cartoon of young people with mental health issues

Working with young people with mental health issues

Introduction

Mental health is a state of emotional and social wellbeing that allows an individual to cope with the normal stresses of life and achieve their potential. 13

A mental illness is a clinically diagnosable disorder that significantly interferes with an individual's cognitive, emotional and/or social abilities. 13, 15, 16

A mental health problem interferes with a person's cognitive, emotional and/or social abilities, but to a lesser extent than a mental illness. Mental health problems are more common and less severe than mental illnesses, and generally of shorter duration. 13,15, 16

It is important to be aware of these differences as different levels of support are provided for mental illnesses and mental health problems.

In this manual we have used the term "mental health issue" to refer to both mental illnesses and mental health problems.

Mental illness

Mental illnesses can be separated into two categories:

  • psychotic illnesses
  • non-psychotic illnesses

Psychotic illnesses

Psychosis is a condition which affects the mind and results in some loss of contact with reality. 10

When someone experiences psychosis their thoughts become disordered and they have difficulty knowing what is real and what is not. 12, 26

People experiencing psychosis may develop delusions, hallucinations, or hear, taste or feel things that aren't there. For example they may believe that their thoughts are being interfered with, they may believe that they are being watched, poisoned or they may hear abusive or threatening voices telling them what to do. Understandably these experiences can be very frightening and distressing and can lead people to behave erratically, especially if this is the first time they have experienced psychosis. 10, 12, 26

Types of psychosis:

  • Brief reactive psychosis occurs suddenly in response to severe stress such as bereavement or severe trauma. This lasts for less than a month. 10, 12

  • Drug induced psychosis is brought on by the use of drugs such as cannabis, LSD, speed or magic mushrooms. This usually lasts for only a few hours. 10,12

  • Organic psychosis can appear when someone suffers from a head injury or a physical illness which disrupts brain functioning. 10

  • Schizophrenia is a psychotic illness which changes behaviour for at least six months. 10

  • Schizophreniform is a psychotic illness which lasts for less than six months. 10

  • Bipolar disorder (previously known as manic depression) is a psychotic illness   characterised by extreme mood swings between depression and highs (mania). 10

  • Schizoaffective disorder is a psychotic illness which is not typical of a mood disorder or schizophrenia. 10

  • Psychotic depression is depression with psychotic symptoms, without highs (mania). 10

Most people who experience a psychotic illness are able to live full and independent lives with effective medication and support.

Non-psychotic illnesses

Non-psychotic illnesses occur when the everyday feelings of depression, sadness, tension, anxiety or fear become so overwhelming that people have difficulty coping with day to day activities such as work, recreation and relationships. 11

Non-psychotic illnesses include:

  • agoraphobia
  • panic disorder
  • social disorder
  • obsessive compulsive disorder
  • post traumatic stress disorder
  • eating disorders
  • some forms of depression. 18

Most non-psychotic illnesses can be assisted by treatments such as education, counselling, cognitive behaviour therapy, or in some cases medication. 11

These treatments may help people to develop new ways of thinking about and dealing with their illness. 11

Demographics

Some young people face a higher risk of developing mental health issues, including:

  • refugee young people
  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people
  • young people with an intellectual disability
  • gay, lesbian and transgender young people
  • young people who are homeless
  • those involved in the criminal justice system. 15

It is believed that:

  • psychosis affects 3% of young people. Generally psychotic disorders occur after puberty, from early to late 20s. Early signs usually appear before the age of 20 in around 40% of cases. 10, 15

  • depressive disorders affect 4% of 13-17 year olds and 7% of 18-25 year olds. 21

  • anxiety disorders affect 4% of 13-17 year olds and 10% of 18-25 year olds. 18

  • eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa affect about 1-2% of young people, predominately young women. 15, 22

Overall, mental health problems and mental illnesses affect 10-15% of young people in any one year. 2, 14

20% of Australians will experience a mental illness at some point in their life. 12

Terminology

Terms such as mad, crazy, psycho or mental are derogatory and reinforce negative stereotypes of mental illness. These terms are offensive and you should avoid using them.

"Mental illness" is an acceptable term.