Mind your mind by AileenK

Contents What you need to know ....................................................................................01 Common myths about mental illnesse ..............................................................05 What you can do to about stigma .....................................................................07 Clinical Depression ...........................................................................................11 Anxiety Disorders .............................................................................................21 Bipolar Disorder ................................................................................................33 Schizophernia Disorder ....................................................................................43 Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) ...................................................................53 Mental health services................ .....................................................................61

Who we are Mind Your Mind is a campaign devoted to improving the emotional wellbeing and mental health of young people. Driven by their experiences we have created an informative booklet that reaches out to both parents and their children in an effort to educate and explore what mental health issues are affecting youths today and why it is so important that they should look after their mental health. Teens with mental health problems are at the heart of everything we do. Their voices are central in our campaigns work. At Mind Your Mind we think it is very important for parents or carers and their children to work together on these issues. Helping parents and carers to understand their childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s behaviour and enabling them to secure the right professional help for their children is crucial.

What you need to know

01.

What you need to know about mental illness Everyone can all feel “sad” or “blue” at different times in our lives for whatever reason. It could be an off day or perhaps something with a deeper meaning. We have all had some exposure to mental illness, but do we really understand it or know what it is? Many of our preconceptions are incorrect. A mental illness can be defined as a health condition that changes a person’s thinking, feelings, or behaviour (or all three) and that causes the person distress and difficulty in functioning. As with many diseases, mental illness is severe in some cases and mild in

“You are not your illness. You have an

others. Individuals who have a mental illness don’t necessarily look like they are sick, especially if their illness is mild. Other individuals may show more

individual story to tell.

explicit symptoms such as confusion, agitation, or withdrawal. Many illnesses

You have a name, a

first develop in adolescence or young adulthood, affecting people at a time in

history, a personality.

their lives when they are establishing important relationships, self-confidence

Staying yourself is part

and educational or career paths. This can have a devastating effect on young

of the battle.”

people and their families if left unrecognised and untreated.

What you need to know

What can cause you to become mentally ill? It is not entirely known why some people become mentally ill but there are some defiant factors that can trigger, cause or contribute to some ones decline in their mental wellbeing. Some reasons include: Stress: Too much stress can make it difficult to cope with different problems. Life changes can be stressful, such as when a loved one dies, getting divorced or moving house. Pressure from school, work, or other people can also cause stress. Genes: These are biological codes that contain information about what hair colour we will have and how tall we will be. Scientists believe that some people have genes that tell their brains to develop a mental health problem. These genes are then triggered by stress or being worried about certain things in life.

What you need to know

Biochemistry: The natural chemicals in our bodies can affect how we think or feel. What we eat and drink, illness, hormones, our environment and stress can affect biochemistry. Family environment: This can sometimes cause mental health problems too. For example, divorce, money problems or family strain can all be quite stressful to cope with .Or if there is not the opportunity to say how we feel, this can affect mental health. Sometimes parents themselves donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t realise these strains can cause a child to feel alone and unloved. Mental illnesses can affect persons of any age, race, religion or income. Mental health issues are not the result of personal weakness, lack of character or poor upbringing. Mental illnesses are treatable. Most people diagnosed with a serious mental illness can experience relief from their symptoms by actively participating in an individual treatment plan.

What you need to know

Why is it important to look after your mental health? Being healthy doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t just mean looking after the physical aspects of some ones health. The emotional well-being of children is just as important. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s equally valuable to care for your teens mental and social abilities. Good mental health allows children and young people to develop the resilience to cope with whatever life throws at them and grow into well-rounded, healthy adults. By having a healthy and positive outlook towards their mental well-being it will allow your child to enjoy life to the fullest and cope with the usual stresses of everyday life. There are a few factors that can help to keep children and young people mentally well. Little things like eating right, keeping active, sleeping right and taking a break every once in a while can help to keep them feeling happy on the inside. Talking about your feelings will help them to air any worries your child may have and tackle problems as they come. So remind them to not be afraid to talk to someone if something is bothering them. And most importantly smile and laugh. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s it, plain and simple. So why not give it a go?

Common myths

02.

Common myths about mental illness There are many myths surrounding the term mental illness and its different disorders. These myths tend to lead to stigma and negativity, which can cause a lot of damage. People with mental illnesses who face stigma in their day to day life could start to feel too ashamed or embarrassed to seek the proper help that they may desperately need. It’s so important that we challenge these myths so we can understand the real facts about what mental health problems are and how they can affect people.

“The perilous highs,

Helping to banish these myths is a powerful step toward erasing the stigma

and desperate lows,

and allowing more people to come forward and seek the help they may need.

and extravagant flurries of mood are not always symptoms of a broken mind, but signs of a beating heart.”

