Several
charities believe that not enough is being done to spot the early signs of
mental health issues, which are putting lives at risk. A call for more training
for key figures such as teachers and GPs to be better educated in identifying
early signs as it is said to be crucial to raise awareness. Should more
pressure be put onto educators and doctors to be more proactive and aware?
Should young people be able to spot mental health issues for themselves or
should more be done to help from the outside?
Mental
health symptoms are easily relatable and shockingly, can include problems such
as paranoia, delusions, depression, anxiety, personality changes and obsessive-compulsive
disorder. Simple signs such as not going to school or work can also be
indicators of mental health problems.
The
lack of early recognition can often result in serious injury, both to the sufferer
and those surrounding the individual. It can however, be argued that mental
health is sensitive subject area for teens and young people who don’t want to
recognise that there is an issue or want to ask for help. This poses the
question, why is there a certain amount of stigma surrounding mental health in
young people?
Barbara
McIntosh who works for the Mental Health Foundation believes that anyone who
comes into contact with children should know more about what signs to look for.
Although they already have a very tough job to do, with the right tools and
support, a lot more can be done to acknowledge and help young people with
mental health issues. She states that friends, families and anyone who comes
into contact especially with children are being urged by charities to have a
better understanding of mental health issues and know the tell tale signs.
The
sooner mental health problems are diagnosed and treated, the better the outcome
can be and it is less likely to develop into a more problematic issue later on.
Time to Change encourage people with mental health problems to discuss their
issues and stand up to the stigma. Mental health is not generally represented
in a positive light and therefore stereotypes are formed making the subject
even more difficult.
Therefore,
whose responsibility is it to recognise the issue of mental health problems among
children and young people? These issues may be occurring from a young age in
any number of situations at home or school and other such places, but, should
it fall on friends and family to do something, or that of the educators and
professionals who are more knowledgeable in the subject area?
What
is your opinion on mental health amongst children and young people? Do you
think more should be done to recognise and contain it by parents or
professionals?
It
is acceptable that we as a society have a stigma surrounding mental health
issues and find it difficult to discuss these matters?
Do
you have any past experiences personally or know of somebody who has suffered
with mental health issues?
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