According to the Young Life and Times Survey, which is carried out amongst 16 year olds in
But how prepared are young people to be able to cope with stress? And how much do we know, not only about stress, but about the whole issue of mental health? According to the Mental Health Care Website, it is common for young people to experience mental health difficulties but the stigma of having a mental health difficulty, illness or disorder can often leave a person frightened to talk about their problem and reluctant to access support.
The information on the Website goes on to explain that encouraging young people to talk about their worries, showing them that there is someone there who cares about them and wants to support them, can often make a lot of difference. After all, it is important that young people know that experiencing and coping with difficult feelings and experiences is common, and that they do not necessarily have to manage these issues alone.
Understanding the mental health system, the function of counsellors, therapists, psychotherapists, psychologists and psychiatrists, and the different treatment approaches, is therefore important if people are to look after their mental health. This concept is as crucial as knowing when to go to a GP or dentist, or directly to hospital, in order to safeguard physical health.
( http://www.mentalhealthcare.org.uk/youngpeople/ )
Perhaps we need to be better educated about mental health issues. A recent report published by the Sainsbury Centre for Mental Health says pupils should be taught about mental health as part of the school curriculum by 2015. It urges a shift in focus from mental ill health to mental well-being, with services better geared to users' needs. The report, which the Sainsbury's Centre for Mental Health produced with the Local Government Association (LGA), the NHS Confederation and the Association of Directors of Social Services, said that, over the next decade, mental health should become everybody's business.
LGA mental health spokesperson David Rogers said up to one in four people would suffer from mental health problems at some point.
"It is vital that we challenge the stigma surrounding this issue and create a climate which encourages tolerance, understanding and timely treatment.
See http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/4565130.stm
Do you think young people know enough about mental health issues? Do you think that it would be a good idea for pupils to be taught about mental health as part of the school curriculum? Do you think that there is enough support offered to young people experiencing difficulties? Why not go over to the Message Board to have your say?
Check out http://www.rethink.org/at-ease/siteindex.htm , a mental health resource for young people under stress or worried about their thoughts & feelings.
