Atlantic Fellows for Health Equity’s Post

1 in 5 adolescents report symptoms of anxiety or depression, according to a recent KFF analysis of a federal survey of teen health. The study found that while some teens are receiving mental health care, a significant share say they aren't receiving the therapy they need due to lack of access, fear of judgment, and/or not knowing how to get help. The COVID-19 pandemic has only exacerbated this trend, with studies documenting rising mental health problems among adolescents in the U.S. for years. In fact, since 2021, the U.S. Surgeon General has twice issued advisories about the challenges to youth mental health. It's essential that we prioritize the mental well-being of our youth and provide them with the necessary resources and support they need. Let's work together to break down barriers to mental health care and increase access to a robust continuum of quality care for all adolescents. #mentalhealthawareness #youthmentalhealth #createjoy #embarkbh https://lnkd.in/eBudKBus

🔸Nature as a Mental Health Intervention for Children & Adolescents🔸 According to the World Health Organization, globally 1 in 7 10-19 year olds experience mental health disorders. Depression, anxiety, and behavioural disorders are among the leading causes of illness and disability among adolescents. Suicide is the 4th leading cause of death among 15-29 year olds. Addressing child and adolescent mental health is of vital importance for the physical health, mental health, and the general well-being of young people. WHO recommends early intervention and prevention of mental health issues in young people, and avoiding institutionalisation and over-medicalisation by prioritising non-pharmacological approaches. A 2018 review of 35 papers assessing the psychological benefits of nature interaction in children and adolescents concluded that spending time in nature positively impacts emotional well-being and overall mental health, improves self-esteem, improves resilience to stress and depression, and helps manage attention deficit disorder/hyperactivity. St Kitts and Nevis is home to an array of natural habitats and landscapes, yet how often are young people encouraged and enabled to access these resources on a regular basis? We know that in Kittitian and Nevisian culture young people struggle with not only mental health-related issues, but also socio-economic issues, early sexualisation, teen pregnancy and STI infection, childhood obesity, and academic-related stress and anxiety. Encouraging and enabling young people to step away from stressful environments, inappropriate activities, and over-exposure to TV and social media has the potential to impact long-term public health goals. What does this look like in real life? 1. Funded nature-based activities such as swimming and hiking 2. Incentives to spend time in nature 3. Public health education on the benefits of nature immersion 4. Improving accessibility and transport to nature sites for disadvantaged youth #DevelopmentalPsychology #ChildandAdolescentPsychology #ChildDevelopment #AdolescentDevelopment #Nature #ForestBathing #ForestBathingTherapy #NatureTherapy #ChildPsychology #SaintKittsandNevis #StKittsandNevis

🌟 Understanding Adolescent Mental Health: A Crucial Conversation 🌟 Adolescent mental health has been a key focus for the World Health Organization, providing invaluable insights into this critical issue with their article from 2021. As we navigate the challenges of supporting young people, recognising the importance of mental health in their development is essential. This article highlights key statistics, the impact of mental health issues, and the need for comprehensive support systems. 🔹 Key Takeaways: • The prevalence of mental health conditions among adolescents • The significance of early intervention and support • Strategies for improving mental health services for youth Let’s continue to advocate for better mental health resources and support for adolescents. Read full article here: https://lnkd.in/ezDnAMe #MentalHealth #AdolescentMentalHealth #WHO #SupportYouth #MentalHealthAwareness #Advocacy

🛑✋How well do we equip children to face mental health stressors??!! Should we have mental health lessons for all young people BEFORE teenage years set in with its turbulence?? The UK faces a critical challenge: a notable increase in self-harm among teenagers, a situation worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic. As we emerge from the shadows of lockdowns and isolation, it's essential to spotlight the intensified mental health issues among our youth. 📢 Did you know? The pandemic has not just affected physical health but has significantly impacted the mental well-being of our teenagers, leading to an increase in self-injurious behaviours. But what lies beneath these statistics? 🔗 In our latest blog post, "The Unseen Scars of Youth: Confronting the Rise in Teen Self-Harm and the Path to Recovery," we delve into the complexities of this issue. From the emotional turmoil and regret following self-harm to the challenges in erasing the physical scars – we explore it all. 💡 The blog also raises critical questions: How can we better prepare our younger children for the emotional challenges of adolescence? What role do support systems play in combating this trend? 🧠 Plus, discover key insights from recent studies and the World Health Organization's strategies for preventing self-harm among adolescents. 👀 Want to know more? Click on the link to read the full article and better understand this pressing issue. Your awareness and action can make a real difference! 👇 [Click here for full article]👇 https://swiy.co/self-harm 👉 Let's discuss: After reading, share your thoughts and ideas on how we can collectively support the mental health of our youth. Have you come across effective initiatives or have stories to share? Let's start a conversation in the comments! #ReadAndReact #TeenMentalHealth #AwarenessAndAction #PreventiveMeasures #communitystrength

