Mental Health Issues & Disorders
There are many signs and symptoms of mental health issues, which can look different in different people at different ages. The one thing that mental health issues have in common is that they negatively influence a person's functioning - at school, with friends, at work, or in their family. Mental health issues influences how one acts, feels, and thinks.
No one is immune to mental health problems; they can affect people from all family types and cultural backgrounds. Mental health problems are surprisingly common among children, youth, and young adults. About 1 in 5 youth in BC will struggle with a mental health issue before they turn 18 years of age.
The most common mental health issues among young people are: anxiety (most common; impacts 6% of children at some point), ADHD (impacts about 5% of BC children), conduct disorder (impacts about 3% of children), and depression (about 3.5% of children).
Common Symptoms
The Canadian Mental Health organization recommends that you contact a doctor if you notice one or more of these symptoms and it is impacting your daily life. Once medical concerns have been ruled out, turning to a mental health professional can be the first step towards recovery or symptom management.
Preventing Mental Health Challenges from Getting Worse
The best way to prevent mental health issues from getting worse is to recognize symptoms early and get professional help. A large number of mental health difficulties can be treated successfully. If signs and symptoms are recognized early, you or your child/youth can get the help they need.
There are many signs and symptoms of mental health issues, which can look different in different people at different ages. The one thing that mental health issues have in common is that they negatively influence a person's functioning - at school, with friends, at work, or in their family. Mental health issues influences how one acts, feels, and thinks.
No one is immune to mental health problems; they can affect people from all family types and cultural backgrounds. Mental health problems are surprisingly common among children, youth, and young adults. About 1 in 5 youth in BC will struggle with a mental health issue before they turn 18 years of age.
The most common mental health issues among young people are: anxiety (most common; impacts 6% of children at some point), ADHD (impacts about 5% of BC children), conduct disorder (impacts about 3% of children), and depression (about 3.5% of children).
Common Symptoms
- A sudden change in behaviour
- A significant change in feelings
- Feeling unhappy, worried, angry, hopeless, or guilty a lot of the time
- Avoiding certain places or situations (e.g., going on the bus, going to school, talking to a cashier, etc.)
- Often complaining about physical problems (e.g., headaches or stomach aches) or problems eating or sleeping (and a medical concern has been ruled out)
- No longer enjoying activities he/she used to enjoy
- Repetitive behaviours (e.g., washing hands), routines, reassurance seeking, or checking
- Spending more time alone
- Having a hard time coping with regular activities and everyday problems
- Having a difficult time focusing or concentrating at school
- Hurting themselves or talking about suicide
The Canadian Mental Health organization recommends that you contact a doctor if you notice one or more of these symptoms and it is impacting your daily life. Once medical concerns have been ruled out, turning to a mental health professional can be the first step towards recovery or symptom management.
Preventing Mental Health Challenges from Getting Worse
The best way to prevent mental health issues from getting worse is to recognize symptoms early and get professional help. A large number of mental health difficulties can be treated successfully. If signs and symptoms are recognized early, you or your child/youth can get the help they need.