In the wake of a global mental health crisis, psychologists are working hard to understand the root causes and develop solutions. From reducing stigma to expanding access, they are making an important contribution to youth mental health.
The research focused on the views of youth with lived experiences and professionals in different sociocultural contexts. Youth participants valued building relationships with professionals, and reported receiving benefits including shifting negative moods, getting help and understanding themselves.
Stressors
It’s very common for children and teens to feel stressed out or anxious. However, if these feelings last for a long time or they occur frequently, then it’s a good idea to find ways to help them manage their stress.
Some kids and teens experience significant, traumatic events that cause anxiety and stress. These may include bullying, a car accident, or losing a loved one. Others have to cope with daily life stresses such as parental divorce, moving to a new school, or family conflict.
Research shows that there is an association between common life stressors and mental health disorders in young adolescents. However, most of the research is conducted in clinical samples and less attention is given to everyday stressors and their relationship with mental health and substance use among non-clinical young adolescents. This is a major gap that should be addressed. Embark is dedicated to helping preteens, teenagers, and young adults address their stressors and prevent or treat mental health disorders.
Socialization
During the socialization process, children and teens learn how to behave in groups. They may also become accustomed to the customs and traditions of a particular community or group, such as a sorority. This socialization process enables people to function well in society and helps it run smoothly (Speier, 2007).
Moral development is another element of socialization. It prevents individuals from acting on unchecked urges and instead encourages them to consider what is right for themselves and others. It involves three stages: preconventional, conventional and postconventional (Lopez, 2009).
A 2021 study of 88 children’s hospitals found that many of them could not admit kids who had mental health issues for days or weeks because there were not enough services or psychiatric beds. Adams’ plan calls for more school-based mental health clinics that are accessible to kids by using Medicaid funding. He also wants schools to offer training for their staff on suicide prevention. This will enable them to respond quickly when a student is in distress.
Developmental milestones
A child’s development can be characterized by milestones that illustrate how they grow at a typical pace. These include the age at which a baby smiles for the first time or takes their first steps. These milestones can also be indicative of developmental delays.
Psychologists are working to make mental health services more accessible for teens. They are exploring ways to increase the number of trained providers, improving clinical practices, and promoting mental health screenings for adolescents. They are also promoting positive social environments and enhancing alternatives to risk-taking behaviors.
Although there are many factors that affect a person’s mental health, psychologists have found that adolescent experiences can be prevented. While there is a genetic component to mental illness, adolescent exposure to unsafe environments can contribute to the development of mental health issues. The best way to prevent these conditions is to help them develop coping and problem-solving skills, and provide safe environments. This can be done through the use of community-based prevention interventions and support for families, schools, and communities.
Adolescence
Adolescents develop habits — including sleep patterns, eating routines, physical activity and substance use — that can either protect their health or put it at risk. These habits can also affect their mental well-being.
Teens often have a more egocentric view of the world, which can be disrupted by transitions such as physical growth and evolving relationships with peers and romantic interests. This can lead to mild anxiety, but sometimes serious mental health conditions emerge and, if not addressed, can worsen over time.
Poor mental health can interfere with teens’ ability to learn, work and socialize. It can make them more likely to take risks, like partaking in unsafe sex or engaging in drug and alcohol abuse. It can also cause them to become involved with the justice system, which can further disrupt their mental health. WHO is working to develop strategies, programmes and tools to promote healthy adolescent behaviour and address the challenges that can impact adolescent mental health.