Here are a few common misconceptions that are generally perceived about mental health.

Common myths

Stigma

03.

What you can do about stigma STOP the prejudice People with mental health conditions are often plagued by stigma. Stigma is a negative stereotype. It is a reality for many people with a mental illness, how others judge them is one of their greatest barriers to a complete life. Attitudes towards mental health issues must change before behaviour can change. Become mindful of erroneous thoughts and opinions that surround myths around mental illness â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and then correct them. You can make a difference in dismantling the stigma that exists around these matters today. Take a moment to remember this message and pass it on if necessary, the more people that are made aware of this issue the less this problem will

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Mental illness is

exist in society. Educating and awareness is key to understand these issues

nothing to be ashamed

more clearly. Mental health is nothing to be ashamed of, for you, your child

of, but stigma and bias

or anybody else. Here are three steps you can take to help and tackle the

shame us all.â&#x20AC;?

prejudice and misconceptions that surround mental illnesses.

Stigma

Adolescence is a time of dramatic change. Transitioning from a child to young adult can be complex and sometimes challenging. Teens often feel tremendous pressure to succeed at school, at home and in social groups. At the same time, they may lack the life experience that lets them know that difficult situations will not last forever. In this section, you will find information about the mental health issues that affect young people and suggestions about how you can support your children during their challenging transition to adulthood. Each chapter provides basic information on what you need to know about these disorders including signs, symptoms and where to get treatment if needed. Every chapter also includes a person accout that your child can read to help them understand the importances of looking after your mental health and to not be afraid if they need to talk. Each account is writen by young teens who have experienced these disorders first hand in some form and how they found the path to health and happiness again. These chapters will give advice on each problem and help to educate your child on specific mental health disorders.

Clinical depression

04.

What is Clinical depression? Most young people experience ups and down during their teenage years and occasionally will feel down or upset by certain things going on in their lives. But some young people feel sad, lonely, down, anxious or stressed for longer periods of time to the extent that it can affect their everyday lives and can prevent that young person from doing things they would normally do. This is known as depression. Depression can be caused by a number of different reasons, stress, a loss, or a major disappointment. Sometimes, it seems to happen for no reason at

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Self-esteem is as important to our wellbeing as legs are to a table. It is essential for physical and mental health and for happiness.â&#x20AC;?

all. There are as many misconceptions about teen depression as there are about teenagers in general. Yes, the teen years are tough, but most teens balance the requisite angst with good friendships, success in school or outside activities, and the development of a strong sense of self. Occasional bad moods or acting out is to be expected, but depression is something different. Depression can destroy the very essence of a teenagerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s personality, causing an overwhelming sense of sadness, despair, or anger.

Clinical depression

Isn’t depression something only adults deal with? Depression does not affect only adults. It can happen young people too, and it is just as much of a real a problem for them as it is for any adult. It can be sometimes difficult to tell the difference between ups and downs that are just part of being a teenager and teen depression. Talk with your teen. Try to determine whether he or she seems capable of managing challenging feelings, or if life seems too much to cope with at that moment in time. The pressures of school and growing up can be overwhelming and difficult for anyone to cope with sometimes. Suffering from depression can lead to things like loss of appetite, aches and pains, and lack of energy. Everyone deals with different illnesses in different ways. It is very likely a depressed person will think that no one else feels the same way and that no one will understand his/her problems. Often, they will feel that they are disliked by everyone. If you suspect your teenager is depressed, make a doctor’s appointment as soon as you can. Depression symptoms likely won’t get better on their own.

Clinical depression

Common signs of depression

If someone becomes depressed, there is a very good chance that they will not want to talk about wether it is because they are embarrassed, confused or simple just want to brush it off as being nothing. The first trigger signs when someone becomes depressed will probably be changes in behaviour that may suggest a troubled and unhappy state of mind for example someone who used to be active and involved may suddenly become quiet and withdrawn or a good student might start getting poor grades. Depression can be the result of a chemical imbalance in a personâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s body, and some people are born with a depressive tendencies. Whatever the reason may be, depression can affect all aspects of our lives: school, family, relationships, friendships, and our physical health. These pressures can take a toll on their lives and may get worse or lead to other problems if untreated. But remember most teenagers have days where they feel down and not themselves. It is when these sad feelings do not go away, and when they overwhelm a person and stop them from doing the things that they normally do.

Clinical depression

What can I do to help?

