“Young people these days, are not like we used to be... or are they?” Mental Health in Young People Harry Mayr (St Marys / Penrith Psychological Services p/l)
Mental health issues seen in young people these days Anxiety DEPRESSION drugsssssss /alcohol ) addictions trauma ASD OCD OCD My Family !!! “ WHO AM I ? “ “ AM I OK ? “ “ WHATEVER !! ”
The brain Reptilian Brain E Emotional Brain -EMOTIONS (happy, sad, angry, fear) -DREAMS -EVALUATION (NOT OK / OK ) Logical Brain -THOUGHTS -LOGIC -TASKS / GOALS (achievement, feedback, to do, varied)
THE FAMILY and beyond !!! FAMILY ME FAMILY’S EXPECTATIONS Rules and consequences Roles / Scripts Evaluation ( NOT OK / OK ) MY OWN EXPECTATIONS Rules and consequences Roles / Scripts Evaluation ( NOT OK / OK ) A process of change with time and experience
The Two Circles While at home / school Left school / Work Self-care Sleep 7 hours Sleep 6 hours Work / Study 11 hours School / Study 9 hours Relationships 7 hours Self- care & Reltshps 5 hrs Chores / bills Lots of time in room on own, social media, gaming, escaping; developing own thoughts about world, others, themselves, ‘normality’..... (^EMOTIONAL BRAIN FUNCTIONING) More time tasking / working, going out, socialising, escaping, self-caring, ‘finding oneself’..... (^ LOGICAL BRAIN FUNCTIONING )
The ‘Circles Concept’ of Gambling Addiction Our life circle... Problems intensify Sleep 7 hours Our main time occupier Work / Study / Parenting / Domestic Duties 11 hours Chores Relationships C My escape bubble grows General concept
Recovery / Rehabilitation ‘refilling my life circle’ Sleep returns General concept
ADOLESENCE “It’s ALL about me (not you)” NEVER MY FAULT !!!! I MUST WIN Temper tantrums GRUNTS... lazy A child one minute, a 30 year old the next. No responsibility for actions Is NOT easily... -Other’s centred -Patient -Selfless -Responsible for actions - Able to understand that life is unfair
What do they need psychologically? Acceptance (for process of finding themselves) No judgement Acknowledgement that they can think and have opinions - as well as having ‘no idea’ about certain things. They have the right to make mistakes and experiment. Reflective, genuine listening and care Options / guidance re options and informed decision making (+ves and –ves of each; how to access; Use ‘the net’, websites, APPS) SAFETY TRUST RAPPORT..... TO RISK NEW BEHAVIOURS & THUS DEVELOP NEW WAYS OF THINKING
Specifically... Depression / Self-harm / suicidal ideation - Network of safety i.e. Friends, family, ACCESS, professionals, significant adults, kids helpline, Lifeline, websites, APPS... and plan of access!!!!!!!! - Self-care distractions of music / gaming / creative outlets / exercise / sport / reading / television / sharing / going out / a drive / DOING a set of tasks and ACHIEVING THINGS
Specifically... ANXIETY - Mindfulness, relaxation / slow deep breathing, gentle exercise (tai chi)... - Cognitive reframing ( list what power they have, what they have achieved, exceptions to their worries, options clarification... ) - Role-play of overcoming anxiety; assertiveness training, visualisations / imagery - Distraction and self-care strategies e.g. Music, APPS
Specifically... TRAUMA -PSYCHO-EDUCATION (TRIGGERS, PHYSIOLOGY, TRAUMA PROCESS, RECOVERY PROCESS...) -DESENSITISATION & EXPOSURE STRATEGIES -SHARING IN A SAFE, TRUSTING, ACCEPTING ENVIRONMENT -PROJECTIVE TECHNIQUES E.G. PLAY / ART THERAPY, PHOTOS, MUSIC, ROLE-PLAY, NARRATIVE THERAPY...
Specifically... ADDICTIONS - psycho-education re ‘circles’ previously - physical detoxification (if neccessary) - community-based counselling (therapist, groups, websites, helplines, distractions, set of goals / tasks... ) - short and/or long-term, in patient rehabilitation program (if required)
Specifically... Autistic spectrum disorders... Treat the behaviours, ‘normalise’ the condition via utube identification videos, get diagnosed ( ASPECT) EVERY adolescent ISSUE... AN EFFECTIVE THERAPEUTIC ALLIANCE ( BE YOU !!!! ) Thank you Harry Mayr Sept 2014.