Assessment and Treatment for Mental Health Concerns
for Teens and Young Adults
Early identification and treatment of mental health disorders can literally change the life of a young person.
Mental Health
Mental Health concerns affects 1:4 adults in any given year. 50% of mental health problems begin by age 14. 75% of mental health disorders by age 24.
The signs and symptoms of mental health concerns can affect us in a variety of ways. The symptoms that we experience will depend on the type of concerns or disorder, together will other external factors and circumstances. People with mental health concerns are more likely to have additional needs or problems in other areas of their lives. Finance, employment, education and home may present concerns or challenges.
Mental health problems can be temporary or last for a long time. Sometimes treatment will be required throughout the lifetime. Treatment provided at the earliest opportunity provides the greatest opportunity of a favourable outcome. Mental health concerns; sometimes referred to as mental health disorders can affect anyone. They can become apparent or increase in severity throughout the lifespan.
Many teenagers and young adults will experience concerns with mental health signs and symptoms prior to the age of 24. In some circumstances, parents, carers and friends have been able to highlight incidents or concerns arising during early years development for others the onset is pre-teen to teenage years. University and early adulthood can also be a time of experiencing warnings signs and symptoms, which may be first noticed when academic or relationship pressures increase.
Indeed, it is not unusual to have adverse mental health episodes for the first time in later adulthood; particularly surrounding increased stress of life changing events. However, in most cases severe mental health problems begin earlier in life. Left untreated mental health concerns can have an adverse impact on young people and their families. The affects can be far reaching, causing emotional, behavioural and psychical health problems. In families, there is often an increased level of conflict and unhappiness as relationships become increasingly difficult to manage.
The medical and physical consequences of mental health problems include increased risk of High Blood Pressure, Heart disease, weakened immune system, migraine, abdominal pain, joint pain and many related issues. The Wave treatment programs address mental health concerns across the spectrum, through an integrative approach to emotional, physical and psychological wellbeing. Our programs gently nurture young people and allow them to build relationships; moving out of isolation and returning to wellness. Our Mental Health programs are supported by our team of Consultant Psychiatrists.
The Wave residential, trauma-focused programs – for teens, young adults and
families – provide specialist treatment for:
Mental Health Concerns
Mental Health concerns, also known as Mental Health Disorders, can affect your mood, thoughts and behaviours:
Feeling low or sad, tearful or withdrawn ‘depressed’ or ‘anxious’. Experiencing panic, fear or repetitive thoughts of past events or situations. Harming oneself or thoughts of suicide.
Difficulty concentrating, starting or finishing tasks, or feeling more confused than usual. Difficulty understanding situations or following conversations or events.
Rapidly changing moods. Feeling very high or very low. Experiencing rage or anger more often than usual. Outbursts of violence towards others or property.
Feeling withdrawn, detached, or significantly increasing the time spent alone. Feeling unable to cope with or take part in daily activities or decision making.
Worrying excessively, feelings of guilt or shame or fears that seem to be increasing. Feeling worthless, alone and isolated.
Paranoia, hallucinations (visual, auditory, olfactory) or delusions (being detached from reality), Psychosis.
Increasing use of alcohol, drugs, prescription medications (not in accordance with use by your Doctor) or other mind-altering substances/behaviours.
Changes or difficulty sleeping. Changes or difficulty in eating. Changes in sexual interest or sexual behaviours.
FAQs
What causes mental health illness or disorders?
Research is ongoing into the complex areas of mental health. We do understand that there is no one particular reason that indicates adverse mental health. Mental disorders are thought to be a combination of familial or inherited traits, environmental factors and the function of brain chemistry. We do understand that these aspects either alone or in combination can increase the risk of mental health problems in later life.
Is there anything that increases my risk of developing mental health problems?
Whilst there is no definitive predictor of mental health problems or who will go on to experience a mental health crisis; we do understand that there are some areas that appear to increase the risk of developing mental health concerns.
Having a close family member who has been previously diagnosed or treated with a mental health condition increases the risk of developing a mental health disorder. High levels of stress and traumatic events throughout the lifetime can also increase the risk levels.
Preterm or complicated births or exposure to drugs/alcohol pre-birth, feeling alone or a burden, having few friends or a limited support network, bullying, a childhood history of neglect or abuse, financial problems or long-term physical illness.
Is mental illness a disability?
Mental health problems can affect daily living. For some people their mental health condition prevents them from enjoying life, taking part and can be debilitating. In cases of severe mental illness, there may be periods of time, before, during and after intensive treatment that will require extra care and possibly additional help to complete daily living tasks.
There may be times that it is very difficult to work, study or take care of others. There may be times when taking care of oneself requires extra help. Mental illness cannot be seen and is often overlooked. The stigma that is associated with mental illness in general, can make reaching out for help seem almost impossible. Severe mental illness (SMI) is a mental, emotional or behavioural disorder that substantially affects and impairs the ability to engaged in life activities.
What are the warning signs of a mental health crisis?
Whilst all mental health symptoms can be difficult to live with, severe mental illness can have a profound effect on all concerned. A mental health crisis can be indicated by; rapid changes in mood, inability to perform daily tasks, agitation, volatile or hostile behaviours, isolation, losing touch with reality, psychosis, paranoia. If you are concerned about yourself or someone else; please contact your nearest Hospital or emergency number and ask for the on-call psychiatrist.
Mental Health Treatment Programs
Finding a treatment program for your teenager or young adult is a difficult task and a decision that parents hope they will not have to make. However, for many parents making the right treatment choices for their child’s mental health is the beginning of a new chapter for the whole family.
We understand that choosing treatment for your child is a really big decision. Our team of family specialists is able to help parents and young people who are looking for exceptional adolescent treatment programs.
We have a good working knowledge of worldwide treatment options, in addition to The Wave Kuala Lumpur and Transitions House, and can assist parents or refer them to one of our International Team members to assist them closer to home.
