Nurturing the Mental Health of Youth

Mental Health

Mental Health

Youth mental health article header

In an increasingly complex and demanding world, the mental health of young people has emerged as a significant concern.

The pressures of academic achievement, societal expectations, and the pervasive influence of social media collectively contribute to mental health issues among youth.

Adolescence is a critical phase in life. Teenagers experience rapid physical, emotional, and cognitive changes.

It is important to provide support, understanding, and empowerment to ensure that young people thrive emotionally, mentally, and physically.

Fostering Inclusivity and Acceptance

Adolescence is fraught with challenges of ‘fitting in’. Issues such as bullying are common, especially for youth who have interests and desires that do not follow the current popular cultural norms.

Creating an environment of inclusivity and acceptance is paramount in nurturing the mental health of youth. Family, friends, educators, and communities play a vital role in this regard.

When youth feel accepted for who they are, their mental health is positively impacted.

Likewise, positive relationships with friends, parents, relatives, and mentors can provide strong protective factors against mental health challenges.

Parents, guardians, and family members can greatly influence their children's well-being by offering unconditional love and creating a safe space for open communication. Foster an environment where young individuals feel comfortable discussing their feelings and seeking guidance.

Recognising Mental Health Warning Signs

It important to educate yourself on the warning signs of declining mental health.

It can be difficult to distinguish between a decline in mental health, and what is typically viewed as ‘normal teenage behaviour’. Some of the signs to watch out for include:

  • Withdrawing from friends and activities they used to enjoy
  • Sleeping more or less than usual
  • Having difficulty concentrating
  • Eating more or less than usual
  • Experiencing mood swings
  • Exhibiting signs of self-harm
  • Sudden or extreme changes in behaviour

If you notice these signs, offer gentle support. Teenagers can shy away from overt offers of assistance, particularly when it comes to anxiety and depression. Fostering a positive relationship will increase the likelihood of your teen opening up to you in times of distress. Remind them of the avenues open to them should they require help, and be understanding if they’d rather talk with a trusted friend, mentor, or support service. Provide access to professional help when required.

Accessible Mental Health Resources

Access to mental health resources tailored to the specific needs of youth is essential.

Many teenagers face challenges such as discrimination, rejection, academic pressure, friendship and relationship troubles, and bullying. These challenges can cause significant psychological distress. Mental health professionals who are knowledgeable about teenage issues can provide appropriate and empathetic support.

Schools, healthcare systems, and community organizations should strive to offer resources that address these challenges.

If you notice a decline in mental health, offer to help your teen access these resources or seek mental health services.

Addressing Mental Health Disparities

It's important to acknowledge that LGBTQIA+ youth are at a higher risk for mental health challenges. Higher rated of depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation can be due to the discrimination and prejudice they may encounter. Members of the LGBTQIA+ community are experiencing mental health issues at rates almost 10 times higher than the general population. However, with affirmative care and support, this rate lowers to approach that of the general population.

Likewise, children and teenagers who are part of other minority groups are also more likely to experience poor mental health.

Access to mental health support services can be restrictive due to factors such as location and cost. This means that youth experiencing mental distress may not be able to access the care they need. Early intervention is ideal to prevent further mental health decline.

By acknowledging these disparities, we can work towards addressing the root causes and creating tailored interventions to support their mental health.

Conclusion

Supporting the mental health of youth is an opportunity to shape a brighter future for everyone.

Acknowledging the unique struggles that young individuals face allows us to foster empathy and understanding.

By creating an environment that values mental well-being, providing tools to cope with challenges, and fostering connections that promote emotional growth, we can pave the way for a generation of resilient and emotionally intelligent individuals.

Further Reading and Mental Health Resources

There are a range of resources and services available to teens and the adults in their lives.

Further reading:

The Raising Children website has an extensive list of resources available in each state, as well as nation-wide.

QLife is a resource that provides support for the LGBTQIA+ community.

Originally published at https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com.au/resources/nurturing-the-mental-health-of-youth
as part of the Australia Wide First Aid Articles Library

Related Articles

Non-birth parent postpartum depression article header
Postpartum Depression In The Non-Birthing Parent

New parents, both birthing and non-birthing, can develop postpartum depression. Birthing parents are easily recognized as being at risk for postpartum depression; however, it is important to acknowledge that non-birthing parents are equally susceptible to experiencing postpartum depression.

Incorrect Mental Health Crisis Intervention article header
Risks of Incorrect Mental Health Crisis Intervention

In moments of mental health crises, offering support to those in distress is crucial. However, the way support is provided can impact the person's well-being and the outcome of the crisis. Incorrect support can exacerbate the situation, potentially leading to further distress and harm.

What is Mental Health First Aid article header
What is Mental Health First Aid

Mental health first aid involves providing initial support to someone experiencing a mental health crisis. Just as physical first aid is administered for physical health emergencies, the idea is to provide support in the moment, rather than attempt to ‘fix everything’.

Postpartum depression father article header
Postpartum Depression in Fathers

Postpartum depression in men is a very real and everyday reality. Though rarely discussed, 1 out of 10 fathers-to-be experience this dark cloud over what is such a beautiful life event.

Panic attack help article header
How to Assist Someone Experiencing a Panic Attack

Panic attacks can be extremely distressing for those who experience them. They are sudden, intense episodes of fear or anxiety that can leave individuals feeling overwhelmed and helpless. Knowing how to help someone during a panic attack can be crucial in providing the necessary support and comfort.

Bipolar article header
Bipolar Affective Disorder

Millions of people suffer from bipolar affective disorder around the world. A bipolar patient experiences episodes of extreme highs and lows, which can negatively affect their normal life and relationships. Understanding this mental health condition helps you minimize its impact on your daily life.

Secondary Trauma article header
Secondary Trauma

Whether you've witnessed a shocking car accident, the distressing unfolding of a violent act, the heart-wrenching journey of caring for a sick loved one, or hearing horror stories, the deep impact of experiencing traumatic events is part of the complex fabric of human life.

Panic Disorders article header
Understanding Panic Disorders

Panic disorder is a common yet often misdiagnosed mental illness that can significantly affect your life. The hallmarks of panic disorders are abrupt, severe bouts of anxiety and terror.

Good Mental Health in Children article header
Mental Health in Children

Fostering good mental health in your child is as important as helping them keep physically fit. Every child is different. You need to understand where normal behaviour ends and concerning symptoms start.

Resilience article header
Ways to Improve Resilience

Many definitions of resilience exist, but one of our favourites is: Resilience is the power or ability to return to the original form, position, etc. after being bent, compressed, or stretched. Simply put, it is the ability to recover readily from illness, depression, adversity, or the like. HOW we are able to process events, manage our emotions and self-talk goes a long way to maintaining resilience.