Young people have a right to be engaged, and a right to be heard in research. When young people’s voices are included in the research process, the result is richer and more relevant research evidence.
Early intervention programs for young people with psychosis might cost more initially, and require more intensive support for longer periods, but they’re worth the investment.
It was hoped intensive early intervention programs might ‘bend the curve’ and change the lifetime trajectory of illnesses such as schizophrenia. But that doesn’t appear to be the case.
Teens have been through a lot in the pandemic and things won’t simply go back to normal as the nation opens up. Here’s how to support their mental health during the transition.
Susanna Trnka, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau dan Luca Muir, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau
Public health measures introduced to protect people from COVID have often exacerbated health conditions and delayed access to therapy for those living with disabilities.
The pressure of needing to be a model minority — successful, quiet, hardworking — can force people to internalize their mental anguish and ends up leaving gaps in our mental health services.
By integrating parents and other family members in therapy, young people will have more consistent support between the therapist’s office and their home.
Attention control theory holds that heightened anxiety impairs the efficiency of mental processes. For instance, stressing about something can make us lose focus on the task at hand.
Is there a mental health crisis among young people, or are worry and sadness to be expected? Pathologizing normal, healthy responses to adverse events promotes misunderstanding about mental illness.
New information Instagram makes teens feel worse about their bodies is an opportunity for parents to start a conversation with their children about their online lives, and encourage positive habits.
Year 12 students, particularly in NSW and Victoria, have been disconnected from friends and faced anxiety over the uncertainty of exams. This added to the already high stress levels of this age group.
Self-harm is often a response to mounting stress and uncertainty. So it’s not surprising rates have gone up during the pandemic. Self-harm can be a means to cope and establish control over emotions.
New research shows the dire effects of the pandemic on the mental health of children and youth, with as many as 25 per cent of young people affected. Immediate action can help address this distress.
A recently released schools policy guide has been receiving some criticism. Reports suggest it instructs teachers to not use terms like “boys and girls”, for instance. This is not entirely correct.
Professor, Canada Research Chair in Determinants of Child Development, Owerko Centre at the Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary
Assistant professor, School of Psychology, Scientist, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, L’Université d’Ottawa/University of Ottawa
Professor of Adolescent Health The University of Melbourne; Director, Royal Children's Hospital Centre for Adolescent Health, The University of Melbourne