Understanding Teen Mental Health: Facts, Data, and Parental Guidance

The Mental Health Crisis Among Teens

Teen mental health has become a critical issue in recent years. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), approximately 10-20% of adolescents globally experience mental health conditions, yet these remain underdiagnosed and undertreated. In the United States alone, the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) reports that an estimated 49.5% of adolescents have had a mental disorder at some point in their lives, with 22.2% experiencing severe impairment.

Alarming Teen Suicide Rates

The most tragic outcome of untreated mental health issues is suicide. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) lists suicide as the second leading cause of death among individuals aged 10-24. Alarmingly, the CDC's Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System (YRBSS) found that in 2019, 18.8% of high school students seriously considered attempting suicide, 15.7% made a suicide plan, and 8.9% attempted suicide. These statistics underscore the urgent need for effective mental health support and intervention.

Recognising the Signs of Mental Health Struggles

Parents play a crucial role in identifying and addressing mental health issues in their teens. Here are some key signs that may indicate a teen is struggling:

1. Behavioural Changes: Sudden or drastic changes in behaviour, such as withdrawal from friends and family, loss of interest in activities once enjoyed, or changes in eating and sleeping patterns.

2. Emotional Outbursts: Increased irritability, anger, or frequent mood swings. Teens may also exhibit feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness, or persistent sadness.

3. Academic Decline: A noticeable drop in academic performance or a lack of interest in schoolwork and extracurricular activities.

4. Physical Symptoms: Unexplained physical complaints, such as headaches or stomachaches, can sometimes be linked to mental health issues.

5. Substance Abuse: Using drugs or alcohol as a coping mechanism for underlying emotional distress.

6. Self-Harm: Engaging in self-injurious behaviors like cutting, burning, or other forms of self-mutilation.

7. Talking About Death or Suicide: Any mention of death, dying, or suicide should be taken very seriously and addressed immediately.

How Parents Can Help

1. Open Communication: Foster an environment where your teen feels safe to talk about their feelings. Regularly check in with them and listen without judgment.

2. Educate Yourself: Learn about common mental health issues and their symptoms. Being informed can help you recognize early signs and take appropriate action.

3. Seek Professional Help: If you notice any concerning signs, don't hesitate to seek help from mental health professionals. Therapists, counselors, and psychologists can provide the necessary support and intervention.

4. Encourage Healthy Habits: Promote a balanced lifestyle that includes regular physical activity, a healthy diet, sufficient sleep, and activities that reduce stress.

5. Model Healthy Behavior: Demonstrate healthy coping mechanisms and emotional regulation. Your behavior sets an example for your teen.

6. Stay Involved: Be actively involved in your teen's life. Know their friends, interests, and online activities. This helps in identifying any negative influences or stressors.

7. Create a Supportive Environment: Encourage a positive home environment where your teen feels valued and supported. This can significantly impact their emotional well-being.

The mental health struggles of teens are a serious issue that demands attention and action. By staying informed, recognizing the signs, and providing unwavering support, parents can play a pivotal role in safeguarding their teen's mental health. Remember, early intervention can make all the difference in preventing tragic outcomes like suicide and helping teens navigate their challenges towards a healthier future.

For immediate assistance, please remember to reach out to your nearest crisis numbers.

The Imperfectly Perfect Campaign's Virtual Hangs with our Global Community

Such an incredible way to start a Monday morning.

The Imperfectly Perfect Campaign virtual hangs kicked off because we have witnessed too many people struggling atm with their mental health.

When we are seeing so many people dividing because of their beliefs or choices, we are seeing friends not speaking, strangers abusing one another.

People are missing that we are also going through a Mental Health Epidemic and people are crying out struggling.

Lifeline experienced its most calls in its history last week.

The IPC receives daily messages so we need to try to do better.

The more focused people are on everything else and not supporting each other, sadly the more people continue to suffer in silence and we are missing the signs to look for and then shocked when we lose people.

Today we kicked off the Virtual Hangs with the incredible Rachael Newsham leading us through an amazing session.

It was a room full of joy, of laughter, of realness and to top it off, an incredible lady named Phyllisha whom shared a little of her story with us and spoke of her struggles with a stammer and with her nerves.

Today she bravely set aside both, sang for us and blessed us with that gift.

If you missed the hang, but are interested in being a part on our next sessions, be sure to register for our upcoming sessions by clicking the link in our bio.

https://mailchi.mp/d28391c48e44/imperfectly-perfect-campaign-magazine

Lockdown 'Virtual Hangs' are back !!!

As Lifeline records highest daily calls on record as lockdown exacerbates loneliness and we hear the support service alone saw Monday, August 3 service hit 3,345 calls, which is the highest daily number in the organisation's history, the Imperfectly Perfect Campaign itself although not a substitute for Professional Help has continued to see a dramatic increase in people contacting them for help through their vast social media platforms.'

This is concerning because the public are hearing help is always available through the various support services and mainstream media but the public are also finding out just how many organisations cannot cope with the influx of numbers of people struggling right now and are left without help.

The number of messages the Imperfectly Perfect Campaign as an awareness initiative are receiving daily is truly concerning because it is showing people still do not know where to turn when the larger organisations are inundated.

As humans we need interaction !!

The Imperfectly Perfect Campaign is not funded, but what it may lack in resources, it makes it up in heart and community.

That is why the Imperfectly Perfect Campaign once more have commenced running free International 'virtual hangs' for anybody struggling with loneliness at the moment.

To make these possible, all we ask is companies who want to make a difference help our efforts by contributing to our efforts.

The virtual hangs are an incredible way to keep connected and are led by International Experts & Professionals in the Mental Health & Wellness space as well as some of the Most recognised faces from the Imperfectly Perfect Campaign.

Past hangs included some incredible sessions with American Idol’s Justin Guarini holding a live acoustic session, to Baywatch's Jeremy Jackson leading a Breath-work Meditation, Chef Jason Roberts leading a cooking workshop, International Rockstar Wes Geer leading a Meditation & Music Therapy Session to International Fitness Trainer to the stars Rachael Newsham leading Fitness classes, and so much more.

Be sure to click the link below to register for more information on all of our upcoming sessions.

https://mailchi.mp/d28391c48e44/imperfectly-perfect-campaign-magazine?ltclid=a9fc76af-9fdc-44f0-a90d-6d07680ba006