Most people have a clear idea of what youth physical health looks like, but what is youth mental health? It doesn’t just mean an absence of a mental health disorder. Instead, it means seeing a young person experiencing a variety of stages of psychological and emotional health.
Mental health can be apparent in their ability to adapt to change, navigate successfully through challenges, and develop fulfilling relationships. If a young person is unable to meet these challenges, they can struggle emotionally and psychologically, even if they don’t have a diagnosable mental health condition.
Mental health concerns are prevalent in young people. About 29% of students experience poor mental health, while 42% of them persistently feel sad or hopeless.
Factors Influencing Youth Mental Health
As in adults, youth mental health doesn’t exist in a vacuum; instead, it’s impacted by a variety of factors.
Biological Factors
Genetics greatly impact youth mental health, with those who have close relatives with mental health concerns being more likely to suffer from these conditions themselves. The way the brain functions also impacts mental health. If there is an abnormal balance of chemicals in the brain, mental health can suffer.
Environmental Factors
Children and teens who deal with negative family dynamics are more prone to suffering from chronic stress, which can lead to mental health struggles.
Youths who have trouble with peer relationships or those who have made connections that are abusive or otherwise negative can also have a higher risk of developing mental health concerns.
Academic pressure can heighten a child or teen’s stress levels, impacting their mental health. It can increase the likelihood of developing anxiety or depression.
Even a child’s socioeconomic status plays a role in their psychological and emotional well-being. Those with low socioeconomic status are two to three times more likely to develop mental health problems.
Social Factors
Media and technology influence youth mental health as well. Those who use social media for hours every day can deal with feelings of being left out, which enhances feelings of isolation and worsens mood.
Cultural expectations are also an issue, with many youth not attempting to get help for the struggles they face because their culture doesn’t address mental health needs. This can be especially difficult for boys, who may try to fulfill the idea of what males are supposed to be in their social group.
Common Mental Health Disorders in Youth
Anxiety disorders are common among children and teens and on the rise. These include generalized anxiety and social anxiety disorders. Although anxiety is a natural reaction to stress, if it is chronic and impacts how the youth behaves as well as their quality of life, it can cause significant issues.
Mood disorders like depression and bipolar disorder are also common issues. Depression is more than just feeling sad; it impacts how the teen or child thinks and acts. Bipolar disorder is a condition that leads the youth to feel extreme shifts in mood, from manic energy to severe depression.
Eating disorders are particularly dangerous mental health disorders that affect children and teens. Although girls face this issue more often, boys can also struggle with eating disorders. These disorders include anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorders, and more.
Another common mental health disorder that youths face is attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). ADHD can lead to constant fidgeting, difficulties paying attention, and many other symptoms that impact a child or teen’s life.
Substance abuse and addiction are a serious concern. Many times, youths turn to drugs or alcohol to manage other mental health concerns or deal with chronic stress.
Impact on Academic Performance and Social Relationships
Mental health impacts academic performance because it affects energy levels, mental ability, optimism, and concentration. Struggling with grades can quickly have a negative effect on a youth’s self-esteem, worsening mental health and leading to a cycle of problems.
If a teen or child struggles with mental health, they are more likely to isolate themselves. This reduces the number of peers they’re in contact with, increasing the sense of loneliness. Even if they have social relationships with peers, low mental health can lead to self-esteem issues that can put the child at risk of unhealthy relationships.
As a child or teen struggles with their grades, family dynamics can also suffer. Parents are likely to respond negatively to poor academic performance, leading to further damage to mental health.
Seeking Help: Treatment and Support
When a child or teen faces mental health concerns and asks for help, parents and caregivers have some of the most important roles to play. They can encourage youths to ask for help and keep communicating. They are the ones that can put the most emphasis on visiting a professional for assistance.
School-based interventions are also important. Teachers and other school staff who notice a child or teen struggling can reach out and offer assistance or speak with parents.
Mental health professionals have the experience and knowledge to offer guidance for the various struggles the youth is dealing with. Using a variety of treatment modalities can help the child address the cause of the challenges they face.
Early intervention is essential when dealing with youth mental health concerns. Children who receive early intervention tend to have better outcomes, including better academic performance, fewer behavioral issues, and higher self-esteem.
Prevention Strategies and Coping Mechanisms
One of the best ways to prevent and help children and teens is for schools and communities to offer mental health education programs. These can address all the concerns children and teens have, letting them know that mental health is important and they should reach out for help.
Parents can help their children by showing them how to build resilience. Show them how to manage adversity and what they can do to bounce back after a stressful experience.
They can also help their children by encouraging them to develop healthy lifestyle habits, like eating correctly and getting enough sleep. These habits can impact mental health.
A community that offers support as well as resources for children and teens can also help them recognize the warning signs of mental health concerns and encourage them to get help.
Help Children and Teens Today
Fostering a healing and welcoming environment in schools can improve the mental health of students and staff alike. At Rachel’s Challenge, we offer programs that can make this easier to achieve. Contact Rachel’s Challenge to book a live or digital program or to make a donation.
