Caring for the Mental Health of Adolescents at Home

[Audio] Good morning everyone! As an educational psychologist here at CMA Choi Cheung Kok Secondary School I'm eager to talk to you about how to care for adolescents' mental health at home. Mental health is an important topic to consider for all age groups but especially for young people who are growing up and facing new challenges. We will discuss topics such as recognizing signs of distress strategies for promoting resilience and the importance of balanced routines. It's important that we understand how to best support adolescents going through this transition so let's get started!.

[Audio] The number of teenage suicides in Hong Kong has been increasing in recent years which is a cause for alarm. Mental health is of utmost importance in terms of achieving overall well-being and it is up to parents and teachers to furnish adolescents with the required resources and advice to assist them in dealing with mental health matters. Depression and anxiety are two of the many mental health issues amongst teenagers but fortunately there are measures which can be taken to help them manage these issues. These steps encompass providing them with knowledge about mental health taking into account their requirements giving them assistance and tracking their progress. It is of utmost importance that we keep dedicated to ensuring our adolescents remain mentally and emotionally healthy..

[Audio] Mental health is a complex topic and requires an understanding of the various symptoms that come with it. Physical symptoms such as catching a flu can manifest in addition to mental symptoms which could be related to one's cognition thoughts emotions senses and behaviour. All of these combined can have an effect on one's day-to-day functioning their learning and their social life. Having a better knowledge of the symptoms associated with mental health conditions can help to better prepare oneself and their family for managing them..

[Audio] The Mental Health Review Report published by Food & Health Bureau in 2017 has indicated that around 16.4% of children and teenagers in Hong Kong are suffering from mental disorder which is comparable to the statistics of other parts of the world. Therefore it is essential to learn the ways to provide emotional support to adolescents who are facing mental health issues..

Understand. Observe. Listen. Acknowledge. Support.

[Audio] One of the most important conversations to have as a parent is how to support your child in the event they develop a mental health disorder. It can be difficult to recognize the symptoms of mental health disorders in adolescents so it is important to be aware of the signs to look out for. Common mental health disorders among adolescents include anxiety disorder and depression and parents should be mindful of changes in their child's behavior attitude or activities that can indicate a mental health issue. Parents should ensure they provide their child with a safe and supportive environment in which to discuss their feelings and struggles and encourage open communication and acceptance. Additionally parents should become familiar with resources available to help them learn more about mental health and how to care for their children at home. By understanding and taking an active role in their child’s mental health parents can help their children manage and cope with the disorder..

[Audio] Anxiety disorder is a crucial mental health issue manifesting in excessive and constant states of worry fear and anxiety. Suffers may have difficulty functioning in social and occupational settings and feel distress rapidly shifting emotions and difficulty sleeping. Panic attacks breathlessness muscular tension and difficulty focusing may be indicators. Treatments include cognitive behavioral therapy medication lifestyle changes and other therapies..

undefined. [Audio] What do you think about the experience of playing the game just now? Did your heart start beating faster? Did your palms get sweaty? It is important to consider how these feelings can affect us mentally especially when we face stressful situations in daily life. Therefore it is essential to learn how to care for our adolescent's mental health. In upcoming discussions I will talk about how to care for adolescents' mental health at home. I am looking forward to hearing your interesting ideas..

[Audio] Anxiety is a normal reaction to stress but Anxiety Disorder is characterized by intense or persistent fear worry or panic which can last for weeks or longer. Common symptoms of Anxiety Disorder include worry fear restlessness difficulty concentrating irritability sleep issues and changes in appetite. Physically anxiety can cause an increased heart rate breathlessness headaches tension in muscles and stomach discomfort. Anxiety can be intense and long-lasting for some but less so for others. Creating a supportive environment at home is important in helping to reduce the effects of anxiety and other mental health problems. Parents and caregivers should observe changes in mood and behaviour be patient and encouraging and focus on building strong relationships based on trust. There may be warning signs such as changes in eating and sleeping patterns hopelessness and difficulty concentrating. Parents should take time to talk and listen to adolescents if they are facing any problems. The good news is that with proper care and support adolescents and their families can learn how to better manage anxiety and other mental health issues. It is never too late for help and there is always hope that things will get better..

[Audio] Anxiety is a common and even useful emotion. It can signal us to important events and provide the motivation to study for exams. Unfortunately if it becomes too severe or difficult to control it can interfere with our everyday activities like studying and sleeping. In these cases it is advised to seek help from a physician or mental health professional. Anxiety disorders come in many shapes and sizes and with the help of a professional they can be successfully managed..

