Lucy, a 15-year-old girl, has always considered herself a worrier, but two years ago, she began experiencing anxiety and panic attacks. These attacks were a mystery to her and her parents, occurring without warning and escalating to the point where they happened in public. This led to Lucy missing school and withdrawing from social activities, which was tough for her parents to witness. After struggling for six months, the family decided to invest in cognitive behavioural therapy, which made a significant difference. While Lucy still has panic attacks, they are less frequent, allowing her to return to school and resume enjoying her favorite activities.
According to NHS data, one in five children and young people between the ages of eight and 25 are likely to have a mental health disorder. The adolescent years are particularly challenging as young individuals navigate the pressures of growing up, dealing with exam stress, and managing friendships and relationships. There are biological factors at play as well, with teenage brains not fully developed to handle intense emotions before acquiring the ability to manage them effectively. This dynamic can often lead to emotional roller coasters, especially during adolescence, when hormonal changes and disruptions to the internal body clock further magnify emotional responses.
Recognizing when and how to address normal emotional challenges versus when to seek professional help can be challenging for teenagers and their parents. Prof. Danese outlines characteristics of normal teenage behavior, including occasional irritability, withdrawal, anxiety about social acceptance or academic performance, and experimentation with identity and independence. Parents are encouraged to support their children through maintaining healthy routines, engaging in enjoyable activities, and helping them develop problem-solving skills. For issues like anxiety, calming techniques such as breathing exercises and mindfulness activities can be beneficial, along with avoiding the cycle of providing unnecessary reassurance.
Stevie Goulding, who manages the parent helpline for Young Minds, emphasizes the prevalence of anxiety among children and recommends open communication as a key strategy for parents. Encouraging children to express their concerns and listening without immediately trying to fix things can create a supportive environment. Dr. Sandi Mann suggests that parents focus on building resilience in their children, rather than simply attempting to resolve every issue they face. Acknowledging setbacks, empowering children to make decisions, and challenging negative beliefs are all part of nurturing resilience. Signs that may indicate the need for professional help include self-harm, extreme changes in behavior, or prolonged withdrawal from activities once enjoyed. While accessing support can be challenging due to long waiting times, parents are encouraged to initiate conversations about mental health and seek help from resources like GP services, school support teams, and local organizations
Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More
