Understanding Mental Health Needs of Child & Adolescents
Always bear in mind that seeking help reflects strength, and parental support can significantly influence your teenager's path to improved mental health.
Globally, approximately 1 in 7 individuals aged 10 to 19 experiences a mental disorder, constituting 13% of their overall health challenges. Among adolescents, conditions like depression, anxiety, and behavioral disorders stand out as primary contributors to health issues. Regrettably, suicide ranks as the fourth leading cause of death for those aged 15 to 29. Failing to provide assistance to young people dealing with mental health issues can have lasting consequences into their adulthood. It can lead to deteriorating physical and mental well-being, ultimately hindering their ability to lead a fulfilling and successful life as adults. As parents, we're usually so vigilant when it comes to our children's physical well-being. A scraped knee, a broken bone – we jump into action, ensuring they get the care they need right away. But when it comes to their mental health, we sometimes overlook the signs, and it can go untreated for far too long. It's not necessarily because we don't care or we're not attentive, but often, we just don't know what to look for. We're afraid of the stigma that surrounds mental health issues, worried that our kids might get labeled as "crazy" or face judgment. But the truth is, just like with physical injuries, early intervention and proper treatment are the keys to helping our teenagers feel better. If you ever suspect that your teen might be grappling with a mental health issue, we must push past those fears and seek professional help without any hesitation. Our children's emotional well-being is just as important as their physical health, and we owe it to them to ensure they receive the support they need.
Factors Affecting Adolescent Mental Health:
GROWTH & HEALTH- As teenagers grow; their bodies and brains undergo some big changes. These changes involve things like hormones and the development of the brain. It's a bit like how when you have a lot of moving parts, some of them might not work perfectly. So, when all the different parts of the brain don't grow and develop at the same pace, it can lead to shifts in how they think, feel, and act. And sometimes, these changes can make it more likely for mental health problems to appear.
ENVIRONMENT- The place where a teenager lives and what happens around them can also affect their mental health. If they've been through really tough experiences like a close call with death or if they've been mistreated, it can make it more likely for them to have mental health problems.
STRESS- Stress is another thing that can make mental health issues more likely. If your teen is dealing with things like being bullied at school or feeling a lot of pressure to do really well in their studies, it can put them at a higher risk for mental health problem.
Recognizing Signs of Mental Health Issues:
It can be tough to tell the difference between a mental illness and the usual ups and downs of being a teenager, which can involve mood swings and changes. However, keeping an eye on your teen's moods and how they act is crucial. If you see significant changes that start to affect their daily life, it's probably not just the typical teenage stuff. It's essential to take these changes seriously and seek help if needed. Some warning signs of teenage mental illness include (but are not limited to): • Changes in sleep habits: If your teen starts having trouble sleeping, takes long naps during the day, or wants to stay up all night, it could be a sign of a mental health issue.
• Loss of interest in usual activities: When your teen stops doing the things they used to enjoy or avoids spending time with friends, it might mean they're going through a mental health challenge.
• Major changes in academic performance: Mental health problems can lead to a lack of motivation for schoolwork. If your teen suddenly loses interest in homework or starts falling behind in their studies, it could be a sign of a mental health issue.
• Weight or appetite changes: Skipping meals, hiding food, or having rapid changes in weight might indicate an eating disorder. Depression can also show up as weight changes.
• Extreme moodiness: If your teen displays a lot of anger, unexpected crying, or constant irritability, it could be a sign of a mental health problem.
• Increased isolation: When your teen strongly prefers to be alone or keeps many secrets, it might be a sign that they're dealing with a mental health issue.
If you spot any of these warning signs in your teenager, it's essential to understand that mental health problems can often be effectively treated. Also, having a mental illness doesn't mean your teen is "crazy." It's more like how some teens can develop physical health issues like asthma or acne. In the same way, others might face mental health conditions such as obsessive-compulsive disorder or bipolar disorder. What's important is recognizing the signs and getting them the help and support they need.
Approaching Conversations About Mental Health:
Approaching your teen about their mental health can be a bit uncomfortable at first, but it's really important. You should talk to your teenager about the things you've noticed without making them feel like they're "crazy" or that it's their fault. Here are some examples of what you might say:
• "I've seen that you're not enjoying the things you used to love doing, like playing your favorite sport or hanging out with friends. I'm curious if something's on your mind." • "I've noticed you're eating a lot less or more than usual and it's got me thinking if there's something going on that you'd like to talk about." • "Lately, you've seemed really on edge and easily frustrated. I'm wondering if there's something that's been bothering you or stressing you out." • "I've observed that you've been more withdrawn and quiet lately, not sharing as much as you used to. I want you to know that I'm here to listen if you ever want to talk about what's on your mind."
