Mental Health Concerns in Children and Young People
Highlights: Mental health, depression, and anxiety are significant issues facing young people today. According to the World Health Organization, half of all mental illnesses begin by age 14, and 75% of them develop by the age of 24. This highlights the need for early intervention and support for young people struggling with mental health issues. In this article, we will explore the prevalence of mental health issues in young people and the factors that contribute to their development, as well as discuss potential interventions and prevention strategies.
Depression and anxiety are among the most common mental health issues experienced by young people. According to a report by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW), nearly one in seven young Australians (aged 4-17) experienced a mental disorder in 2015, with anxiety and depression being the most common conditions. In the same report, it was found that young people aged 18-24 had the highest rates of psychological distress and were more likely to have experienced a mental disorder in the past 12 months compared to other age groups.
With anxiety being one of the most commonly diagnosed mental illnesses (age 16+), a study by the Better Health Channel found that 1 in 4 young people may experience an anxiety disorder at some point in their lives, with depression affecting around 1 in 10 young people, The study also highlighted that young people who identify as LGBTIQ+ may be more likely to experience mental health issues due to social stigma and discrimination.
A range of factors can contribute to the development of mental health issues in young people. The AIHW report identified several risk factors for mental health issues in young people, including adverse childhood experiences such as abuse, neglect, and family violence, as well as social disadvantage, such as poverty and social exclusion.
Other factors that may contribute to the development of mental health issues in young people include genetics, trauma, substance use and bullying. Genetically, mental health issues can run in families, and young people who have a family history of mental illness may be more at risk. Exposure to traumatic events, such as natural disasters, accidents, abuse and violence, can contribute to the development of mental health issues. Young people who use drugs or alcohol may be at increased risk of developing mental health issues, particularly if they have a family history of substance use or mental illness. Bullying can have a significant impact on young people's mental health, leading to depression, anxiety, and even suicide.
Early intervention and support are crucial in addressing mental health issues in young people. Primary care providers can play a critical role in providing mental health support and referrals to appropriate mental health services. There is also a range of evidence-based interventions and prevention strategies that can help young people experiencing mental health issues. These include cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), mindfulness-based interventions, exercise and social support:
Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT): CBT is a type of psychotherapy that can help young people manage symptoms of depression and anxiety by changing negative thought patterns and behaviours.
Mindfulness-based interventions: Mindfulness-based interventions, such as meditation and yoga, can help young people develop coping skills and manage stress and anxiety.
Exercise: Regular exercise has been shown to have positive effects on mental health and can help reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety in young people.
Social support: Building strong social connections with family and friends can provide young people with emotional support and help reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness.
Prevention strategies that target the risk factors for mental health issues in young people can also be effective. Health promotions in schools are vital to highlight the importance of positive mental health and well-being in young people through education and awareness campaigns.
In addition to the factors already mentioned, another important aspect to consider is the role of social media and technology in mental health among young people. According to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), digital technology has a significant impact on young people's mental health, and it is important to address the potential negative consequences of social media use and internet addiction. The OECD states that technology use can lead to sleep deprivation, cyberbullying, and a distorted view of body image, which can contribute to anxiety and depression (OECD, 2021). One study found that higher social media use was significantly associated with an increased risk of depression and anxiety among young people (Kerns et al., 2021). Additionally, research has shown that social media can contribute to the development of negative body image and self-esteem issues, particularly among adolescent girls (Fardouly et al., 2020). It is therefore crucial to promote healthy social media use and educate young people on how to navigate the potential negative effects of social media. It is therefore essential to promote healthy technology use and provide support for young people who may be struggling with digital addiction or cyberbullying. School workshops and seminars, with ongoing education, are key to providing children and young people with facilitated narratives to assist them in this area.
In conclusion, mental health issues among young people, including depression and anxiety, are a significant and growing concern worldwide. As discussed, numerous factors contribute to the development of these conditions, including genetic, environmental, and societal factors. Early identification and treatment of mental health issues are crucial to prevent long-term negative consequences, such as suicide, substance abuse, and academic and occupational problems. As caring professionals in the field of mental health, it is essential to promote mental health literacy and provide resources and support for young people who may be struggling with depression and anxiety. It is also vital to address the impact of societal and cultural factors, such as stigma and discrimination, and to promote social and emotional learning in schools and other community settings. Finally, the role of technology and social media in young people's mental health cannot be ignored. While technology offers many benefits, it is essential to address potential negative consequences and promote the healthy use of technology to prevent the development of mental health issues among young people.
Your role as a chaplain will also be both responsive and preventative, and when you notice indicators of mental health concerns affecting a child or young person’s ability to cope, refer through your organisation’s processes to a GP and other supports.
References:
AIHW. (2016). Mental Health of Young Australians. Retrieved from https://www.aihw.gov.au/getmedia/96172f25-81b3-4033-9e37-2a271491f4b7/ah16-5-5-mental-health-australias-young-people-adolescents.pdf.aspx
Better Health Channel. (2021). Depression in young people. Retrieved from https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/Depression-in-young-people
Coles, M. E., Ravid, A., & Gibb, B. E. (2016). Adolescent Mental Health Literacy: Young People's Knowledge of Depression and Social Anxiety Disorder. Journal of Adolescent Health, 58(2), 57-62. doi: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2015.09.016
Fardouly, J., Diedrichs, P. C., Vartanian, L. R., & Halliwell, E. (2020). Social comparisons on social media: the impact of Facebook on young women's body image concerns and mood. Body Image, 33, 31-37. doi: 10.1016/j.bodyim.2020.02.007
Kerns, C. M., Newschaffer, C. J., & Berkowitz, S. J. (2021). Association between social media use and depression among US young adults. Depression and Anxiety, 38(8), 889-896. doi: 10.1002/da.23205
Workshops in VIC available to schools for education on bullying and technology use: https://dollysdream.org.au/
L. White (2023). Holistic Care: Mental Health Concerns. Module 1&2, Whole People & Korus Connect.
