Topic 2 Youth Mental Health
‘There is no health without mental health – and the foundation of mental health is largely laid in adolescence,’ Dr Alina Cosma. Jones, Ali. March 2023.
In 2011, the WHO International Declaration on Youth Mental Health, recognised that mental health was one of the main issues affecting youth.
Youth mental health naturally evolves into adult mental health therefore it makes sense to ensure that youth mental health is cared for, supported and nurtured.
As parents and educators are the prominent people involved in their daily lives, it’s imperative to be aware of potential mental health issues to ensure a positive mental health on their journey to adulthood.
The transition from teenager to adulthood can result in mental health illnesses taking a different direction or presenting differently, with new symptoms, with an additional risk to youth mental health as they are no longer classed as children once they reach 18 years of age. This means for many, that they will no longer have access to the same services and supports for youth as there are for adults. In many countries, waiting lists for mental supports can be lengthy therefore they are untreated or monitored during this period and depending on the nature of the mental illness, this can have a major impact physically and psychologically, potentially regression or exacerbating their symptoms.
Despite the increasing visibility of mental health awareness, stigma is still a deterrent for youth reaching out for support, for example fear of being judged, treated differently or feeling ‘inferior’ to those who do not have a mental illness.
Persons from a socially disadvantaged background or low-income households may not be in a position to avail of the necessary services and supports, as there may be a high cost, resulting in their illness being untreated and continuing into adulthood.
In addition to their mental health illness not being treated, the combination of these factors, can have a major impact on their education thus access to employment, potentially leading to poverty.