Let’s delve into the world of mental health for youth, something that’s important but often overlooked. We’ll closely examine Mental Health First Aid for Youth (MHFA) and why counselling is valuable for an adolescent who is battling mentally and emotionally.
Anyone who interacts with children or youth, whether as teachers, extracurricular activity leaders, parents, sports coaches, Sunday school teachers, or counsellors, must recognise that many children may struggle to express their emotions. This difficulty may arise because they lack the language skills to articulate their feelings or because they fear how others might react. For example, young children often say their tummies hurt, which can be a way of conveying feelings of unhappiness, anxiety, or general distress.
When working with children, it’s crucial to understand their unique ways of functioning. Since they may not always be able to verbalise their emotions, it’s important to pay attention to their non-verbal behaviour, especially any significant changes in behaviour, to gauge how they’re feeling. It’s vital to approach them in a safe, warm, and engaging manner, fostering a sense of trust that encourages them to open up and share in ways they are able.
Mental Health First Aid is not only about about caring for the mind. We are integrated beings and the mind and the body do not work in isolation of each other. So, we need to view children and adolescents holistically. There might be physical and/or mental signals of mental health struggles.
Reading the Tell-Tale Signs
Noticing changes in behaviour or emotions requires careful observation and sensitivity to subtle cues. Here are some ways to notice changes:
- Behavioural Shifts: Look for sudden changes in behaviour. For example, a normally active and cheerful adolescent becoming withdrawn, quiet, or unusually aggressive could be a sign of emotional distress.
- Physical Complaints: Pay attention to frequent complaints of physical symptoms like headaches, stomach aches, or fatigue, especially if they occur regularly and without a clear medical reason. These could be expressions of emotional discomfort.
- Changes in Social Interaction: Observe how the child interacts with peers and adults. Youth who suddenly avoid social interactions, become overly clingy, or start showing signs of social anxiety may be experiencing underlying emotional issues.
- Academic Performance: Notice any significant changes in academic performance or participation. A drop in grades, lack of interest in schoolwork, or difficulty concentrating can indicate that something is troubling the child.
- Sleep Patterns: Keep an eye on any changes in the sleeping habits of youth. Difficulty sleeping, nightmares, or excessive sleeping can all be indicators of emotional stress.
- Eating Habits: Changes in appetite or eating habits, such as overeating, undereating, or sudden pickiness with food, can also signal emotional or psychological distress.
- Emotional Expressions: Be alert to any changes in how a child expresses emotions. For instance, a youth who typically expresses happiness but begins to show increased frustration, sadness, or irritability may need extra attention.
- Art and Play: Children and youth often express their emotions through art, play, or storytelling. Notice any changes in these activities, such as themes of sadness, fear, or aggression that weren’t present before.
- Body Language: Pay attention to non-verbal cues like posture, eye contact, or facial expressions. An adolescent who avoids eye contact, slouches, or displays closed-off body language may be struggling with something emotionally.
- Routine Disruptions: Notice if the child or youth suddenly starts resisting routines they once followed easily, like bedtime rituals, attending school, or participating in activities they usually enjoy.
By staying attentive to these signs and maintaining open communication one can better identify when a child or youth may need additional support or help.
Why Mental Health Matters
Picture a child’s body and mind as the engine that drives their whole being. Ensuring that children and youth eat right and stay active for their physical health, it’s equally important to nurturing their mental well-being. When their mental and physical health is in good shape, they feel happier, more confident, and better prepared to tackle challenges that come their way.
Reach Out for Support
Counselling plays a pivotal role in anyone’s life who may be going through a tough time.. Sometimes, life throws curveballs, and it’s okay to ask for help. Youth counsellors are trained to listen, support, and help children and youth work through things that are troubling them. If a child or youth is struggling with mental health, they should be reassured to reach out for help. Knowing that counsellors are there to support and guide those in need is comforting and reassuring.
Some people may feel embarrassed or ashamed about seeking counselling, but there’s absolutely no need to. Just like you would take a child to a doctor if they had a cold, it’s completely normal to seek counselling if they’re feeling down or stressed. Taking care of an adolescent’s mental health is not only essential to their overall well-being but also something to be proud of. Let’s work together to break the stigma surrounding mental health and counselling.
At SACAP Global, we offer a range of online short courses and workshops for those who wish to gain deeper insight into mental health.
By arming oneself with the knowledge and information required, you can be a valuable conduit in the life of a child’s mental health.
What is Mental Health First Aid?
So, how exactly can equipping oneself with the tools of Mental Health First Aid assist in helping youth? Well, if one imagines the support given to someone in a mental health crisis, it is just like offering first aid to someone with a physical injury. It’s about being there for them until they can get the professional help they need, and the crisis is resolved.
Mental Health First Aid isn’t about transforming into a counsellor. Instead, it’s about helping one recognise the signs of mental health issues, providing initial assistance, and guiding them toward the right professional support.
In summary, it’s crucial to pay close attention to the behaviour of the youth. Be aware of changes, moods, social interactions, and any withdrawal from activities they usually enjoy. Children and youth are deeply influenced by the adults they are close to. When parents go through a divorce, there is conflict at home, a parent loses a job, or a family member falls ill, children may not always express their concerns verbally. Instead, these issues may manifest in various ways. It’s essential to create time, space, and a trusting bond to encourage them to share openly. Additionally, consider seeking the help of a professional and experienced counsellor who can provide a safe environment for them to explore their feelings.
Workshop Overview: Understanding Mental Health First Aid for Youth
In this workshop, we’ll delve into what Youth Mental Health First Aid involves, with a special focus on crisis first aid. We’ll talk about tough topics like suicide and self-harm, dispelling any myths, and understand how to help a young person who may be feeling suicidal. Plus, we’ll break down the complex issue of self-harm, providing clear insights into the behaviours often faced by youth and adolescents.
Browse our range of mental health online courses and workshops.