MHM Magazine

Issue 6 | 2024 | MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS | 9 MHM psycho-educate parents and young clients and to help them understand mental health is equally important as physical health. There is no shame in having mental health challenges, and mental health practitioners and in-patient facilities are there to offer treatment and support. Recently, the number of young people of high school age, presenting with depressive and anxiety disorders has significantly increased, and this trend seems to be growing rapidly. A recent study conducted in the Western Cape found that the prevalence of depression and anxiety symptoms amongst learners between 10 and 19 years, was 32% and 17% respectively. The following are some of the contributing factors: • Peer pressure or bullying • Hormones or genetics • High divorce rate • Relationship challenges • Traumatic experiences • Loss and grief • Substance abuse • Abuse and neglect In November 2023, a 17-year- old male, grade 11 learner, David, was referred by his mother, on the eve of his final year examinations. He presented with performance anxiety which was impacting on his studies. The mother reported that David was really struggling with anxiety and poor concentration. David reported the following symptoms, experienced a couple of days prior: • Pins and needles in his hands and feet • Feeling faint, with heart palpitations • Hands shaking • Heart feeling like it would stop David’s mother indicated that they were having serious marital problems and she was considering a divorce. She further indicated that David had told her he wished that his parents could divorce as he found their relationship toxic and stressful. He felt that everyone would be better off if his parents went their separate ways. The emotional assessment was conducted and it was suggestive of moderate levels of depression and severe anxiety. During the feedback session, the mother was in disbelief, indicating that she felt like she’d failed her son. She blamed herself for not picking up the severity of her son’s challenges. She was fortunately, amenable to the referral to a specialist psychiatrist, as she wanted her son to get better. David was referred for psychiatric evaluation and put on medication for depression and anxiety, whilst continuing with his therapy sessions. The school had made concessions for David regarding his examinations, as he was not in a position to sit for his examinations. On his first session in 2024, David opened up about memories of sexual assault by his older female cousin, at the ages of 4 and 7, respectively. He reported experiencing fragmented flashbacks of these incidents. There were feelings of guilt, self-blame and fear of how his parents would react if they were to find out. He was scared his father might blame him for these incidents. The therapist reassured David that it wasn’t his fault as the assault happened when he was a child with no power over his older cousin. At this point, David’s parents had already sat the children down and informed them of their decision to divorce. This seemed to have triggered David’s anxiety and the flashbacks were distressing. He presented with active suicidal ideation, (wrist cutting), feelings of hopelessness and anxiety. His mother was called in with the latest update and a recommendation for admission to a psychiatric facility was made. It was very difficult for the mother to understand and internalise the fact her son was a danger to himself and needed urgent help. She actually took a couple of days before admitting her son, as she was struggling to accept the news. It's therefore important for us as health practitioners to understand that parents might react in shock, guilt and denial to their child’s mental health diagnosis. Parents might even have feelings of anger and resentment towards the health practitioner for delivering an unexpected diagnosis and a recommendation for admission. Psycho education, empathy and compassion, are key to assisting parents and young clients to understand that a mental health diagnosis is not the end of the world. In addition, an admission is a necessity to help young clients to receive in-patient treatment and support from a multi-disciplinary team towards a better and improved mental health. The facilities are well equipped with the best health practitioners and resources to help not only stabilise the young client, but to give parents all the support and reassurance they need. In conclusion, the rise in the prevalence of depression and anxiety amongst adolescents, calls for an empathetic and compassionate approach from health practitioners. Psycho- education for clients and their parents is an important part of any treatment modality. Education helps impart knowledge and understanding about mental health conditions, psychological and psychiatric evaluations and the importance of following recommendations, such as therapy, medication and facility admission. It is the role of health practitioners to help fight the stigma and lack of education, towards a better understanding of mental health conditions. References available on request. MHM | 2024 | Volume 11 | Issue 6 | The prevalence of depressive and anxiety disorders amongst adolescents: The role of psycho-education and compassion in the fight against stigmatisation. MHM