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Mental health in young people
Mental health problems in young people are increasing, which is unlikely to be entirely due to greater willingness to report such conditions. It is likely that social influences, such as increased academic pressure, may be contributing to this rise.
Problems common in adolescents, especially girls, include:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Feeling stressed and under pressure
- Low self-esteem (or contingent high self-esteem)
- Dissatisfaction with body image/disordered eating
- Self-harm
I aim to help young people to develop authentic self-esteem
High self-esteem and low self-esteem
Low self-esteem is a psychological vulnerability, and increases risk for mental health problems. Therefore importance is placed on developing high self-esteem.
However, self-esteem that is contingent on the acceptance and approval of others, social comparison or success in a desired area is often fragile and unstable - and requires constant validation from external sources.
Individuals with unstable high self-esteem are also more vulnerable to psychological maladjustment, such as depression and anxiety.Developing authentic self-esteem
Young people need to be supported to develop self-esteem that is stable and authentic, which is an important developmental asset. Individuals with authentic self-esteem genuinely like and value themselves, and accept their weaknesses.
This is best achieved by helping young people to know, accept and appreciate who they are, teaching them the importance of respecting themselves and others, encouraging them to develop and remain true to their own values and facilitating competence when facing life's challenges.
I aim to improve mental health literacy and provide psychoeducation in the following areas:
Mental health awareness
- What is mental health?
- Depression and anxiety disorders
- Normalisation and stigma around mental illness
- What causes mental health problems?
- The impact of stress on the brain and body
- Coping with stress and anxiety
- Understanding self-harm
- How to get help
Body image and disordered eating
- Societal influences on body image
- Challenging media portrayals of beauty
- Healthy role models
- Health and fitness v dieting and disordered eating
Social media
- The impact and influence of social media
- Coping with the pressure of social media
- Using social media safely
Bullying
- What is bullying and why do people do it?
- Different types of bullying
- What harm does bullying do?
- Approaches to resolving bullying problems
Sex and relationship education
- Healthy relationships and safe sex
- Sexual orientation and gender
- The effects of pornography on young people