[Audio] Mental health issues in young people are a real problem especially anxiety and depression. The World Health Organization reports that 8.2% of 10-19 year olds suffer from emotional disorders and data from around 1200 local secondary school students collected by the Baptist Oi Kwan Social Service shows that 58% of them show different levels of anxiety symptoms. It's clear that anxiety is widespread among young people in Hong Kong. It is essential that adolescents receive the care and support needed to maintain positive mental health. To help provide this knowledge I'm here to discuss how to care for adolescents' mental health at home. Let's begin..

[Audio] Mental health among adolescents is a pressing and important issue and CMA Choi Cheung Kok Secondary School is taking steps to ensure our students and their parents are informed. We have employed an educational psychologist Alison Mok to provide guidance and support on mental health at home. Alison's main objective is to help parents create a positive home environment that can emotionally and psychologically nurture their children. Mental health issues among adolescents can range from common anxiety disorders to more severe emotional disorders such as depression which is estimated to occur in around 4-6% of adolescents worldwide. This can lead to academic and social problems affecting school attendance and academic progression. We understand that addressing mental health can be daunting but we want our students to know we are here to help. With a supportive home environment we can empower our adolescents to face life's challenges and develop resilience and mental strength..

[Audio] Depression is a serious mental health disorder which can have a wide-ranging impact on a person's physical and emotional health cognitive abilities and overall quality of life. Parents have a significant role in helping their adolescent children learn to manage their emotions and develop healthy practices for mental health. It is essential to understand the indicators of depression such as persistent sadness absence of motivation changes in diet and sleep schedules and difficulty staying attentive. If you observe any of these signs in your child it is crucial to obtain assistance from a mental health specialist promptly..

[Audio] Approximately 3.9% of 10-19 year-olds experience emotional disorders and 48.7% show different levels of anxiety symptoms according to a study done by the World Health Organization and the Baptist Oi Kwan Social Service. These numbers show the need to take better care of adolescents' mental health. To explore how we can help promote positive mental wellbeing among teens and offer practical advice on how to manage stress anxiety and depression Alison Mok the educational psychologist at CMA Choi Cheung Kok Secondary School is giving a talk. Her talk is important and we look forward to learning from her expertise..

[Audio] Adolescents may be feeling low and not have the life experience to understand it. It is important to identify the difference between feeling sad and depression. Someone feeling sad would usually realise the feeling is not long lasting whilst those suffering from depression can feel this way for a minimum of two weeks and think they may never be happy again. It is possible to assist those feeling down by turning their attention elsewhere or engaging them in different activities. Later I will discuss further how we can lend support to those with depression..

undefined. [Audio] Depression is a serious mental health issue that affects millions of people annually and for adolescents their experience can be particularly challenging as they are trying to manage physical and emotional development alongside meeting life’s expectations and stresses. Concerning understanding depression and caring for adolescents’ mental health at home there can be a range of emotional behavioural and physical symptoms that accompany depression. Emotionally those suffering can be feeling powerless overcome tearful or empty as well as struggling to find joy or pleasure. Behaviourally there can be a withdrawal from social activities transformations in sleep and eating patterns or having difficulty concentrating. Physical symptoms can consist of lethargy headaches muscle aches and digestive issues. It is essential to be knowledgeable of these symptoms if you are supporting an adolescent in their mental health as recognizing the indicators in the early stages can be essential in aiding their recovery..

[Audio] It is important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of depression during adolescence to help ensure the mental health of the adolescents in your life is being taken care of. A sign of depression is feeling like one is constantly to blame even for issues beyond their control. This sense of guilt can prevent progress and lead to further mental health issues. If you are aware of someone in this situation reach out and offer assistance..

[Audio] Adolescents suffering from depression may not always cry or show signs of distress. On the contrary they may appear emotionally blank and may feel worthless or useless. If untreated depression can prevent an adolescent from reaching their full potential and may take a toll on the family. As parents it is important to recognize the signs of depression so that proper actions can be taken." As parents it is essential to recognize the signs of depression in adolescents. Depression does not always manifest itself as crying or displaying obvious signs of distress. In fact sometimes the symptoms can be quite subtle. Those suffering from depression may feel worthless or even feel emotionally numb. It is important to take action if depression is suspected as untreated depression can cause an adolescent to not reach their full potential and put a strain on the family..

