Many children and adolescents live with mental health challenges. Stigma, lack of access to treatment and insufficient funding for mental health programmes are key barriers that can prevent them from receiving care.
Provide reassurance and comfort. Keep talking to them and encourage them to express their feelings. Limit nonstop exposure to media footage of events and promote alternative activities that foster in-person connections.
Adolescents
The global community is concerned about adolescent wellness, and rightly so. According to one study, “one in six youth experience a mental health disorder,” and young women and LGBTQ youth are at higher risk of persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness.
Some national and international nonprofit organizations focus on adolescent wellness. However, a quick online scan revealed that many don’t address issues such as youth voice and empowerment.
Luckily, there are a number of resources available to help adolescents in crisis. For example, some hospitals have psychiatric emergency rooms that are equipped to handle emotional and behavioral emergencies for children 18 and younger. And mobile crisis teams can provide in-home care and short-term management for kids with severe behavioral issues. Additionally, teen suicide is a serious concern, and there are hotlines that offer immediate support. And some employers offer free telehealth services as part of their benefits packages. Moreover, some health insurance providers are making mental health coverage equal to physical healthcare.
Young Adults
While much of the COVID-19 pandemic focus has been on teen mental health and suicide rates, young adults face their own unique challenges. Known as the quarter life crisis, this stage of development often involves feelings of low self-worth and an inability to find meaningful work or career options. It may also be triggered by a difficult relationship, an addiction, or even the loss of a loved one.
Several studies have linked the rise in youth mental health disorders to economic trends. For example, insecure employment is associated with greater symptoms of depression and anxiety. In addition, economic downturns are associated with adolescent depressive symptoms, with effects comparable to those of overall unemployment.
These factors are why it’s important for communities to ensure youth have access to supportive services. A trauma-informed approach that connects young people to trusted pro-social supports can help them navigate this difficult time in their lives.
Addiction
In addition to harming individuals, addiction wreaks havoc on families and communities. It is a common reason for family breakups, homelessness and involvement with the criminal justice system.
Drug misuse and abuse is a major cause of mental health problems, including depression, anxiety and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It also makes those conditions worse.
Many people with substance use disorder have a hard time getting help. Misconceptions and stigma discourage them from seeking treatment, even when they know they have a problem. Some are afraid to start a conversation because they fear the reaction of their loved one. Others believe they won’t succeed in convincing their loved ones to get help.
Large majorities across partisan lines support making addiction treatment centers more accessible and supporting the availability of Narcan. Most also support safe consumption sites, places where people can consume illicit drugs under medical supervision. This includes a majority of Republicans. These sites can prevent infectious disease transmission and reduce the risk of drug-related overdoses.
Mental Health
A person experiencing a mental health crisis can be in extreme emotional distress or may pose a risk to themselves or others. This type of crisis can be triggered by many factors, including traumatic events like abuse or the death of loved ones, chronic stress from financial difficulties or work pressures and drug and alcohol use.
People with serious mental illness or a substance use disorder are at risk of having a crisis at any time. They can also be at risk for a crisis because of the effects of their disease on their daily life, and the way that it impacts their environment.
The best thing you can do to help someone in a mental health or substance use crisis is to listen, stay calm and deescalate the situation. If you cannot help them yourself, call 988 for free, confidential crisis counseling and referrals. Counselors are available 24/7, by phone, text and online chat. They speak over 200 languages and can link you to services for the most appropriate level of care based on your needs.