Mental Health in Children

& Adolescents
BY: EMMA KATE SMITH
Learning Objectives

Support Group will:

 1. Participants will be able to correctly identify the myths about mental
health/mental illness when asked to do so by the instructor.
 2. Participants will correctly state who to talk to and where to go for help if
they are concerned of their child’s mental health.
 3. Participants will be able to correctly identify specific mental health
problems that are commonly seen in children and adolescents.
 4. Participants will be able to discuss in group discussion the impact of
stigma on people who suffer from mental illnesses.
 What do you know about Mental
Health?
1. Mental health problems are rare
2. Children don't experience mental health problems.
3. People with mental health problems are more likely to be a victim than a perpetrator of
violence.
4. Only certain people have mental health.
5. People with mental health problems are violent.
6. People can recover completely from a mental illness.
7. Physical health problems are worse than mental health problems.
8. On average, people with severe mental illnesses die ten years younger
9. You can be open about mental health problems without fearing you’ll be treated differently.
10. There’s not much you can do to help a friend experiencing a mental health problem.
11. People can’t work if they have a mental health problem.
12. If you use a mental health service, there’s a one in three chance you’ll lose contact with friends.
13. People with a mental illness can “pull themselves out of it”.
What do you think of when you think
of mental illness?
 The reality is…

Ariana Grande: Anxiety Disorder Olly Alexander: eating disorders, Demi Lovato: Bipolar disorder &
bulimia, self-harm and depression Eating disorder

Gabourey Sidibe: Depression,

Daniel Radcliffe: OCD Camila Cabello: OCD Zayn Malik: Severe Anxiety
Suicidal thought, bulimia
 What is mental health?

 According to the World Health Organization:

 "Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-
being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.“
 Mental health is defined as a state of well-being in which every
individual realizes his or her own potential, can cope with the
normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is
able to make a contribution to her or his community.

“Half of mental health conditions begin by age 14, and 75% of

mental health conditions develop by age 24.” -NAMI
Why is mental health important?

 Improves Quality of Life

 Mental health strengthens and supports our ability to:
 Have healthy relationships
 Make good life choices
 Maintain physical health and well-being
 Handle the natural ups and downs of life
 Discover and grow toward our potential
Importance of Early Intervention

 Improved diagnosis and treatment

 More timely and targeted referrals to specialist services
 Improved confidence and engagement of primary care providers.
What is Stigma?

 Stigma is a mark of disgrace that sets a person apart from

others. When a person is labelled by their illness they are no
longer seen as an individual but as part of a stereotyped
group. Negative attitudes and beliefs toward this group
create prejudice which leads to negative actions and
discrimination. - WHO
 Terms related: Stereotype, Prejudice, Discrimination
What does stigma feel like?

 1. You are at a family wedding.

 2. You have just applied for a new job at a new organization.
 3. You are on a first date.

 Discussion Questions:
 Why do you think some things are harder to talk about than others?
 What do you think would happen if you did talk about your mental health?
Harmful Effects of Stigma towards
mental health
 Reluctance to seek help or treatment
 Lack of understanding by family, friends, co-workers or others
 Fewer opportunities for work, school or social activities or trouble finding housing
 Bullying, physical violence or harassment
 Health insurance that doesn't adequately cover your mental illness treatment
 The belief that you'll never succeed at certain challenges or that you can't improve
your situation

60% of people with a mental illness

won’t seek out the help they need due
to the stigma associated with being
labelled mentally ill.
How can we reduce mental health
stigma?

 Know the Facts

 Be aware of your attitudes and behavior
 Choose your words carefully
 Educate others
 Focus on the positive
 Support people
 Include everyone
Major Mental Illnesses in Children

 Anxiety Disorders
 Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
 Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
 Eating disorders
 Mood disorders
 Schizophrenia
Warning Signs

 Decline in school performance

 Poor grades despite strong efforts
 Regular worry or anxiety
 Repeated refusal to go to school or take part in normal
children’s activities
 Hyperactivity or fidgeting
 Persistent nightmares
 Persistent disobedience or aggression
 Frequent temper tantrums
 Depression, sadness or irritability
 Mental Illnesses CAN be treated!

 Most people diagnosed with a mental health condition can experience

relief from their symptoms and live a satisfying life by actively participating
in an individualized treatment plan.

 Four Dimensions of Recovery:

1. Health
2. Home
3. Purpose
4. Community
Types of Common Treatments

 Psychotherapy  Medications
How can YOU help?

 Be Attentive
 Support and Love
 Learn all that you can
 Talk with your child’s school
 Work with your child
 Relax and have fun with your child
 Family counseling or support groups
Where to seek help?

 Mental health organizations, hotlines and libraries

 Other professionals such as the child’s pediatrician or school counselor
 Other families in the community
 Family network organizations
 Community-based psychiatric care
 Crisis outreach teams
 Education or special education services
 Family resource centers and support groups
 Health services
 Protection and advocacy groups and organizations
 Self-help and support groups
Other Resources

 American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry

http://www.aacap.org/
 Federation of Families for Children’s Mental Health
Phone: 703-684-7710
http://www.ffcmh.org/
 Family Support America
Phone: 312-338-0900
 National Association of School Psychologists
Phone 301-657-0270
http://www.naspweb.org/
Sign Up for a Class with NAMI Basics!

 Find the NAMI Basics class nearest to you. If a class isn’t available, contact
your local NAMI about starting one.
 FREE 6-week education program for parents and family caregivers of
children and teens who are experiencing symptoms of a mental illness or
whom have already been diagnosed.
 “99% of participants told us they would recommend the program to other
parents.” –NAMI
Works Cited

 https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/mental-illness/in-
depth/mental-health/art-20046477
 http://www.who.int/features/factfiles/mental_health/en/
 https://www.changeyourmindni.org/mental-health-and-stigma/facts-and-
myths
 https://www.nami.org/Find-Support/Family-Members-and-Caregivers/Learning-
to-Help-Your-Child-and-Your-Family
 https://www.time-to-change.org.uk/sites/default/files/What-does-stigma-feel-
like-audience-activity2.pdf
 http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/types-mental-health-treatments
 https://nami.org/basics
 https://www.mendthemind.ca/stigma/seven-important-things-we-can-do-
reduce-stigma-and-discrimination/