The mental health of young people is in crisis. They need your help.
Psychologists are working to make it easier for adolescents to get the care they need. They’re also helping to challenge the individualising pull of the concept of mental health. They’re promoting more holistic approaches, including a focus on social and structural determinants of wellbeing.
Risk factors
Various risk factors increase a youth’s chances of having mental health issues. These risk factors include a person’s living conditions, the quality of their relationships and their level of stress. They can also include a history of abuse, bullying or exposure to violence. A person’s biological characteristics may also play a role in their vulnerability to mental illness.
While some risk factors are common, other risks can be specific to certain groups of people. These risk factors include a family history of mental illness, a child’s relationship with a parent who has a mental health condition and a person’s race or ethnicity.
However, some protective factors can counteract the effects of these risk factors and reduce the likelihood of a negative outcome. For example, a healthy social environment, regular exercise and good nutrition can help a person maintain their mental health. This is why it’s important for everyone to promote and support these healthy lifestyle behaviors.
Symptoms
Adolescence is a time of emotional and psychological highs and lows. Intense feelings are a normal part of this phase, but mental health disorders can develop in some adolescents. These problems can interfere with their social and academic functioning. Some symptoms of mental health disorders include mood swings, difficulty concentrating, and impulsivity.
Symptoms of mental illness can also affect a teen’s relationships and work life. They may have difficulty staying in school or find it difficult to keep a job. They may also experience anger or aggression. They may even be at risk of hurting themselves or others.
Teens who are in distress should see a doctor. The doctor will ask questions to find out more about the problem and will make a diagnosis. They will then suggest treatment. They may recommend that the teen sees a psychiatrist. It is important that the family support the teen in their treatment. Many of these services are free or low cost.
Treatment
Many of the symptoms and challenges associated with mental health problems are treatable. Often, treatment starts with the support of family and friends and can include therapy and medication. In some cases, residential treatment or outpatient care may be needed to manage more severe and serious symptoms.
Psychologists are working to find solutions for youth mental health problems. They are researching, testing and implementing interventions at the community level in schools, in homes, and in government agencies. They are exploring how to better train clinical staff and improve service delivery. They are also seeking ways to help prevent mental health issues by focusing on the underlying causes rather than responding to specific symptoms.
For example, the U.S. Surgeon General has called for a focus on prevention of suicide and depression. These efforts include identifying risk factors and providing early intervention programs. They also include expanding access to mental health services, especially in schools. Finally, they include supporting young people as they transition from child and family-serving systems to adult services and supports.
Prevention
Identify and address risk factors in individuals. These may include family problems such as parental mental illness or serious family disruptions, social stresses including violence, poor housing and food security and modifiable lifestyle factors such as sleep, activity and nutrition.
Develop a youth mental health program that offers help before things go wrong. This can include school connectedness, programs for mental health education and support, and the use of teleconsultation to connect children with trained mental health professionals.
Educate the public about prevention strategies, and work to reduce negative stereotypes, bias and stigma surrounding mental health conditions in all populations. This is especially important among populations with outsized influence over young people, including families, educators, faith leaders, community groups, health care professionals and juvenile justice officials. Employers can also play a role by offering comprehensive affordable health insurance coverage that includes mental health services, and creating a workplace culture that supports work-life balance and positive family outcomes.