[Audio] Adolescents facing depression often don't cry. In fact some may not even cry nor act like a sad person when they're feeling down. On the contrary they may feel emotionally "blank" or worthless and insignificant. Left untreated depression can be debilitating and can take a toll on everyone in the family even if there are no obvious signs." Adolescents facing depression might not always express their emotions in the same way as others. Instead of being openly upset they may feel emotionally "blank" or worthless. Left untreated depression can be debilitating and have a negative impact on not only the individual but those around them even if there are no obvious signs of depression. It is essential that everyone takes the time to understand the signs and symptoms of depression and works together to ensure mental health is taken seriously and cared for..

[Audio] Adolescents with depression don't always cry. When they are feeling down some of them may even not cry nor show any signs of being sad. Contrarily they may be emotionally ‘blank’ and feel worthless or useless. Left untreated depression can prevent people from functioning optimally in life and put a strain on families even without any apparent symptoms." Adolescents with depression don't display the same signs most people may expect. Some may not show any signs of sadness at all. Instead they may feel emotionally blank and worthless. If left untreated depression can have serious long term impacts. It can prevent people from functioning at their best and can also put a strain on their family life. It is therefore essential to be aware of the signs of depression and provide the necessary support for our adolescents..

[Audio] When it comes to our teens’ mental health one of the most effective measures we can take is to reach out and get support. Parents play an invaluable role in this care as they are often the closest source of guidance and support for their children. Parents can help provide teens with the emotional security they need to form meaningful relationships as well as to boost self-esteem. They can offer a sense of understanding and give them advice on problem-solving and decision-making. Ultimately we want to ensure our teens are receiving the care they need for a healthy lifestyle. As parents it is our job to foster an environment in which our teens can understand and accept themselves maintain healthy relationships and pursue their dreams. " Parents should play an important role in providing teens with the emotional security they need to make healthy relationships and boost their self-esteem. We must create an environment in which teens can understand and accept themselves pursue their dreams and make healthy decisions. As parents we should ensure that adolescents have access to the necessary support to lead a healthy lifestyle..

[Audio] In order to ensure the mental health and wellbeing of our adolescents it is essential that parents keep close watch. We must pay attention to their behavior be open to hearing their troubles worries and ideas and recognize the difficulties they face during their development. Parents should also seek out knowledge on the measures they can implement to bolster their child's mental health and provide them with the type of guidance they need with love..

[Audio] When it comes to our children's mental health it's important for us as parents to be aware of changes in our child's attitude mood or habits. Observing their social network can be a good starting point such as if they are suddenly spending more time by themselves or if there is a different group of friends than usual. Additionally changes in attendance and daily routine can be another clue like sleeping in too late or avoiding meals. Lastly keep an eye on their appetite to see if they are changing their diet or if they have become picky. Monitoring these aspects of our children's lives is an effective way of recognizing any potential mental health issues..

[Audio] Having a good listening skillset is essential when trying to show care and concern for the mental health of adolescents. To be a good listener you should plan for a good space and enough time for a meaningful conversation. This will provide clear and uninterrupted support for the person who needs it and give them the opportunity to express their feelings. Also eye contact smiles and body language that shows attentiveness should be used to demonstrate that you are actively listening. Having a one-on-one conversation without anyone else present is also important. Following these tips can help you be a better listener and provide better support for your child's mental health..

[Audio] Without greetings without beginning with Today and without thanks Alison Mok the Educational Psychologist at CMA Choi Cheung Kok Secondary School is helping us understand how to care for adolescents' mental health at home. When it comes to listening and communicating with young people it is important to show acceptance for their feelings and to provide a safe environment for them to express their feelings. Furthermore it is wise to try to avoid offering advice too soon and to focus on understanding their feelings first. Additionally one should avoid making assumptions and jumping to conclusions; instead remain openminded and understand that they may not know what to say. Lastly demonstrate empathy and understanding of their point of view in order to build a better environment for our adolescents to share their thoughts and feelings..

[Audio] Adolescents are going through a period of exploration and development. It is fundamental that their feelings and views are heard and respected. As a parent or guardian you can demonstrate your love and backing by enhancing your listening skills. By making a secure listening environment you can make a feeling of trust and comprehension. Actively listening and approving your adolescent's feelings and thoughts will demonstrate that you esteem them and their sentiments. Ensure that you listen without judging or offering advice so that they feel good to express themselves. Pay attention and be prepared to give any resources or assistance that they may need..

