According to the WHO, an estimated 10-20% of adolescents globally experience mental health conditions, yet these remain underdiagnosed and undertreated.

Why do so many adolescents experience Mental Ill Health?

Adolescence is an important time for all humans. It is a stage in your life where you are developing in all aspects of your life and there are a number of habits you need to form in order to smoothly transition into and out of this phase of your life.

Unfortunately you are also very vulnerable at this time and your emotions are volatile. This is why it necessary to have a support system and outlets for your stress, anger and sadness.

The WHO have stated on their website that ‘the more risk factors adolescents are exposed to, the greater the potential impact on their mental health’ because of social media adolescents are being exposed to more and more things that are above their mental capacity. Teenagers are now able to see images of things like self – harm very easily which can sometimes lead to them committing suicide or self – harming. Because social media is so easily accessible and parents struggle to control their children’s use of social media, teenagers who would not have come into contact with potentially triggering things ordinarily are now more prone to discovering these things.

The WHO also include on their website that, ‘Other important determinants include the quality of their home life and relationships with peers. Violence (including harsh parenting and bullying) and socioeconomic problems are recognized risks to mental health.’ So children who are bullied or have ‘strict’ parents are more susceptible to mental health issues like anxiety or depression.

With all these contributing factors one may conclude that the statistics of adolescent mental issues are unsurprising.

So now when know what causes ill mental health, what can parents do?

Parents can make an effort to make sure that their children feel comfortable talking to them about everything especially their mental health and relationships as teenagers. Parents should also make sure that their children are eating healthily and are sleeping for at least 7-8 hours per 24 hours. And to also positively address and compliment their children regularly even just making sure to say I love you every day can make all the difference. Spending time with your children is also a must.

These actions will positively affect your children as they will feel worthy of your time and attention. They will also not hesitate to tell you the truth and open up to you, this does not only make sure you have a healthy relationship with your child but they will also listen to you and respect your judgement which may stop them from making bad life decisions.

Dr Nihara Krause, Consultant Clinical Psychologist, Founder and CEO stem4 says that “‘with rising numbers of young people experiencing mental ill health difficulties, especially post pandemic, focussing on early intervention as stem4 does is essential. Early awareness and acceptance of mental ill health difficulties, knowing what sources of help to access, and taking steps to make effective change can go a long way to helping children and young people be happy and healthy.  Parents and carers, as well as important figures in a young person’s life such as teachers and friends, can all help by knowing what sorts of early signs might indicate the start of a mental ill health problem, by being comfortable to ask them and point them towards sources of help that can support them effectively.”

Speaking to a friend, Maya, she believes that her ‘mental health is good because [she] talks about [her] feelings to others and tries to take breaks and not work too much’. It is really important that you take the time to find what makes you feel best and raises your spirits. It is also essential that you surround yourself with people who make you feel good about yourself and who care enough to listen when you ever need someone to talk to.

 

 

If you ever are struggling with your mental health you can contact stem4 - https://stem4.org.uk/

Or speak to a counsellor, the school pastoral team, a trusted adult (parent, guardian, carer, teacher…) or friend.

Further reading - https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/adolescent-mental-health