Youth are facing complex, intersecting challenges that can have lasting impacts on their mental health. This includes navigating the effects of social comparisons, hateful content and other factors on their self-esteem.
Clinicians report that kids’ mental health challenges have worsened since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. They include a lack of independence skills, missing developmental milestones and the impact of global events beyond their control.
Anxiety
Anxiety can cause many different symptoms, including dread, apprehension and fear. While some anxiety is normal and developmentally appropriate, when it becomes excessive and interferes with school, work and socialising, it can be a sign of a mental health challenge. Anxiety disorders respond very well to professional treatment.
Often, youths with anxiety disorders will avoid situations they are scared of or find ways to escape from them. These behaviors, known as avoidant coping strategies, include clinging, negotiating, avoiding eye contact, whining, stalling, crying and asking for reassurance. These behaviors can also be accompanied by somatic complaints, such as a sensation of heart palpitations or chest pain.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is the most well-researched treatment for anxiety and has a high success rate. CBT treatments for anxiety disorders involve addressing unrealistic or exaggerated anxieties and slow exposure in uncomfortable situations until youths learn that the anticipated catastrophe does not occur. In addition, support groups for individuals who have similar experiences can be helpful.
Depression
Depression is very common in teenagers. If you suspect that your teen is depressed, encourage them to see their doctor. The doctor may be able to rule out any medical cause, recommend a psychotherapist or prescribe antidepressants.
Depression can affect teens’ ability to think and act clearly, which may cause problems at school. They might have trouble learning, be absent often or be withdrawn from their peer group. They may also have trouble concentrating or make poor decisions, which can lead to disciplinary actions in school and social isolation.
It is important to recognise depression in adolescents because it can lead to serious health and social problems, including suicide. Teens should talk to a friend, teacher or family member if they are feeling sad. They can also get help from Kids Helpline, by calling 1800 55 1800 or via web chat. They can also find a doctor or psychologist near them using healthdirect Service Finder.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
ADHD can make it hard to focus, stay organized, and complete tasks. It can also lead to problems with relationships and work. The good news is that treatment can help.
The most common treatments are medicine and talk therapy. Medication helps improve symptoms and may help teens do better in school. It can also reduce anxiety and depression. Talk therapy can teach coping skills and provide a safe space to process emotions.
Symptoms of ADHD can vary from person to person. For example, someone who was diagnosed with the primarily inattentive subtype of the disorder as a child might move to the combined presentation in adolescence or adulthood.
It’s important that teens who have ADHD stick with their treatment plan. This includes taking their meds regularly and going to therapy sessions. They can also ask their health care professional about coping strategies and educational accommodations, such as extra time on tests. Talking to a support group can also be helpful.
Trauma
The trauma experienced by a child or youth can be psychological, emotional or even physical. It can be caused by one event or repeated events, such as childhood neglect or ongoing emotional abuse. The effects of traumatic experiences can be long-lasting and can impact all aspects of their well-being, including social and emotional development, relationships with family and friends, and their spiritual or religious beliefs.
Children and youth with a mental health condition often have difficulty in school, and may drop out or engage in high-risk behaviors such as drug and alcohol use or suicide. They may also have poor relationships with peers or be suspended or expelled from school due to aggressive or disruptive behavior.
For most, mental health distress is episodic, not permanent. Most can do well with treatment, peer and professional support and services, and a strong family and community network. They can also learn healthier ways to cope with their emotions, such as through healthy activities like exercise, music or art.