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PROJECT #3: Youth Mental Health *
2
Youth Mental Health
by Kelly S Wiggins
Mental health issues in adolescence is a serious issue. The impact reaches many areas of a teenagers life. Youth with poor mental health may struggle with school and grades, decision making, and their health (Mental Health | DASH | CDC, n.d.). Mental health problems in teens go hand-in-hand with other health and behavioral risks like increased risk of drug use, experiencing violence, and higher risk sexual behaviors than can lead to HIV, STDs, and unintended pregnancy (Mental Health | DASH | CDC, n.d.). Many health behaviors and habits are established in adolescence that carry over into adult years, it is very important to help youth develop good mental health.
Recognizing symptoms and seeking treatment are key in helping them through this difficult time.
There are prevention strategies that promote positive mental health. Helping students feel connected to school/family will help prevent a range of negative experiences, like drug use and violence. Strong bonds and relationships with adults and friends at school, at home and in the community provide youth with a feeling of connectedness. This feeling of connectedness is critical and can protect adolescents from poor mental health, and other risks like drug use and violence. Youth need to know people care about them. Connections made via virtually or in person are good.
Introductory paragraph:
Why discuss mental health with teens?
Photos: (Magazine, 2022)
Tips
Your love and support and a strong relationship with you can have a direct and positive influence on your child’s mental health and can even reduce the chances of your child experiencing mental health problems (Tackling the Mental-health Crisis in Young People, 2022). Here are some ideas to promote your child’s mental health and wellbeing: show love, affection and care for your child in ways that your child likes – for example, your child might like hugs, smiles, pats on the back or quiet time together, show that you’re interested in what’s happening in your child’s life. Praise your child’s efforts as well as their good points and achievements. Value your child’s ideas and opinions, enjoy spending time together one on one with your child and also as a family, encourage your child to talk about feelings with you. It’s important for your child to feel they don’t have to go through things on their own. If you work together on solving problems, it can stop things from building up, talk to trusted family members, friends, other parents or teachers if you have any concerns. If you feel you need more help, speak to your GP or another health professional (Tackling the Mental-health Crisis in Young People, 2022).
Tips
Physical health is also an important part of mental health. To help your child stay emotionally and physically healthy, encourage your child to do the following: keep active. Physical fitness will help your child stay healthy, have more energy, feel confident, manage stress and sleep well, develop and maintain healthy eating habits, and get enough regular sleep. Pre-teens need 9-11 hours of sleep and teenagers need 8-10 hours of sleep a night. Quality sleep will help your child to manage a busy life, stress and responsibilities. Balance screen time and digital technology use with other activities that are good for development. Avoid alcohol and other drugs.
Your child needs good mental health to develop well, build strong relationships, adapt to change and deal with life’s challenges (Mental Health in Pre-teens and Teenagers, 2022). Young people who have good mental health often: feel happier and more positive about themselves and enjoy life, bounce back from upsets and disappointments, have healthier relationships with family and friends, do physical activity and eat a healthy diet, get involved in activities, have a sense of achievement, can relax and get a good night’s sleep and feel like they belong to their communities (Mental Health in Pre-teens and Teenagers, 2022).
Relate social and emotional changes and experiences that occur during adolescence:
Mood Swings, Self-Concept, Identity, Peer Relations, Romantic Relations, Social Media,
Sexting, Adolescent Stress, Bullying and Alienation.
Social and Emotional Changes and Experiences During Adolescencece
Photo: (What Is Sexting and Is It Common Among Teens?, n.d.)
The changes adolescents experience in their brain, emotions, and bodies prime them to take on more complex social roles (Social Development | HHS Office of Population Affairs, n.d.). Cognitive and emotional development work together to help adolescents have deeper conversations and express their emotions better (Social Development | HHS Office of Population Affairs, n.d.).
Adolescence is a time of constant change.
Some social changes that occur during adolescence is that teens start to spend less time with their parents and begin to develop more friendships scoially outside the home. Simutaneously, they experience many emotional changes like pressure to fit in, romantic feelings and many others.
Sexting is considered a relatively common practice among teens. Estimates by researchers start at a low of 20 percent of teens and reach higher than 60 percent in some studies (What Is Sexting and Is It Common Among Teens?, n.d.). Teens believe that about 90 percent of their peers are sexting. This is an indicator that among teens, the behavior is considered normal, which has led to an increase in sexting behavior among this age group (What Is Sexting and Is It Common Among Teens?, n.d.).
During this time an adolescent can experience drastic mood swings, develop a poor self concept, question their identity and could develop mental disorders.
An adolescent may develop: anxiety, mood disorders, phobias, obsessive-compulsive disorder, PTSD, child abuse, school refusal and suicide.
Adolescents undergo significant behavioral and psychological adjustments. Adolescents are facing strong emotions, changing peer relationships, more independence, expectations to be more adult-like, and a desire to take risks, all while lacking a fully mature brain or the life experience to navigate these situations (Arduini-Van Hoose, 2020).
It is important to pay attention to any changes in teens behavior or moods and offer support and intervention when needed.
