83% of young people say they do not have an adult in their life who understands what they are going through
Mental illness is a medical condition that affects a person’s thinking, feelings, mood and ability to relate to others.
Fast facts about mental health & young people
- Half of all mental illness starts at age 14.
- One (1) in 5 South Africans has a mental illness.
- In South Africa, there are 23 suicides every day, with 230 attempted suicide incidents.
- Suicide in young people between 10 and 14 has doubled over the past 15 years.
- 60% of all addicts in Cape Town are under 20 years of age.
- Anorexia has the highest fatality rate of any psychiatric disorder.
Mental illness or psychiatric disorder is a behavioural or mental pattern that causes significant distress or personal functioning impairment. Mental disorders are usually defined by how a person behaves, feels, perceives, or thinks. It differs from medical illness because you cannot do a biological test (take blood pressure or do a blood test ) to diagnose mental illness. Mental disorders are collections of rational thinking or cognition, emotional responses or regulation, and social behaviour. (Susan Nolen-Hoeksema, Abnormaly Psychology, 2014).
- Mood disorders ( depression, bipolar disorder, suicide)
- Dissociative disorders ( somatic symptom, dissociative identity)
- Personality disorders (borderline, obsessive-compulsive, narcissist, paranoid)
- Impulse control disorders (anti-social, intermittent explosive, conduct)
- Neurodevelopmental disorders (ADHD, autism, delirium, neuro-cognitive)
- Psychotic disorders (schizophrenia)
- Eating disorders( anorexia, binge eating, bulimia, obesity, EDNOS)
- Trauma & anxiety-related disorders ( PTSD, OCD, Separation anxiety, Phobias, Panic)
- Substance abuse & behavioural addiction disorders (drugs, gambling, internet, pornography)
- Sexual disorders (sexual dysfunction, paraphilic, sadism, masochism, paedophilia)
(Susan Nolen-Hoeksema, Abnormaly Psychology, 2014)
How do to recognize early signs of mental illness according to Mayo Clinic:
- Feeling sad or down.
- Confused thinking or reduced ability to concentrate.
- Excessive fears or worries or extreme feelings of guilt.
- Extreme mood changes of highs and lows.
- Withdrawal from friends and activities.
- Significant tiredness, low energy or problems sleeping.
If you are experiencing some of these symptoms, talk to someone – ASAP. Mental illness can creep up on you, and it won’t go away by itself. It is highly treatable if you seek the right help.
Where do you start?
Mental Health America gives the following guidelines:
Talk to your parents.
Many young people feel that if they tell their parents that they think something is wrong with them and they aren’t coping, their parents will be upset. A good question to ask yourself if you feel this way is: If someone comes to you for help, will you care enough to want to help?
Here are some of the most common reasons people don’t talk to their parents and some tips for overcoming them.
“I have no idea how my parents will react.”
Schedule a talk with one or both of your parents in a comfortable place. Plan what you want to say beforehand. If talking is too daunting, write them a letter. Remember, the sooner you address what is troubling you, the sooner you can get help, and the sooner you will feel better.
“My parents might feel unhappy or dissatisfied with me.”
Parents might find it hard not to show they are upset – but they care about you, and if you are not well, they might feel sad for you. They might wonder if it was caused by something they did wrong. Some parents have very high expectations for their children. Tell them you fear they will be disappointed but that you need help. It is something that can be talked through.
“My parents might be annoyed or not take me seriously.”
Some young people fear their parents will dismiss their feelings and not take them seriously. Often, people have little knowledge about mental disorders and do not believe it is severe and warrant treatment. Some parents blame children for using up all medical aid benefits and then cancel appointments with mental health therapists or prescription medication. It might help in such cases to write a letter to your parents in which you tell them you fear they will be angry or dismissive. Explain you will benefit from their support. Parents who get angry or dismiss what you say are often afraid of not knowing how to react or lack knowledge. If this doesn’t help or work out, you might have to turn to other adults in your life for help or mental health resources.
“I won’t be able to handle all their questions.”
It might not be easy to share all of what you are going through, and you might feel you should keep some of it private and spare your parents some of the details. Think about what you want to share beforehand. Share what you are comfortable with. You may ask your parents to speak to a mental health professional for more help. It helps to get to a stage where you feel comfortable and safe to open up. You may choose who you want to share what you feel with.
“My parents have enough worries as it is.”
All adults have a lot of responsibilities and stress – some have more, some have less. Your well-being is essential, and you deserve their attention to this. Try to pick a time when things are calm. Know what you are going to share with them. If you can read up on it – do so beforehand.
“What if one or both of my parents are the reason for my struggles?”
If one of your parents is part of your problem and trust your other parent enough, explain what you feel and ask for options for what you can do. You may request that they do or do not tell the other parent what you are sharing. You can also reach out to another adult you trust, such as guidance counsellors. Outside resources might help you get the help or support you need. If you are experiencing physical, emotional, or sexual abuse or neglect, inform a trusted adult.
“My parents won’t believe me – they don’t think mental problems are real.”
Parents may find it hard to believe that you have a problem. They might dismiss it as part of growing up. They might dismiss the entire possibility of getting professional help. Ignoring problems will not make them go away. You may continue to ask for help. Explain why and what you need, despite their beliefs. You might have to turn to other resources for help, such as teachers, guidance counsellors or trusted adults. Remember, if your parents do not acknowledge your issues, it doesn’t make them less essential or unreal. They are real. Draw up a list of reasons why you feel you need help. Don’t give up on getting help.
Resource:
Mental Health America: https://www.mhanational.org/
Quizzes:
We have a selection of quizzes on issues young people struggle with. By completing a quiz, you can learn more about a topic.
Reference:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mental_disorder
Susan Nolen-Hoeksema, Abnormal Psychology, 2014
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/mental-illness/symptoms-causes/syc-20374968
https://www.mhanational.org/time-talk-talking-your-parents