Young people and mental health

Young people often experience a range of physical, social and psychological events that are new and unexpected. They may find some of these events distressing and struggle to cope with the impact. Moreover, the duration and severity of these events and the distress caused could mildly, moderately, significantly or acutely affect their mental health,

and give rise to a mental health difficulty, illness or disorder.

The stigma of mental health problems and difficulties is not helped by the media reporting that the mentally ill or disordered 'kill people'. Although this can happen, there are comparatively larger numbers of people who murder who do not have a mental illness - so who should we fear the most?

Mental health difficulties, illnesses and disorders can often have a disabling impact on those who struggle to cope with them. They can often cause a person a great deal of stress, anguish and even absolute fear.

Although it is common for young people to experience mental health difficulties that require professional help, it is quite rare for

adolescents to be affected by a serious mental disorder. However the stigma of having a mental health difficulty, illness or disorder can often leave a person frightened to talk about their problem and reluctant to access support.

The following are examples of mental health difficulties, illnesses and disorders young people can experience, for which both the symptoms and impact can vary in severity and duration. These examples may help to bring a more realistic perspective of the issues of mental health difficulties, illness and disorders.

The mental health of young people is a fundamental part of what makes them the adult they become. That given, it is important that people are aware of the support that is available when they develop mental health difficulties, as many will at some point in their life.

Encouraging young people to talk about their worries, showing them that there is someone there who cares about them and wants to support them, can often make a lot of difference. After all, it is important that young people know that experiencing and coping with difficult feelings and experiences is common, and that they do not necessarily have to manage these issues alone.

Understanding the mental health system, the function of counsellors, therapists, psychotherapists, psychologists and psychiatrists, and the different treatment approaches, is therefore important if people are to look after their mental health. This concept is as crucial as knowing when to go to a GP or dentist, or directly to hospital, in order to safeguard physical health.