Sadly, feelings of distress and suicidal behaviors in adolescence are on the rise. In the decade leading up to the coronavirus pandemic, these problems were especially pronounced for girls and LGBTQ students and in many cases across racial/ethnic lines.
Pediatricians are uniquely positioned to destigmatize mental health care and provide early screening and intervention.
What is mental health?
Mental health is a person’s foundation for emotions, thinking, communication, resilience, hope and ability to work and function in relationships and community activities. Mental health also is key to self-esteem and personal well-being and can be influenced by and influence physical health.
A person has a mental illness when they have serious, long-lasting changes in their emotions or thinking and are not able to cope with daily life activities without treatment. Serious mental illness can cause distress and affect a person’s ability to work, learn, sleep, care for others and engage in social activities.
People can improve their mental health by taking care of themselves, seeking help when needed and being part of a supportive network. They can also take steps to reduce the stigma around mental illnesses by talking openly about them and promoting scientifically accurate information in all forms of media. And they can support the development of services and systems that are safe, responsive and culturally competent for adolescents.
What are the signs of mental health problems?
Mental illness is common and can have a profound impact on a person’s life, as well as the lives of those around them. While everyone has a bad day now and then, if feelings of sadness, hopelessness, irritation or confusion become more frequent, it could be a sign that something isn’t right and it’s time to seek help.
It’s important to recognise symptoms that may indicate mental health problems like mood swings, poor eating habits, trouble sleeping or reckless and self-destructive behaviours. If someone is showing signs of a severe mental health problem, such as suicidal thoughts or high risk behaviours, it’s vital to contact emergency services by calling triple zero (000) or going to the nearest hospital.
It’s also important to keep in mind that mental illnesses can develop over time, so it is important to stick with the treatment plan and not stop seeing your therapist or taking medication without consulting your doctor first. Education can also help, as knowing more about your condition will help you to better manage it and stay on track with your care.
What are the symptoms of mental health problems?
Many of the symptoms of mental health problems can appear as physical ones such as stomach pain or unexplained headaches. Other symptoms can include a dramatic change in mood, increased irritability, withdrawal from friends and family, changes in eating habits or lack of interest in activities you usually enjoy.
Some symptoms, such as hearing voices or losing touch with reality, are more serious and could indicate a mental health disorder. In these cases you should seek help straight away.
You can help a friend or family member who is showing signs of mental illness by having an open and honest discussion with them. You can also try to encourage them to talk to their primary care provider or to see a mental health professional and offer to go with them. Almost all mental health problems can be treated. Getting help early can improve their chance of recovery. For emergency situations, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or the police by phoning triple zero (000).
What are the treatment options for mental health problems?
Many people with mental health problems can live full lives with treatment and support. Some are helped by talking therapy (psychotherapy). Others need medicine that changes the way chemicals in their brain affect their moods or thoughts. If the symptoms are severe, they may need to stay in a hospital for help.
Mental disorders can be temporary or long lasting, and they often run in families. The most common mental illnesses include depression, bipolar disorder and anxiety disorders. Other conditions can cause abnormal thinking or hallucinations, such as schizophrenia. Some can cause behavior that causes harm to self or others, like paraphilic disorders such as voyeuristic and pedophilic disorders.
Having a mental illness is not your fault and does not mean you are weak or lazy. Factors that increase your risk for a mental health condition include genes, brain chemistry and life experiences. It is also important to have good social support and be in good physical health.