Mental Health in Youth: Symptoms, Treatment, Resources, and Hope. Town Hall Meeting Presentation Dr. June Restrepo January 24, 2019

Transcription

1 Mental Health in Youth: Symptoms, Treatment, Resources, and Hope Town Hall Meeting Presentation Dr. June Restrepo January 24, 2019

2 Our ultimate focus is on Jesus Christ, not on the fallen world 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day. For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison, while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal.

3 Current social trends Obvious moral decline Breakdown in stable and persisting marriages Growing decline in traditional family structure or the absence of parents altogether Celebrated rejection of authority: government, church, public servants (police officers), school systems, parents

4 In considering these issues Sin is present, as is mental illness A secular framework can only take us so far in addressing symptoms Is this organic, due to sin, or both? The brain did it The brain did NOT do it The brain might have done it

5 Symptoms seen in children and teenagers Panic attacks (often precursors to anxiety disorders) Increase in heart rate or heart palpitations Trembling/shaking Nausea or stomachaches Hot flashes Tightening in throat Dizziness, lightheadedness, and possibly fainting Excessive sweating of palms Numbness or tingling sensations Irritability and anger

6 Symptoms of an anxiety disorder Drop in school performance Loss of interest in activities typically enjoyed Social isolation Fatigue or seeming worn down (from lack of sleep and the exhaustion of being anxious all the time) Changes in eating habits and weight Self-medication with substances Avoiding triggers, like school, school work, friends, etc.

7 Symptoms of major depressive disorder Symptoms last for more than two weeks: Avoidance of social situations and loss of interest in favored activities (rejection from friend groups are very common) Constant fatigue and lack of energy Sadness and sense of despair (can lead to suicidal thoughts) mood swings are more common in females Lack of motivation (drop in grades as a result) Headaches, aches and pains, stomach issues without illness Problems concentrating (esp for those who used to be focused) Irritable and frustrated (see this more in males) Feeling worthless and very low self-esteem Problems sleeping Changes in appetite and weight Use of alcohol and drugs or sensation seeking (more in males)

8 Signs of sensation seeking, risky behaviors, substance abuse, self-injury/harm Multiple reasons they occur: curiosity, peer pressure, academic pressure, pain relief, emotional problems, wanting to feel cool, escaping life Signs include: Weight loss Poor hygiene Moodiness Isolation Compulsive eating Stealing Secretive behavior

9 Signs of internet/gaming addictions Multiple signs: Increased time spent online Preoccupied with the internet Risking damage such as loss of education, relationships, or physical health Lying to others about time spent online

10 Trauma and its effects The majority of teenagers have been exposed to at least one traumatic event Early trauma can lead to increased risky behaviors later in life. Symptoms can be similar to those seen in anxiety disorders Fear something bad is going to happen and that the effects of the trauma will never go away Feeling nervous and overwhelmed in normal daily situations; constant worrying Avoiding people or places associated with the traumatic event Aggressive and angry behaviors, overwhelming shame and guilt Nightmares and poor sleep quality Extended grief and depression Numbing and feeling nothing withdrawal and isolation Self-medicating with drugs and alcohol

11 Treatment options Scripture as reminders of God s faithfulness 1 Corinthians 6: Thessalonians 5: Corinthians 10:5 Psalms of gratitude: Psalm 28:7, 30:12, 42:5, 47:7, 150, etc. Resources at school with school counselors or psychologist; seek out treatment professionals who have expertise, when needed Be proactive and seek out parent involvement early, especially in the case of harmful behaviors Have programs for the entire student population on how to maintain health: smart eating, regular sleep habits, effects of technology, stress management

12 Additional resources Programs for parents about brain development, what is normal and not normal behavior in teenagers, the need for parents to be MORE involved with teenagers, not less Reduce being over-scheduled throughout the day Minimize the use of cell phones at school Focus on rest, health, regular and restful sleep Connections with family and friends in face-to-face settings Spend time away from any screens: nature, exercise Regularly pray for and with your students, listen well Instilling gratitude in ALL situations Reinforcing that every part of them was made by God, even negative emotions and illness, and all of them can be used to glorify Him Respecting their bodies, minds, and emotions as temples for the Lord

13 Useful online websites Resources: Resources/Mental-Health-One-pager-for-Adolescents_jhedt-FINAL_1.pdf teenmentalhealth.org

14 Presenter information June Restrepo, Ph.D., ABPP