More on Youth Mental Health
I am writing today more as an observer than as a therapist, as I am not a qualified child or adolescent psychotherapist. However, this information has a significant importance for adult psychotherapists as well. There is an increase in instances of children seeking help from local CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services)
Now this can be interpreted in two ways, one would be to see that it is a good thing that parents and youths are more aware of mental health issues and that these young people are getting more assistance than keeping it to themselves. The other way is that there are more and more issues which are causing our young people mental health distress which is, of course, not a good thing.
The youth of our society are a barometer to adults. This means that with a greater increase in mental distress in the young, it is logical to conclude that there will be an increase in mental health issues for adults. We who work with mental distress should be prepared for a growing influx of younger adults to present to us for assistance. If you are looking for assistance for your child or adolescent, please make sure that the therapist is properly qualified to work with children and adolescents.
