on children’s mental health and the use of mental health services. Similarly, the National Survey of Children’s Health examines a child’s well-being and family relationships, and measures use of mental health services. There are several other data sources that may help guide your research on youth mental health. If you’re a parent, you should know about these surveys.