Behavioral and Psychological Adjustment along with Adolescent Assessment, Prevention and Intervention
Children and adolescents sometimes argue, are aggressive, or act angry or defiant around authortity. A behavior disorder may be diagnosed when these disruptive behaviors are uncommon for the child’s age at the time, persist over time, or are severe (Arduini-Van Hoose, 2020b). Because disruptive behavior disorders involve acting out and showing unwanted behavior towards others they are often called externalizing disorders (Arduini-Van Hoose, 2020b). When children act out persistently so that it causes serious problems at home, in school, or with peers, they may be diagnosed with Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) (Arduini-Van Hoose, 2020b). ODD typically starts before 8 years of age, but no later than by about 12 years of age. Children with ODD are more likely to act oppositional or defiant around people they know well, such as family members, a regular care provider, or a teacher (Arduini-Van Hoose, 2020b). Children with ODD will show these behaviors more often than other children their age. Examples of ODD behaviors include: Often being angry or losing one’s temper, often arguing with adults or refusing to comply with adults’ rules or requests, often resentful or spiteful, deliberately annoying others or becoming annoyed with others and often blaming other people for one’s own mistakes or misbehavior.
Many times teens with ODD will refuse to go to school. They feel an aversion to school itself. They may be traumatized by past or current events and interactions in school. Instead of figuring out how to force a teenager to go to school, parents should try to understand why their kid doesn’t want to go to school and help them address the underlying issues (Monroe, 2022). Teen anxiety is one of the biggest reasons why a teenager refuses to go to school. School refusal and anxiety disorders are closely linked. Research shows that about 40 percent of high school students today have anxiety symptoms. In fact, today’s teens are twice as likely to see a mental health professional than teens in the 1980s (Monroe, 2022). Teenagers with anxiety disorders struggle with feelings of tension, worry, and fear. They might be afraid they will get sick or have a panic attack during school. In addition, teen anxiety can affect relationships with peers, making teens withdrawn or nervous around other kids (Monroe, 2022).
Furthermore, not wanting to attend school might be a symptom of teen depression. When a teen feels depressed, attending school often seems overwhelming and exhausting. Fatigue and lack of motivation are common symptoms of depression. As a result, depressed teens often lack the energy and motivation to attend school. Therefore, they refuse to go or feign illness—another common form of school refusal.
School Refusal
Try to identify the root causes of the behavior. A school refusal intervention should get at the heart of a teen’s avoidance of school (Monroe, 2022). Compassion, understanding, and patient listening are important during this discussion.
Subsequently, the school and the family should explore solutions to the teen’s school avoidance. For example, the family could meet with a school guidance counselor to discuss possible ways to solve the problems a teen is experiencing in school (Monroe, 2022). Sometimes school refusal can be solved by addressing a specific issue. A teen may need to be switched into a different class if they are struggling with the teacher or with other students or the school may need to provide additional supervision if there’s a bullying problem (Monroe, 2022).
However, a teen’s school refusal is sometimes beyond the scope of school staff. If anxiety or depression symptoms are catalyzing school avoidance, an assessment by a mental health professional is essential (Monroe, 2022).
Photo: (Monroe, 2022)
Tips
Adolescence is a crucial period for developing social and emotional habits important for mental well-being. These include adopting healthy sleep patterns; exercising regularly; developing coping, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills; and learning to manage emotions (Adolescent Mental Health, 2021). Protective and supportive environments in the family, at school and in the wider community are very important.
Multiple factors affect mental health. The more risk factors adolescents are exposed to, the greater the potential impact on their mental health. Factors that can contribute to stress during adolescence include exposure to adversity, pressure to conform with peers and exploration of identity (Adolescent Mental Health, 2021). Media influence and gender norms can exacerbate the disparity between an adolescent’s lived reality and their perceptions or aspirations for the future. Other important determinants include the quality of their home life and relationships with peers. Violence (especially sexual violence and bullying), harsh parenting and severe and socioeconomic problems are recognized risks to mental health. (Adolescent Mental Health, 2021)
Some adolescents are at greater risk of mental health conditions due to their living conditions, stigma, discrimination or exclusion, or lack of access to quality support and services. These include adolescents living in humanitarian and fragile settings; adolescents with chronic illness, autism spectrum disorder, an intellectual disability or other neurological condition; pregnant adolescents, adolescent parents, or those in early or forced marriages; orphans; and adolescents from minority ethnic or sexual backgrounds or other discriminated groups. (Adolescent Mental Health, 2021)
Without intervention teens may develop abnormal behaviors like: Aggression, Anti-Social Behavior, Conduct Disorders, Substance Abuse, and Addiction.
Abnormality and Related Treatments During the Teenage Years
Some symptoms seen in adolescents with the disease of chemical dependence are similar to those seen in adults. Because of their age, lack of personality development, dependent family role, immaturity, and acting out of age-related behavioral tendencies, however, symptoms specific to this population occur. These may become exacerbated and telescope--intensify and shorten--the progression of the disease. A plan to solve the problem of adolescent chemical dependence must focus on education, demonstration, cooperation, prevention, intervention, habilitation, treatment, and recovery. (NCBI - WWW Error Blocked Diagnostic, n.d.)