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Supporting Your Child Finding Reliable Confidants:
Teens need adults they can rely on to share their concerns and issues, and sometimes, they may feel more comfortable talking to someone besides their parents. Alongside having open conversations with your teen, it's vital to ensure they have other trusted individuals in their life to confide in. Encourage your teen to recognize at least three trustworthy adults they could turn to when facing problems or worries. You can ask them, "If you had a problem and didn't want to talk to me about it, who is the other people you could talk to?" This way, your teen knows they have a support network beyond just you. Family friends, relatives, coaches, teachers, guidance counselors, and friends' parents are some of the people your teen could consider talking to. Let them know that it's perfectly fine to discuss their issues with individuals whom you both believe are reliable and caring.
Assessing Mental Health: Available Options
If you believe your teen's mental health has reached a critical point, it's crucial to go to the nearest emergency room for an evaluation. Serious issues like threats of self-harm, thoughts of suicide, or experiencing hallucinations require immediate attention. For mental health concerns that aren't urgent crises; it's a good idea to make an appointment with a mental health specialist provider like Psychiatrist/ Clinical Psychologist/ Counselling Psychologist. Approach this conversation with your teen in a similar way to discussing a doctor's appointment for a regular check-up or any other health issue. During the appointment, share your worries with the healthcare provider and then offer your teen the chance to speak with them privately. Sometimes, teens feel more comfortable discussing their feelings when their parents aren't in the room. The evaluation can bring some peace of mind, confirming that your teen is in good health mentally. Alternatively, the healthcare provider might suggest that you consider further treatment from a mental health specialist, such as an clinical Psychologist or Therapist or Child Psychiatrist. This additional support can be essential in helping your teen improve their mental and emotional well-being.
Treatment Choices For Adolescent Mental Health:
Navigating the realm of adolescent mental health can prove to be a complex and emotionally charged experience for parents. When faced with suspicions of your teenager grappling with mental health challenges, it becomes vital to explore the array of available treatment options. In this blog, we will elucidate several fundamental choices for you to contemplate in order to provide your teenager with the necessary support.
• Therapeutic Conversations (Psychotherapy): Among the most prevalent and effective treatments for adolescent mental health issues is the practice of talk therapy. In therapy sessions, your teenager collaborates with a trained mental health expert to delve into their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. This process equips them with valuable skills and strategies for managing their mental well-being. Examples of different therapeutic approaches may include Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and family therapy, which the professional may recommend.
• Medication: In certain instances, medication plays a crucial role in addressing mental health conditions in teenagers. Psychiatrists, who specialize in mental health and are medical doctors, have the authority to prescribe medications to alleviate symptoms like depression, anxiety, or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Medication often complements talk therapy for a comprehensive approach.
• Supportive Group Therapy: Group therapy can be profoundly advantageous for adolescents, offering a safe environment for them to connect with peers who may be facing similar challenges. Within this group setting, they can candidly exchange their experiences, extend and receive support, and learn from one another. This therapeutic method not only alleviates feelings of isolation but also fosters a sense of belonging within a community.
• Residential or Inpatient Treatment: In more severe cases, when a teenager's mental health is at an immediate risk or when previous treatments have proven ineffective, residential or inpatient treatment may become a necessity. These programs offer comprehensive care in a controlled environment and are equipped to address various mental health conditions, encompassing issues like eating disorders, substance abuse, and severe depression.
• School-Based Services: Many educational institutions provide mental health services, including counseling and support groups, to aid students in coping with emotional and psychological challenges. It's worth exploring the available resources at your teenager's school to determine if they can access on-campus mental health support.
• Holistic Approaches: In some cases, complementary and holistic methods can be integrated alongside conventional treatments. Techniques like mindfulness, yoga, and art therapy empower teenagers to manage stress and enhance their emotional well-being.
• Family Engagement: In numerous instances, involving the entire family in the treatment process yields significant benefits. Family therapy effectively addresses conflicts, improves communication, and extends valuable support to both the teenager and their parents or caregivers.
• Self-Help Resources: Encourage your teenager to explore self-help resources such as books, apps, and online forums. These resources are tailored to provide coping strategies and emotional support. It's essential, however, to use these resources in conjunction with professional guidance.
As a parent, it is imperative to collaborate with a mental health professional to determine the most appropriate treatment plan for your teenager. The suitable approach hinges on the specific mental health condition, its severity, and your teenager's unique needs and preferences.