If your child is severely depressed, you may be faced with some hard decisions about what you as a parent can do on their behalf. Supporting a child who is depressed can be an opportunity to build a closer and more satisfying relationship. However, it can also be hard work and frustrating, at times. Feelings of hopelessness, helplessness and worthlessness are a major part of depression. This can mean someone avoids their friends and relatives, rather than asking for help or support. It will help if you can find someone who you can discuss these and other issues with and who may be able to share the responsibility with you. This period in their lives is a time when they need your help and support most. Helping your child during this tough time can be extremely beneficial to their future mental health and overall well-being. There are a few simple things that you can do to help your child if they are experiencing depression:

Clinical depression

What sort of professional treatment should I seek? Teenagers are often moody and uncommunicative, but that doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t necessarily mean they are depressed. It is just part of normal adolescence and is related to hormonal changes and development as they try to find their place in the world. However, some teenagers get stuck and can find the changes they are going through just too much to cope with. They may withdraw completely, or seek relief by harming themselves or taking risks and refusing to toe the line. An added problem is that teenagers often refuse to talk to their parents about difficult issues and this can be really worrying for parents. The treatment that is received will depend on the severity of the depression. Talk to someone: The most important thing your child can do if you think they are feeling depressed is talk to someone. This could be their parents, a sibling, friend, teacher, GP but often talking about how they are feeling can really help them to feel better. See chapter ten for organisations and helplines availabe to you and your child that specialise in dealing with depression.

Clinical depression

Visit your GP: f your don’t feel comfortable talking to a friend, teacher or you as a parent, suggest booking them an appointment with their local GP – they are there to help you to feel better whether it is a physical health problem or a mental health problem and there are a number of things that they may suggest for your child. Don’t let your child allow themselves to suffer in silence, keeping it all to themselves will only worsentheir feelings of depression and remind them that they’re not the only one to feel like this, other young people – and adults too – experience depression. Antidepressants: Most health professionals suggest that antidepressants should be given to children and young people only rarely and usually in addition to other help such as therapy. If your child have mild depression they shouldn’t be offered antidepressants it is only if they have moderate to severe depression. If they are offered antidepressants they should be Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI) and the one they should be given is Prozac (Fluoxetine). If your child has any side effects, then tell your doctor and they will be offered a different SSRI. Antidepressants take a while to get into your system so if your child don’t feel better overnight, don’t despair, give it a couple of weeks and they should start to feel the effects.

Clinical depression

Constant rain in my head by Indy I was 12 when my depression was first acknowledged by anyone. I was always aware deep down that I was different to other people my age. I was always angry , lashing out and trying to make sense of life. Sometimes it felt like all these thoughts would literally become too much for me to carry, I couldn’t understand them and that I could not take the weight of them any longer. The nurse at my school was the first person to notice I was a bit different and told my mum, which made me feel even more scared. She suggested I try some psychotherapy but mum didn’t think I needed it and I didn’t want to do it either. One thing the nurse did say that stuck with me though was “depression is like a broken arm; if you break it, you go to a doctor to fix it and then sooner or later it starts working again.” Depression eventually left me exhausted even with the simplest of things, getting up in the morning seemed pointless and a painful hassle. But I can see now that my biggest mistake was to not seek help for myself sooner. I just

Clinical depression

felt that nothing could ever change. It went on for a few years but then a truly amazing teacher realised just how bad a state I was in and urged me to get help. I went to my doctor and one of the things that was suggested was antidepressants. I was really scared about taking them but with the other therapies I was doing I found they gave me breathing space and helped to make the depressed voice inside me quieter. “ I now understand that it is up to me to become all the things I used to imagine I would find in a saviour. I am my own saviour and I won’t give up on believing in myself ” I no longer feel like my mental illness dictates who I am, I’m finally my own person. I used to describe my depression as constant rain in my head and now the sun has finally come back. But I know that this isn’t the end. It’s not that it won’t rain again, it’s just that next time I know how to protect myself.

Generalised Anxiety Disorders

05.

What is Generalised Anxiety Disorders (GAD)? Your heart is racing; it’s pounding so hard you feel like it is going to come out of your chest. Your mouth has gone dry but at the same time, a sweat has broken out all over your body. Dizziness and nausea are threatening to overwhelm you and you can’t catch your breath. This is how it typically feels for someone who suffers from an anxiety disorder. All young people can get feeling of being anxious at times, and this is a

“Early diagnosis is so

normal part of their development as they grow up and facing challenges in the

important because the

normal world. We all have times when we may feel nervous or fearful about a

earlier a mental illness

particular situation, and we experience any or all of the symptoms described

can be detected, diagnosed and treatment can begin, the better off that person can be for the rest of his or her life.”

above. The nervousness can even temporarily interfere with an ability to cope and this is perfectly normal. However, if these symptoms create ongoing, significant distress that causes disruption in daily living, your child may have an anxiety disorder that needs professional help.