Behavioral signs of drug use or substance abuse include: Avoiding eye contact
Ignoring or breaking curfew, Acting irresponsibly, Frequently asking for money
Stealing, Locking bedroom doors, making secretive calls, isolating from others/damaging relationships with family or friends, making excuses (or outright lying), withdrawing from classroom participation/slipping in grades, resisting discipline or feedback, missing school or work, losing interest in hobbies or activities and abandoning long-time friends. (Early Warning Signs of Teen Substance Use, n.d.)
While resources vary from community to community, be assured that help is within reach. Local resources include schools, medical professionals, mental health specialists and treatment providers. If you are searching for an addiction treatment provider specializing in care for teens, start with your insurance company. They can provide you with a list of in-network treatment providers. Regardless of the program you choose, treatment should always start with a physical, as well as mental health assessments and chemical use history, to determine the appropriate level of care. Given the right treatment and support, adolescents struggling with a substance use disorder can move into happy, healthy, productive lives.
(Early Warning Signs of Teen Substance Use, n.d.)
Teen Addiction
Photo: (Jones, 2019)
Find Treatment:
https://findtreatment.gov/
Good mental health leads to positive self-image and in turn, satisfying relationships with friends and others. Having good mental health helps you make good decisions and deal with life’s challenges at home, work, or school. Research shows that effective treatments are available that can help members of all racial, ethnic, and cultural groups. there’s a good chance that an individual will improve by getting appropriate treatment. The consequences of not getting help for mental health problems can be serious. Untreated problems often continue and become worse, and new problems may occur. For example, someone with panic attacks might begin drinking too much alcohol with the mistaken hope that it will help relieve his or her emotional pain. (Change Your Mind About Mental Health, 1998)
Who do you turn to when you need something? Having people you can call on when you need to talk or need help with something can help you through difficult situations that might feel insurmountable alone. Knowing there are people who support you can help you feel cared for and safe, and can benefit your outlook on life (The Importance of Community and Mental Health | NAMI: National Alliance on Mental Illness, n.d.). Talking to teens about their mental helath is critical. You might be able to intervene and stop devestating things from happening.
Untreated or unresolved mental health issues in childhood can result in enduring consequences. We recognize that when parents, family members or the youth themselves first notice changes in behavior, it may be difficult to talk about the changes or know what services are available and where to find the services. We want parents, guardians, youth, and family members to know that you are not alone, there is hope, there is help, and you matter. (Importance of Investing in the Mental Health of Our Youth, n.d.)
Closing paragraph:
Why does good mental health matter to teens, their families and society?
Adolescent mental health. (2021, November 17). https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/adolescent-mental-health
Arduini-Van Hoose, N. (2020a, June 1). Behavioral and Psychological Adjustment | Adolescent Psychology. https://courses.lumenlearning.com/adolescent/chapter/behavioral-and-psychological-adjustment/
Change your mind about mental health. (1998, January). APA. https://www.apa.org/topics/teens/mental-health-attitudes#:~:text=Good%20mental%20health%20leads%20to,problems%20with%20their%20mental%20health.
Early Warning Signs of Teen Substance Use. (n.d.). Hazelden Betty Ford. Retrieved November 5, 2022, from https://www.hazeldenbettyford.org/articles/warning-signs-teen-substance-use
Importance of Investing in the Mental Health of Our Youth. (n.d.). Dmh. Retrieved November 5, 2022, from https://dbh.dc.gov/page/importance-investing-mental-health-our-youth
Jones, A. (2019, December 31). Dangers of teen drug use. Community Reach Center. https://www.communityreachcenter.org/news/dangers-of-teen-drug-use/
Magazine, Y. T. (2022, July 6). Parent Teen Relationship: How to Improve. Your Teen Magazine. https://yourteenmag.com/family-life/communication/improve-parent-teenager-relationship
Mental Health | DASH | CDC. (n.d.). Retrieved November 5, 2022, from https://www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/mental-health/index.htm
Monroe, J. (2022, October 6). Is Your Teenager Refusing to Go to School? Learn When to Take It Seriously. Newport Academy. https://www.newportacademy.com/resources/restoring-families/school-refusal/
NCBI - WWW Error Blocked Diagnostic. (n.d.). Retrieved November 5, 2022, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1002408/
Social Development | HHS Office of Population Affairs. (n.d.). Retrieved November 5, 2022, from https://opa.hhs.gov/adolescent-health/adolescent-development-explained/social-development
APA Citations
Tackling the mental-health crisis in young people. (2022, August 24). Nature. https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-022-02206-9?error=cookies_not_supported&code=ef3279cc-96bf-4868-9e8d-ba42336c5afb
The Importance of Community and Mental Health | NAMI: National Alliance on Mental Illness. (n.d.). Retrieved November 5, 2022, from https://nami.org/Blogs/NAMI-Blog/November-2019/The-Importance-of-Community-and-Mental-Health
What is Sexting and Is It Common Among Teens? (n.d.). Lifespan. Retrieved November 5, 2022, from https://www.lifespan.org/lifespan-living/what-sexting-and-it-common-among-teens