Mental Health

Youth health issues Asthma: A respiratory condition that involves the airways narrowing and swelling and mucus being produced. It can be triggered by smoke, dust, pollen, animals, exercise and stress. Diabetes: Covers a range of conditions that cause there to be too much glucose in the blood due to the body being unable to produce the right amount of insulin. Weight issues: Being overweight can contribute to premature death and chronic disease. Youth obesity can be caused by excess fatty foods and low energy expenditure. Being underweight can also cause health issues. Eating disorders are most commonly experienced by adolescent females. Sun Protection: Australia has one of the worlds highest rates of skin cancer. 95% of skin cancer is preventable but 24% of youth get sunburnt every weekend in summer, despite knowing the risks.

Drug use: – Alcohol: It can cause bowel, central nervous system and psychological problems. It can put people at risk of road accidents, assault, falls and unprotected sex. – Tobacco: The most commonly used drug in Australian 14 years+. It can cause respiratory illness, cancers and premature death. – Illicit drugs: Cause health problems such as organ/nervous system damage, psychological problems and mental illness. Sexual and Reproductive Health: Sexual health is the capacity to enjoy and manage sexual and reproductive behaviour. Reproductive health is a state of complete physical, mental and social wellbeing in all matters relating to the reproductive system. Food Allergies: It’s an abnormal immune response to some foods. They can be fatal and are a serious issue for many people. Living Independently – Homelessness: Youth decide to leave home to search for individuality. In certain circumstances youth may be forced to leave home, possibly resulting in homelessness. This could lead to mental health issues, reduced employment options, discrimination and social exclusion. Cyber Safety: Bullying is one of the most serious concerns for youth and cyber- bullying is most prevalent among 11-16year olds. Cyber-safety is a new issue and developments in technology make cyber-bullying hard to monitor.

The impact on all aspects of health – Physical health: People who have a mental disorder sometimes lack the confidence and energy needed to participate in physical activities. This has a negative impact on physical health. – Social health: Mental health can affect how a person feels about themselves. People with low self esteem will be less likely to socialise or go out with friends. – Emotional health and development: Poor mental health can greatly affect a person’s self esteem, this is an important part of emotional development. – Intellectual health and development: Having a mental health disorder can affect the way a person thinks and their reasoning skills. Mental health disorders are defined as a disturbance in a person’s thoughts, feelings and behaviours. It can impact on all areas off health and development.

Incidence, prevalence and trends In six months 40% of youth will experience a depressed mood, 3% of these will experience severe depression. If left untreated in can lead to a distressing personal life, academic failure, inability to hold a job, reduced quality of life and suicide. People who had not completed their education had a higher prevalence of mental disorders and 27% of youth were found to have a mental health disorder in Mental health issues increased between Between % of all counselling contact was due to mental illness while in 2007 it was 10%.

Protective and risk factors Protective factors are positive things in a persons life that helps them deal with challenges. Some are: – Belonging to family and school – Healthy relationships – School competence – Supportive environments – Having someone to talk to

Government, community and personal strategies Community programs are used to enable youth to develop support systems and skills. This is very important for youth who have a mental health disorder. ‘Beyond blue- The National Depression Initiative’ is an organisation working to address issues associated with depression and anxiety. Personal strategies are also important for youth to maintain a good heath status. They include taking responsibility for one’s own actions and health behaviours and reducing risk factors. Youth can do things like talk to someone if they think they have a mental health disorder and try to minimise their stress.

Rights and responsibilities of youth Youth rights include the right to: – Safety, dignity and privacy – The satisfaction of basic needs – Be heard and be informed – Refuse treatment – Access high quality health care – Confidentiality Youth responsibilities include: – Providing accurate and complete information – Asking questions and discussing concerns If youth believe they have a mental health disorder they have the responsibility to seek help and they have the right to be listened to and taken seriously. If youth don’t feel comfortable talking to a healthcare professional they can always talk to a parent, family member or peer. Everyone who uses or accesses health care has certain rights and responsibilities.