Adolescence can be a wonderful and exciting period in life, as the transition into adulthood is paved with new experiences, newly-acquired independence, self-discovery, the formation of strong friendships and the first intimate relationships.

Along with this transition however, comes an intensity, that is characteristic of this age, an emotional roller coaster which can prove challenging for some, especially if accompanied with unforeseen changes, disappointment, or failed interactions with peers. All this can provoke a certain degree of helplessness to a young person, insecurity, stress and a sense of losing control.

Unfortunately the data we have, indicates that for many troubled adolescents, the challenges may prove more than they can endure, and without the mental maturity to envisage the light at the end of the tunnel, or the support that will guide them through their difficulties, they will feel as if they have reached a deadlock.

These issues have become even more significant during this time of pandemic and restrictions, that have cut them off their social circle, their contact with their peers, their school community.

In Australia, suicide is the main cause of death for people between the ages of 15 and 24, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics. To address these challenges and successfully cope with their emotions, young people must have access to stable living situation, intimate friendships, a structural framework and economic resources.

Early intervention, recognising the signs of a struggle, are critical in helping teenagers who are asking for help, even through their silence.

Interview with clinical psychologist Dr Anastasia Hronis

We spoke about these issues with Greek Australian clinical psychologist, Dr Anastasia Hronis, founder of the Australian Institute for Human Wellness.

“The biggest piece of advice I have is for young people and parents to speak about what they are experiencing and seek help”, Dr Hroni tells Neos Kosmos in an interview about mental health. Photo: Supplied

 

Many questions remain unanswered to the family of someone who has committed suicide. Especially in the case of young teenagers with their lives ahead of them. Some say there are no indications, no warning signs. Do you think there are signs, and what could they be?

For some young people, there are warning signs, and for others, the warning signs are much more difficult to recognise. Warning signs might include: feeling hopeless, withdrawing from friends and family and isolating themselves, drug and alcohol use, talking about death or writing about death, significant changes in mood, and self-harm.

Suicide has been rising amongst teenagers in the past years, even before the pandemic hit. What do you attribute this rise to? Social media, cyber bullying, less resilience than previous generations.

There’s no doubt that suicide, and youth suicide, has now become a public health crisis, as rates of suicide continue to rise.
Suicide is a complex issue, and we cannot definitively identify what might be causing the rise.

There have been some suggested theories such as the rise in technology, social media, pressures of society, disengagement with community, cyber bullying etc. However we just don’t know at this point why suicide rates are rising, and it is likely to be combination of factors.

What would be some advice you give parents or teenagers you see, to help them overcome some mental health crisis that might lead them down that path.

The biggest piece of advice I have is for young people and parents to speak about what they are experiencing and seek help. We want to encourage people to speak about what they are going through so that they can be supported as best as possible.

This also requires systemic change, and for schools, workplaces etc to encourage help seeking.

I heard that during the pandemic in Melbourne, the calls for help to some life-lines rose by 60% during the lockdown. That is actually hopeful, that they are reaching out for help. But what about those that don’t reach out?

It’s great to see people reaching out for support, but really concerning that it is coming at the point of crisis.

I am a big advocate for stepped care models. Unfortunately, we are very “reactive” in the way we are currently dealing with mental health problems. That is, someone becomes unwell, and then we treat them.

As well as this, we need to be focusing on how we can prevent mental health issues starting and developing, through stepped care models of intervention.

What are stepped care models of intervention?

It basically refers to implementing different levels of interventions to match the need of the individual, and then more intense interventions for people with more serious mental health concerns.

Examples of steps would be firstly having preventative interventions in school and work place. A next level might be self-help or self-guided courses online for those with mild mental health concerns. Following this, the next step would be to see a psychologist, and following that, inpatient psychiatric services.

Do you believe we are not talking enough about suicide in our society. In schools, in our community. It’s taboo when it happens and perhaps silence does not help?

We have over the past few years got better at talking about mental health. But there is certainly still more that needs to be done, especially amongst youth, males, older adults and marginalised communities.

Are you aware of some of the social apps the young generation is using? I only recently heard of certain apps that allow people to comment anonymously. I wonder if connecting daily through these apps can also deepen the insecurities teenagers are facing as they struggle to find their own identity.

I am aware of some but certainly struggle to keep up-to-date with them all! In some ways these apps can increase connection with other people, but they can also decrease connection if they take away from face-to-face contact and interaction.
Cyber bullying, and the anonymity with which bullying can be done online is certainly a concern and difficult to manage.

They say prevention is key and from a young age, there are things a parent can do to establish wellbeing in their child, and tools that will enable them to successfully deal with their problems. What would you advice parents of young children?

Have open dialogue within the home about emotions and mental health and wellbeing, and foster open communication. Early intervention is key, so open dialogue helps us identify earlier on if something may be developing for a child or teen.

On the other hand what would you tell parents who have children who already suffer from anxiety and depression from a young age?

It is important to look after your child, but equally important to look after yourself. Check in with yourself to see if you also need support to help you deal with what may be going on within the family or for your child.

What about parents and siblings, even friends, who have suffered such a tragic loss? Is there a way forward for them, something they can do to help them through?

There are supports and services available, as well as support groups for people who have been through similar bereavements. It is important to stay connected with others, and while life may never be the same, healing is certainly possible.

For more information about the Australian Institute for Human Wellness, visit: www.ausihw.com.au

 

Intervention can save lives*

As we struggle to understand the reasons behind the rising number of suicide and suicidal attempts across the world, and in our community, even before the pandemic hit, it is important to emphasise that there have been models of intervention implemented in various countries, such as Denmark for example, that have managed to bring down significantly the number of lives lost due to suicide every year.

Reports recognise that the act itself – especially in teenagers – is often impulsive, sudden, triggered by thoughts that have been manifesting for many months, rather than a deliberate act.

These findings indicate that we can intervene earlier and prevent it from reaching that critical moment in a mental crisis.

Other characteristics that have been identified through research is that these tendencies are found in adolescents with poorer problem-solving skills than their peers as well as a mindset that is somewhat inflexible.

High expectations, that might seem unachievable, can also have an immense pressure on teenagers who have perfectionist personalities, and tensions within the family can also play a significant role in mental health issues amongst young people.

Survivors of an attempted suicide, often state that they regretted their impulse the moment they were in the act. So, suicide is perhaps connected to suicidal ideation rather than an action where the consequences are understood, until it is too late: the finality of death, as well as the enormous loss that will be experienced by all those who love them.

The Victorian Government announces $870 million to be included in the budget to fix the current mental health system

“The pandemic really has cast a very bright light on many failings of many different parts of service delivery across our state,” Mr Andrews said, announcing that the upcoming State Budget will include a funding boost of $870 million for mental health.

The amount of $152 million will be dedicated for a direct response to the COVID-19 pandemic, as more people in Victoria are seeking help for mental issues, compared to last year, according to the latest report from the Victorian Coroner released earlier this month.

The frontline health workers at Emergency Departments are feeling the pressure as they are experiencing an increased presentation at ED, particularly during the lock down period, according to Victoria’s Mental Health Minister, James Merlino, who added that the greatest increase is presenting in the younger age brackets.

Another $492 million will be budgeted for 120 mental health beds across Victoria.

If you or anyone you know needs help:
Lifeline on 13 11 14
Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800
MensLine Australia on 1300 789 978
Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467
Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636
Headspace on 1800 650 890
ReachOut at au.reachout.com
Care Leavers Australasia Network (CLAN) on 1800 008 774

*Source of information: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6218408