[Audio] As parents of adolescents it is important to understand and be mindful of their mental health needs. Take the time to listen to their feelings and emotions. Make an effort to understand them and provide a safe and supportive environment. Be supportive and encourage them to make their own decisions. Involve them in planning how to help them better cope with their difficulties and challenges. Be patient and acknowledge their feelings even when you don’t agree with them. Make sure to support a balanced approach to addressing their difficulties." As parents of adolescents it is important to be mindful of their mental health needs. In order to provide an environment that helps to meet these needs it is essential to take the time to actively listen to their feelings and emotions and strive to understand them. We should also encourage them to make their own decisions and involve them in the decision-making process. Show patience respect and support when dealing with challenging situations. And finally make sure to find a balanced approach to addressing their difficulties..

[Audio] It is our responsibility as parents to ensure that our children have a positive environment to cope with the changes they experience when transitioning to adulthood. Good communication is vital in caring for adolescents' mental health. To be a better listener for your child focus your attention on them and remove any distractions. Remain non-judgemental and allow them to express their feelings without criticism. Paraphrase their words to show them you are actively listening. Also maintain an open-minded attitude and don't enforce your own values and beliefs. These tips can help create a safe environment for your child to express themselves..

[Audio] It is essential for parents to take proactive steps to ensure mental wellbeing of their children. Good listening is key being attentive without judgment criticism and distraction and creating a safe space for emotional expression. Understanding and validating their emotions helps to show care and understanding which will aid in their mental health and form a strong bond between parent and child..

[Audio] Emotional changes often accompany adolescence. Happiness is often labeled as a positive emotion while sadness anger or fear are labeled as negative. However all emotions are valid and should be accepted and understood. To aid adolescents in managing their emotional needs supportive listening without judgement is essential. Additionally providing them with healthy outlets to express emotions is beneficial. We can help adolescents by teaching them skills that enable them to take care of their mental health..

[Audio] Emotions are our response to stimuli a combination of our feelings and thoughts physical reactions and actions. For instance when someone walks down an alley and encounters a seemingly dangerous dog they might feel scared and concerned about the possibility of being bitten. Their heart rate will speed up and their body might start trembling prompting them to make a detour and leave the area quickly. In the next slide we'll explore the example of a woman who managed to maintain a successful relationship despite the physical distance between her and her partner..

[Audio] Technology has enabled businesses to explore a range of new opportunities however it has also brought with it potential areas of risk that need to be managed accordingly. In order to do so let us further explore how this can be achieved..

[Audio] Understanding how to care for adolescent mental health is essential. There is a tendency to dismiss negative emotions yet denying and suppressing them can lead to serious mental and physical health issues. Emotional well-being does not rely on always being happy but instead on having the ability to recognize and understand emotions express and regulate them in healthy and appropriate ways and regain a feeling of calmness. This is how we can support teens in looking after their mental and physical health..

[Audio] Having good communication skills when talking to our children especially during times of emotional distress is an important responsibility for parents. We can express our understanding and support through verbal and non-verbal communication such as providing a hug or active listening. Staying calm and patient during the conversation is key as well as being understanding of the situation and having good self-awareness – this will allow us to respond in a more emphatic way which will lead to a more productive conversation. Following these tips will help us to effectively care and comfort our children..

[Audio] When communicating with an adolescent who is struggling emotionally it is important to deliver care and encouragement in a constructive way. To effectively address the individual one should make sure that there is no sense of "putting words in the other's mouth". Following the tips and advice in the document linked to this slide one can learn how to improve conversation skills. This can help the adolescent to feel heard and supported and ultimately lead to better mental health..

[Audio] Being able to converse effectively is a valuable skill that can help in situations of emotional distress. To ensure that your words are heard you should consider the following strategies to improve your conversational skills. These strategies will allow you to better understand the individual's situation and provide the necessary emotional support. By working together we can make a difference and ensure that adolescents are receiving the mental health care they need..

[Audio] Having effective communication skills and a positive attitude are essential for letting those experiencing difficulty with their emotions know that we care and want to encourage them. To ensure that our conversations are effective and to make sure the other person does not feel unheard there are several tips to keep in mind. Following the talk a link will be provided for further reference..

