Teen Mental Health Is Worse Than Ever. How to Help Your Child

Both physical and mental health are necessary for a kid’s safety and wellbeing. It may influence every facet of their existence, including their relationships, physical health, and level of education. 

 

                                           

To provide teenagers with the care they require, the report urges rapid investment in school mental health services. Intervention might take place outside of schools as well. Every home should regularly discuss mental health because it is an important component of overall wellness. 

Risk and protective factors 

When thinking about ways to enhance the mental health of children and young people, it is vital to be aware of the factors that raise the likelihood that problems will arise or persist.

Risk factors for children include: deprivation; family dissolution; being raised by a single parent; parental mental illness; criminal activity; alcoholism; and drug abuse; overt parental conflict; a lack of boundaries; frequent moves; homelessness; excessive protection; hostile and unsupportive relationships; failure to respond to the child's developmental needs; death and loss, including loss of friendships; and not attending school. 

A good start in life and positive parenting are protective factors, as well as being loved and feeling secure, living in a stable home environment, parental employment, good parental mental health, engaging fully in one's studies, participating in activities and interests, and having positive peer relationships.

Children who have been abused or neglected 

Children who have experienced abuse or neglect are traumatised, which increases the likelihood that they may experience a variety of mental health issues as adults. Anxiety, sadness, eating disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder are some of them (PTSD). Abuse of a certain kind may be related to a particular mental health condition. Compared to children who have encountered other types of abuse, children who have undergone emotional abuse may be more prone to have anxiety and depression. 

 

                                       

 

According to one study, PTSD struck nearly three-quarters (74%) of young people who had experienced sexual assault. Moreover, abuse and neglect might increase a child's risk of simultaneously acquiring many mental health conditions, or composite mental health issues. 

 

Family breakdown and its impact on children

Children who endure parental separation perform significantly worse academically than children from intact families do, and they behave differently, have better mental health, self-concept, social skills, and longer lifespans. Although there is typically a statistically significant difference between the two groups, effect sizes are still tiny, reflecting the fact that children's experiences within both groups vary greatly. 

 

                                            

Recognising Issues and Talk to kids about their feelings

Talking about emotional or mental well-being isn't always easy but it is one of the most important and beginning step towards solving this issue. It's crucial to keep in mind, though, that not all mental health conditions have outward symptoms. A kid or young person may find it more difficult to ask for help due to several other circumstances. Some kids and teenagers can try to disguise their feelings or what they're doing. 

This might be because- 

• They fear they won't be taken seriously
• They think others won't understand them 
• They've previously had a bad experience talking about their ideas and feelings
• They believe no one can assist them
• Dread being brushed off, rejected, or called "crazy"

 

                                     

Mental illness affects people of all ages differentially. It's possible that kids and teenagers don't always have the words or skills to express their emotions. They might not know how to or with whom to discuss their difficulties. Several indications of mental health problems can resemble typical child behaviour. For instance, younger kids throwing tantrums or teenagers burying their emotions. Because of this, introducing the subjects in an age-appropriate manner is never too early. It's time to talk if your kid displays any of these signs: 

1. Withdrawing from or intentionally avoiding social interactions.
2. Concentrating on worries and fears. 
3. Extreme uncontrollable conduct or irritation. 
4. Substantial adjustments to personality or mood.
5. Changes in their academic performance or attention span. 
6. Wetting the bed or sucking their thumbs are examples of regression in behaviour.
7. Frequent headaches or stomach-aches.
8. Self-destructive or harmful actions.

Parents don't need to wait until there is a problem before bringing up mental health with their kids. Early in their lives, they should begin routinely checking in with them, and keep doing so. They will feel more at ease approaching their parents if they don't have to scale a mental health mountain to receive treatment.