Adolescence is time of considerable change and growth for young people, where navigating physical, social, emotional and academic changes can be hard. It is important that young people and the adults in their lives take the time to understand some of these unique changes and challenges. Anxiety is a growing issue that can go unnoticed and untreated for many young people.
While rates of anxiety continue to increase amongst all adolescents, social expectations of young men where they are often pressured to be tough and stoic, can affect the way that anxiety is seen and spoken about for young men. The sad reality is that many young men feel that they cannot talk about and/or get help for their mental health challenges, including anxiety.
It is important that young men and the adults in their lives be aware of the symptoms of anxiety, which can include a variety of physical, emotional and social changes. Changes in appetite and sleeping, fatigue, irritability and mood swings, outbursts of anger and other emotion, persistent worrying or worried-type behaviour, changes in academic performance, and social withdrawal can be some of the signs of anxiety. Having said that, some young people mask their symptoms, feeling uncertain, afraid and/or ashamed of their anxious thoughts, feelings and behaviours. It is therefore important to listen to the way that young people talk (and post) about themselves, others and different situations. Although adolescence is a time of exploring new identities and spaces, is also important to consider changes in behaviour, friends, interests, dress and online behaviour which might seem unhealthy. Regular check-ins and open conversations can go a long way in exploring various parts of mental well-being.
Open conversations about mental health can also promote a better understanding of mental health symptoms, coping mechanisms, and promote help-seeking. These kinds of conversations and information are important at home and at school.
It is important that young people are exposed to role models who openly talk about and get support for their own mental health difficulties. This can go a long way in breaking the stigma of mental health difficulties and giving young people ways of coping with their own challenges. This can include adults, role models, and peers sharing stories of their own challenges, and ways they overcame these obstacles.
Professional support from psychologists, school counsellors and coaches should be encouraged not only as a last resort. Mental health counselling and coaching can be supportive for current difficulties, but also increase coping skills and resilience for future obstacles as well. These kinds of spaces can be useful in normalising many challenges, and finding supportive ways forward.
Research continues to show links between social media and increased loneliness, depression, anxiety and suicidal ideation amongst young people. It is therefore important that adults set and monitor boundaries around social media. Although this can sometimes be hard to manage as young adults seek more independence, it is valuable to discuss the dangers and consequences of social media to young people and agree to house and school rules.
Anxiety amongst young people, including young men, is a growing concern that needs our attention. It is important to create environments which normalise mental health difficulties, and encourage support from peers, families, schools and professionals. It is important that no one feels alone in their mental health journey.
*If you or someone you know are struggling with your mental health, contact SADAG on +27 11 234 4837.
Supporting Someone with Mental Health Difficulties
Struggling with mental health difficulties is a hard reality that most people will face at some stage in their lives. However, it can sometimes be hard and confusing to know how to support someone struggling with their mental health.
People struggling with mental health difficulties can sometimes withdraw and/or change their behaviours. It is important not to take these behaviours personally but take the time to try an understand these changes, check-in, and be supportive.
Be a safe space
Becoming judgemental, disappointed, or angry with someone struggling with their well-being is not helpful. It is important to remember that their difficulties and symptoms are not a choice. Mental health can be affected by a range of biological, environmental, social and environmental factors. The first step in supporting someone’s mental health is creating a trustworthy, non-judgmental, and supportive space for them to share. This means taking the time to listen before reacting, giving advice or sharing your own experiences.
Get informed
If you know someone struggling with their mental health, take the time to learn more about the symptoms, experiences, treatments and ways of supporting their challenges. Make sure to get this information from reliable sources.
Encourage professional support
Being the only person supporting someone who is struggling is often not a good idea. This can lead to an unhealthy dependence, personal burn-out, and limited support. There is no shame in seeking support for mental health difficulties. Psychologists and psychiatrists can often be good starting points for supporting someone with mental health difficulties. These qualified professionals can then advise on the best type of treatment and support moving forward. In being kind, it’s important to have boundaries of what role you can and can’t play in someone’s journey.
Be supportive
Although talking and listening can be a useful way of supporting someone, it can also be helpful to show support by offering practical support. Encourage exercising and doing other healthy activities together. Help with work and household chores. Send supportive and encouraging text messages.
Stay connected
Many people feel alone on their mental health journey. Regularly checking in, empathising and showing support can go a long way in encouraging someone’s healing. The experience of human care and connection is reassuring for all of us, especially in a world which is increasingly busy and disconnected.
Supporting someone with mental health difficulties involves patience, being informed, and offering personal and practical help. Although being a safe space for someone is a privilege that should not be taken for granted, encouraging professional support can also be useful.
*If you or someone you know are struggling with your mental health, contact SADAG on +27 11 234 4837.
Feel free to reach out to KindnessCan on info@kindnesscan.co.za