[Audio] As parents of teenagers it is essential to foster effective communication with them. Paying attention actively listening creating a respectful environment offering unconditional love and acceptance and staying open to their emotions and feelings are all integral to developing a healthy relationship with your adolescent. These measures can help your child face and work through any mental health issues they might be dealing with..

[Audio] Our words alone make up only 7% of how we communicate with our children. Our tone of voice accounts for 38% and our body language impressive 55%. Therefore instead of lecturing our little ones we should use a softer tone and warmer body language to show them they are loved and supported. Being there for our children and letting them know we are understanding and always present for them is crucial for their mental health. Even if they may not want to talk just having us nearby is already a huge help in how they cope with their problems..

[Audio] As parents we all want the best for our teens but caring for adolescents’ mental health can be challenging. The good news is that there are some simple steps we can take to provide them with a supportive environment and help them develop resilience. First of all be there to listen and help them express their emotions. Talk openly and honestly to your teens providing a safe and nonjudgmental space for them to share their thoughts and feelings without fear of being judged or ridiculed. Encourage them to take time for themselves find activities that help them relax and help them develop positive coping strategies when things don’t go their way. Be proactive in helping them create a sense of purpose in life. Encourage activities that are meaningful to them and help them set realistic goals. And most importantly model positive behavior. Our actions speak louder than words. Show them how to take care of themselves stay connected to important people in their lives and build supportive relationships with those around them. By providing teens with a supportive environment and equipping them with the skills to develop resilience we can help them to live a life of growth and purpose..

[Audio] Parents of adolescents can help manage their mental health by cultivating behavior that is beneficial instead of harmful. Informing children beforehand about any changes in their lives can lessen worries and panic when the unexpected happens. Encouraging their children to rehearse or practice what they fear can gradually lessen any anxiousness they may have. Moreover parents can help their children create a schedule for schoolwork and leisure activities which can help with managing mental health..

[Audio] As parents it is important to set a good example for your child by approaching things or situations you may fear bravely instead of avoiding them. We should also pay attention to our wellbeing making sure that we get enough rest and relaxation. It is essential to maintain a positive attitude when it comes to discipline in order to support the development of our children. Only then can we provide them with the care and support they need to develop healthy mental well-being..

[Audio] Adolescence can be a trying period for both the child and their parents. Mental health issues such as depression and anxiety may emerge during this time posing a difficult challenge to manage. This presentation will cover methods for caring for adolescent mental health in the home. Depression is caused by a disruption of serotonin levels in the brain but family members may emphasize the cessation of medication and erroneously assume mood will improve with a change in attitude and more exercise. It is essential to encourage the child to take their medication and to help by researching information and participating in volunteer teams. The stigma and misunderstandings of mental health can be more damaging than the actual illness. Parents can help support their child in numerous ways. Speak to the teacher to gain knowledge of their academic progress and adaptation in school. Discuss strategies with them and don't be afraid to refer them to a social worker or educational psychologist for counseling. Additionally consider arranging a visit for them to the psychiatrist for additional evaluation and medical support. Moreover advise them to see their doctor regularly and to take prescribed medication when necessary..

[Audio] Parents and caregivers of adolescents often struggle to provide the right resources to support their teens during this challenging time. To support families in nurturing and promoting their teens’ mental health CMA Choi Cheung Kok Secondary School’s educational psychologist Alison Mok has compiled some valuable resources. These resources include online therapy support groups and websites with useful tools and information. It is hoped that these resources can bring families closer together and create a safe and understanding home environment for their adolescents..

[Audio] As parents and guardians it is essential to take suitable actions to make sure our adolescents are taken care of both mentally and physically. Adolescence can be a complicated time with many transformations and clashing sentiments. If you or your adolescent are confronting psychological well-being issues there are numerous assets accessible to look for help. In Hong Kong the hotline 18111 offers 24-hour emotional well-being assistance. Additionally there are some online assets that can give help for example directing guidance and counsel. It is vital to make these strides to guarantee our adolescents are taken care of both mentally and physically..

undefined. [Audio] Adolescents should recognize that mental disorders are as real as any physical disorder. Mental health plays an essential role in overall health and it is important to recognize and address any mental health issues affecting young people. Providing support for kids and teens to learn about mental health how to identify it and where to get help is a key step in empowering adolescents to take control of their own mental health. Ensuring adolescents have access to the necessary care and support to do so is also paramount..

Thank you!. Survey.