The area of mental health issues amongst the adolescent youth population remains an important and critical area. I have been a mental health solicitor for in excess of 30 years, representing those detained in units in the Midlands region. I thought it would be useful to convey my perspective both in terms of practical experience and also some of the statistics which are out there in terms of the situation today.
Young Minds refers to statistics in the youth sector and this provides an interesting insight into this area. In 2023, one in five children and young people age between 8 and 25 had a probable mental health condition. The figures are rising and in particular, in the age group between 17 and 19. Suicide remains a leading cause for death for people between 5 and 35 and three quarters of these were boys or young men. One third of the 17 to 24 year old age group self-harmed or attempted self-harm at some point. This rose to nearly 70% for people with a probable mental health condition.
Causes
The baseline reasons for mental health issues arising amongst those from the younger demographic can be complex and varied.
There are multiple issues including baseline mental health conditions but also other factors which include the use of illicit drugs and the impact of social media which has been particularly prevalent in recent years as it influences matters connecting to self-esteem, aspirations and the ‘filter culture’.
Developmental issues may arise regarding youth mental health and in particular with regards to milestones which exist in the process of growing up. It has been submitted by Professor Peter Fonagy, Head of Division of Psychology and Language Science at UCL that there is a culture of safetyism. This is where there is overprotective parenting which affects the ability to build resilience and autonomy for young adults going forwards. There may also be an overemphasis on the issue of academic achievement which becomes the main force and target detracting from the opportunity for spontaneity or independent adventures.
It has to be noted that the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has been significant and for many individuals is still ongoing with the impact it had on both academic and social activities.
BAME Issues
It should also be noted that BAME issues are also relevant as the statistics are skewed in terms of detentions for those from the BAME communities.
The issue of youth mental health and the impact on those from the BAME community has additional factors which should be considered. One of those is the issue of cultural and language barriers which can create a lack of connection and empathy in respect of the situation. Additionally, the healthcare professionals in this area may well not be from the BAME community and this can be an additional difficulty and lead to potential confusion and miscommunication as well as a sense of being misunderstood. There can be the risk of unconscious bias which can impact on the situation.
Concluding Remarks
The area of youth mental health is crucial as it would have a major impact in terms of the resources required in the mental health sector going forwards.
The causes are complex and varied but one factor that does seem clear is an openness to discuss issues affecting young people and sharing those matters with their family, closest friends and professionals is fundamental as it allows appropriate support to be brought in at an early stage before matters escalate. Resources and the availability of these is always a challenge in the NHS sector but early diagnosis can have huge benefits when the correct support is brought into the equation.
Some of the causes are historical and some are newer and arguably, are ‘manmade’. For example, the advent and acceleration of social media and its worth and value in the current world. Here again, some balance being conveyed to young people seems to be important as, is often said, ‘Comparison is the thief of joy’. That can affect the young person’s perspective across the board.
Thankfully there is greater awareness around matters of youth mental health with a number of well established and recognised national charities including Mind, Rethink, Samaritans, Young Minds and many others working in this important space. They can seek to try to support individuals with the availability of appropriate resources and signposting.
It is always the case that our youth are our future and it is important for this to be safeguarded in the decades ahead.
– Ranjit Thaliwal, Solicitor
Comments are closed, but trackbacks and pingbacks are open.