Youth Mental Health Day, marked annually on September 19th, encourages understanding of the mental health challenges that can affect young people. It is a time to foster open conversations and promote the help and support needed for youth mental well-being.
Understanding Youth Mental Health
According to Stem4, approximately 1 in 6 children aged 5–15 have a diagnosable mental health disorder. Worryingly, 6 in 10 young people report experiencing mental health difficulties, such as anxiety, low mood, eating disorders, and self-harming behaviors. Despite these statistics, only about a third of young people receive effective treatment.
Raising awareness of youth mental health is crucial, especially as many young people face unique challenges in today’s world. These include:
- Pressure to fit in with their peers.
- The impact of social media and the pressure to stay popular.
- Societal and celebrity expectations.
- Recovering from a global pandemic that disrupted their daily lives.
- Hormonal changes and differences in brain processing that come with adolescence.
When combined with personal challenges such as family difficulties, trauma, or loss, it’s clear why youth mental health must be a priority.
The Adolescent Brain: Why It’s Different
- Teenagers rely heavily on the amygdala, the brain’s emotional center, for processing information. Their pre-frontal cortex, responsible for rational decision-making and understanding consequences, doesn’t fully develop until their mid-twenties. This can lead to impulsive or risk-taking behavior.
- Adolescents’ unique brain development, coupled with environmental influences, shapes their thought patterns and behaviors.
Signs of Mental Health Concerns in Teens
It can be challenging to distinguish between typical teenage behavior and signs of a mental health issue. However, here are some indicators to watch for:
- Secrecy beyond the usual teenage tendencies.
- Withdrawing from family and friends.
- Extreme changes in behavior, such as persistent anger or sadness.
- Difficulty managing emotions.
- Increased risk-taking behavior.
- Excessive concern over appearance.
- Difficulty functioning in daily activities, such as trouble attending school, socializing, or getting out of bed.
How Parents Can Support Youth Mental Health
Supporting your child’s mental health starts with understanding and proactive involvement. Here are practical strategies to help your teenager navigate this stage of life:
1. Model Positive Connections
Demonstrate how to build and maintain healthy relationships by modeling effective communication and active listening. Encourage quality time away from screens to foster meaningful interactions.
For more on building listening skills, check out our blog: The Skill of Listening and Connecting.
2. Encourage a Balanced Lifestyle
Monitor how your teenager spends their time. Encourage activities that positively impact mental health, such as sports, music, and art, while helping them find a healthy balance with screen time.
3. Allow Healthy Risk-Taking
Teenagers are hardwired for risk-taking, so rather than fighting it, guide them toward healthy, safe activities that satisfy this need, like trying new sports, taking on responsibilities, or engaging in exciting hobbies.
4. Promote Creative Outlets
Encourage your child to express their emotions through creative activities, such as art, music, drama, or writing. These outlets can have a positive impact on mental well-being.
Learn more about the benefits of creativity in our blog: Creativity for Well-being.
5. Balance Support and Independence
Keep lines of communication open. Offer support when needed, but also encourage your teenager to tackle problems independently. Asking questions like, “Would you like my help, or do you just want me to listen?” can make them feel heard and respected.
6. Encourage Healthy Sleep Habits
Teenagers need 8–10 hours of sleep per night. Create a bedtime routine that limits screen time at least an hour before bed to aid emotional regulation and mental clarity.
7. Be a Positive Role Model
Your teenager is constantly observing how you handle life’s challenges. Demonstrate healthy coping strategies and show them positive ways to manage stress and setbacks.
8. Know Where to Seek Further Support
If you are worried about your child’s mental health, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. Here are some resources:
- Shout: Text 85258 for free, confidential support 24/7.
- Student Space: Text STUDENT to 85258 for student-specific support.
- Samaritans: Call 116 123 for free, confidential support anytime.
- Mermaids: A helpline for transgender and gender-diverse young people (0808 801 0400).
- The Mix: Free support for people under 25.
- Papyrus: A charity for the prevention of young suicide.
- The Youth Fairy: For ongoing or preventative support, contact your nearest therapist at The Youth Fairy.
Conclusion
Supporting youth mental health involves awareness, open communication, and the right balance of guidance and independence. By fostering positive connections, encouraging healthy habits, and knowing where to seek help, parents can play a crucial role in promoting their child’s mental well-being.
For more tips and resources on supporting youth mental health, explore the Parent Pad section of The Youth Fairy.
