The National Centre for Social Research recently found that young people with mental health issues are three times less likely to pass their GCSE exams when compared to their peers.
Therefore, it is more important than ever for a young person support network to rally around an individual if needed.
Dr Nick looks at how to support young people so they can flourish and develop in the best ways possible.
Don’t Stick Your Head in the Sand
First and foremost, if you find that a young person in your life is experiencing bad mental health, do not ignore it.
One in four suffer from mental health conditions at some point in their livesd, and young people are no exception.
If anything, young people are more susceptible to bad mental health due to their vulnerability and continued development.
Growing up can be stressful and scary as it is without having to experience mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, or PTSD too.
If you suspect a young person is suffering, there are steps you can take to assist them.
List Your Professionals
Start off by sitting down and thinking about the potential avenues and options you have available to you.
When dealing with a young person, it is important to remember that there is many services at your disposal should you need them.
Each service is designed to support a young person in several ways.
What professionals does a child’s school have?
Do you have access to a social worker or social support?
Are there any existing professionals in that young person’s life already?
These can be key questions in identifying those that can support a young person’s mental health.
For example, a social worker may refer a young person to mental health services such as CAMHS if needed.
If you find that you need support or help from services, you should consider speaking to your GP.
Speak to an Expert
There is no cookie-cutter approach to supporting a young person’s mental health, as each person is different and unique.
If speaking to a local professional in school or social services is not an option, you can consider looking at other experts and professionals such as Dr Nick.
A third-party professional can help by giving a young person a safe space to open up about their thoughts, feelings, and emotions without fear of judgement or prejudice.
An outside opinion can also give a fresh perspective to the young person and support network to give unbiased opinions and information.
You’d be surprised just how much a fresh pair of eyes can help a situation.
Depending on the issues affecting a young person, a professional could help them with specific needs such as depression, trauma, and anxiety.
Each condition or mental health issue has a different approach and method to tackling and ultimately dealing with it.
It is essential to support young people in any way, especially to counteract the negative effects of the pandemic. If you need more information, look at our blog, which has a host of helpful tips and tricks.