Today, #WorldMentalHealthDay, we're looking to the Center for Rural Policy and Development and its latest report, "Youth Mental Health: Where parents can find help now." In the report, in addition to contextualizing the need and ongoing investments in mental health services access across rural Minnesota, CRPD offers up immediately available resources for parents and caregivers, including: 📖 Learning about mental health and mental illness in children, including protective factors and risk factors that shape their mental health for the rest of their lives. 🍎 Exploring mental health services at your school, as many host providers already are able to support children and families in a familiar school environment. Read the full report: https://bit.ly/3ZUD8Ya

🌎 1 in 7 children and adolescents aged 10 to 19 face mental health challenges. Common issues include #anxiety, #depression, and behavioural disorders. With 3 out of 4 people developing mental health conditions, before they turn 24, early intervention is crucial for helping young people thrive and reach their full potential. Ahead of #WorldMentalHealthDay, the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF have released the Mental Health of Children and Young People: Service Guidance. Aimed at policymakers and mental health professionals, the guidance offers a roadmap for mental health services for children and adolescents, emphasizing co-design and collaborative practices. 🤝 This resource also includes best practices for creating community mental health networks and engaging stakeholders across health, education, and social care. 📖 Read it now: https://lnkd.in/dwPvJK24 Grand Challenges Canada Fondation Botnar United for Global Mental Health NIHR (National Institute for Health and Care Research) Global Affairs Canada | Affaires mondiales Canada Orygen Science for Africa Foundation Global Mental Health Action Network

🌍 Understanding Adolescent Mental Health: A Global Perspective 🌍 The World Health Organization's article "Mental Health of Adolescents" provides crucial insights into the mental health challenges faced by young people worldwide. It emphasizes the need for comprehensive strategies to support adolescents and highlights the importance of addressing mental health as a global priority. 📚 Key takeaways include: - The impact of mental health issues on adolescents' overall well-being. - Effective interventions and support systems. - The role of communities and health systems in fostering mental health. - As we work towards improving mental health support, this article serves as a vital resource for understanding and addressing the needs of our youth. 🔗 Explore the article to gain a deeper understanding of adolescent mental health and its global implications: https://lnkd.in/ezDnAMe #AdolescentMentalHealth #GlobalHealth #YouthSupport #MentalHealthAwareness #WHO #PublicHealth

Mental Health of Adolescents: A Growing Concern! Adolescence is a time of significant change physically, emotionally, and socially. With rising academic pressures, social media influence, and other stressors, many adolescents face mental health challenges like anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. The World Health Organization (WHO) is actively developing strategies, programs, and tools to help governments address the unique health needs of adolescents. So it is important to encourage open conversations, offer support systems, and encourage self-care practices in teenagers. Schools, families, and communities all have a role to play in helping young people build resilience and develop healthy coping mechanisms. By empowering governments to create adolescent-friendly policies and healthcare services, we can improve the well-being of the next generation. It’s time to prioritize the health and future of our youth! #MentalHealthMatters #AdolescentHealth #SupportTeens #WellnessJourney #WHO Learn more here! https://lnkd.in/g_YNnzHQ

The Forbes article "Why Addressing Youth Mental Health Is Critical In A Post-Pandemic Era" underscores the urgent need to prioritize mental health for young people, particularly in the wake of the pandemic. With nearly 1 in 5 adolescents facing mental health disorders and suicide being the second leading cause of death among youth, the situation is dire. The article highlights several barriers to effective care, including pervasive stigma, limited access to mental health services, and inadequate funding. The pandemic has only amplified these challenges, making it essential to address them through comprehensive, accessible, and well-funded mental health support systems. Investing in youth mental health isn't just about responding to a crisis; it's about ensuring a resilient future generation. By breaking down these barriers, we can create a more supportive environment for young people to thrive emotionally and mentally. This investment is crucial not only for individual well-being but for the long-term health and stability of society as a whole. #MentalHealthMatters #YouthMentalHealth #PostPandemicRecovery #MentalWellness #HealthcareForAll

Following #WorldMentalHealthDay last week, we'd like to remind you of the international #WHO #HBSC report focusing on #adolescent #MentalHealth and #Wellbeing with data from 44 countries and regions in Europe, central Asia, and Canada. The report describes the status of adolescent mental health and well-being across a range of indicators, the role of gender, age, and social inequality, and how adolescent mental health and well-being has changed over time. Findings from the 2021/2022 HBSC survey provide an important evidence benchmark for current research, intervention and policy-planning: https://lnkd.in/ekus-bTM