Who Will Save Our Sons and Daughters? The Mental Health of Today’s Youth
Jacqueline Raxter, MA, LMSW, LPC
One in five young people suffer from a mental health condition, but the good news is early intervention has a fundamental impact on prevention and treatment. Trusted adults can inspire hope by providing support and encouragement to address observed mental health challenges. Adult support is especially important to our youth’s mental health during this pandemic period, when prolonged periods of isolation may add to distress. As they say, “It takes a village,” and we need to check in with our youth and be attentive and available.
Optimal mental health is a state of wellbeing that allows the child to realize their abilities, cope with stress, work productively, and contribute to their community. When a mental health challenge is present, an individual may experience a major change in thinking, feeling, and/or behavior which interferes with their ability to live a full life. If this interference persists longer than a typical emotional reaction would be expected to, early non-professional support can be crucial.
Mental health support from a non-professional (such as a parent or a teacher) is not meant to diagnosis or treat; however, it is vital to early intervention. When a trusted individual observes changes, offers support, and listens without judgment, being respectful of privacy, it fosters feelings of safety.
Effective youth mental health support requires active listening, being fully present and truly listening. Consider the timing of your approach and create an opportunity for unhurried time to interact in private. We have all experienced negative responses when we try to force a discussion with someone who is angry or preoccupied with other matters. Typically, these efforts fail to produce any meaningful interaction. Pressuring a teen to interact when they are undergoing challenges may contribute to a crisis if they are not ready to talk. Better to let them know that you have observed change(s) and that you truly care. Even if rejected initially, let them know you are available to listen when they are ready to talk.
Adult support for challenged youth is effective when communicating noted changes with care, without nagging or dictating a solution.
Young people, particularly adolescents, are experiencing a period of major change and transition in growth and development. They are undergoing physical changes in areas of muscle mass, secondary sex characteristics, weight, and height. They are also experiencing social changes typical of adolescence, such as increased risk taking and increased peer influence, all while learning to manage relationships.
They may experiment with social and cultural identity. In emotional development, they develop beliefs about themselves and a sense of self, and their moods can shift quickly as a result. They are developing their executive functioning skills to resolve conflicts, develop empathy, and learn to recognize and manage their emotions. These developments continue through the early adulthood years.
Non-professionals can be aware of important signs that may point to a risk of self-harm or harm to others. The CDC reports that in the U.S., suicide is the second leading cause of death for individuals aged 10 to 34. With an assessment mindset, we observe and interact by listening actively, without judgment, emphasizing that we care and are there to support and serve as a link to a professional when needed. Trusted individuals can help by providing reassurance, sharing information, encouraging appropriate professional help or by looking into self-help or other support strategies. These actions can be used in any order to fit the interaction and to provide hope and support. A trusted adult can show concern by prompting discussion and checking in without judgement on observed changes in behavior, thinking or actions.
Allow for uninterrupted expression of thoughts and feelings and when appropriate, ask questions without pushing. Use “I” statements to convey what you have observed and remember it is about the young person, not you. If an immediate crisis indicates a medical emergency, severe substance use, severe psychosis, or self-injury, connect with a professional for immediate help. Professionals may include a primary care physician, nurse practitioner, social worker, professional counselor, or psychologist.
Recognize that stigma may make it difficult for young people to talk about challenges. Other factors such as cultural beliefs can influence how we make health decisions. Early intervention involves recognizing the warring signs of mental health challenges and acting before it becomes worse.
We know that early intervention helps to prevent symptoms from becoming more serious and lessens the overall impact on a young person. Individuals who are a natural support system, who listen and provide reassurance, give tangible evidence that there should never be shame in seeking support to manage mental health challenges, just as we would not avoid seeking support for a medical condition impacting us negatively.
We refer to signs or symptoms as something observable; indicators that an individual recognizes. When related to a mental health challenge, the frequency, duration, and impact of symptoms will direct care decisions. We are aware of how trauma and adjustments to significant change and loss add to an individual’s challenges. Protective factors, on the other hand, such as having a trusted individual as a natural support in our lives, can help a youth who is struggling.
Most professionals are accessible for consultation if you are uncertain about how to best support a particular youth who is experiencing a challenge. Reach out directly to a professional and they can advise you confidentially and provide details specific to securing a professional assessment.
Our young people are experiencing significant challenges while undergoing development changes which influence their ability to navigate effectively. We must be there for our youth; they are our future!
Jacqueline Raxter, MA, LMSW, LPC is a Behavioral Health Manager at the Chaldean Community Foundation (CCF). CCF’s Project Light licensed professional tri-lingual (Arabic, Chaldean, English) therapists provide consultation and therapy services to uninsured, under insured and insured residents of Michigan, age 13 years and up. Contact them at (586) 722-7253.