Generalised Anxiety Disorders

What are the causes of an anxiety disorders? Anxiety disorders are not the “fault” of the person that is experiencing them or a weakness in someones character. In fact, research shows that these disorders are actually most likely a combination of biological and psychological factors, as well as exposure to challenging situations that happen in earlier in life. Scientists have discovered that the biological factors of anxiety disorders include possible genetic causes (as these disorders often run in families), changes in brain chemicals, and alterations in certain areas of the brain. Psychological factors include the ways people learn to think about certain situations or cues, the fears they associate with things, and the amount of control they believe they have over events or situations. Some researchers also include “developmental” factors as a reason to an anxiety disorder. These factors are the result of childhood and teenage experiences that shape the way them as an adult deals with anxiety.

Generalised Anxiety Disorders

What are the symptoms I should look out for? Remember that under different circumstances, the following symptoms can affect any individual for a short period of time for various reasons. It is only when these are prolonged, severe and disruptive that you may need to consider if your child may actually have some form of an an anxiety disorder. There are general symptoms that you can look out for if you are worried that your child could be suffering from anxiety. Some symptoms include:

Racing pulse, heart palpitations, possibly even chest pain

Shortness of breath, panting, dry mouth, blushing

Nausea and/or vomiting

Trembling, shaking, muscle tension and dizziness

Hot flashes and sweating, or chills

Difficulties with sleep and an inability to concentrate

Generalised Anxiety Disorders

What type of anxiety disorders are there? There are actually more than one different kinds of anxiety disorders. Teens can be diagnosed or display symptoms of more than one type of anxiety disorder at the same time. Long-term anxiety can have a very negative effect on the child and their family so it is best to address it as soon as you realise it is a problem. Some of the most common types of anxiety disorders occurring in young teenagers are: 1. Panic Disorder This is a severe type of anxiety disorder. The sufferer will normally experience a sense of fear, ranging from mild to extreme. Teenagers are likely having a panic attack when they feel very scared or have a hard time breathing and feel their heart is pounding. They may also feel shaky, physically ill, dizzy and think they are going to lose their mind or even die. The teen may not want to go to school or leave the house at all because they are afraid that something awful is going to happen to them. Frequent panic attacks may mean that they have a panic disorder.

Generalised Anxiety Disorders

2. Social Phobias Social phobia is more common among teenagers. It involves worrying about social situations, like having to go to school or having to speak in class. Symptoms may include sweating, blushing, or muscle tension. People with this disorder usually try to control their symptoms by avoiding the situations they fear. Young people with social phobia are often overly sensitive to criticism and have trouble standing up for themselves. They can also suffer from low selfesteem, be easily embarrassed, and be very shy and self-conscious. 3. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Following a life-threatening experience or one that caused physical or emotional harm, a person can experience PTSD. With this disorder, people not only experience symptoms described previously, they can also have flashbacks of the incident, nightmares, depression, uncontrolled anger and irritability. 4. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Symptoms for OCD usually begin in early childhood or adolescence. Young people with OCD have frequent, uncontrollable thoughts (â&#x20AC;&#x153;obsessionsâ&#x20AC;?) that are unreasonable. These thoughts come into their mind a lot. They then need to perform certain compulsions to try to get rid of the thoughts. Adolescents with this disorder will often repeat behaviours to avoid some

Generalised Anxiety Disorders

imagined outcome. For example, some people who are frightened of germs will wash their hands repeatedly to avoid catching a disease. These thoughts can also cause a young person a great deal of anxiety. The obsessions and compulsions can take up so much time that the young person canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t lead a normal life. 5. Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD) This is a condition in which a teen has many worries and fears. They have physical symptoms like tense muscles, a restless feeling, becoming tired easily, having problems concentrating, or trouble sleeping.People with this condition often try to do things perfectly. They also feel a need for approval.

Generalised Anxiety Disorders

How can I help my child at home? A lot of the time many young people don’t know what they are feeling when they are anxious, and it can become a very overwhelming experience. Talk to your child about what exactly anxiety is and what is happening to them at that moment in their lives. Understanding what is going on, what it is called, and why it happens, can really help your teen through their situation. It can help to talk to the child or young person about finding a ‘safe place’ in their mind i.e. somewhere that they feel relaxed and happy. It may be a grandparent or friend’s house or a holiday beside the sea etc. which they can picture when the wrong thoughts come into their head or they are feeling anxious. Sometimes holding a memento like a seashell or pebble can help. There are lots of ways parents can ease their teens experience with anxiety in the home place. These following steps should help to allow them to cope with their feelings and certain situations:

Generalised Anxiety Disorders

What sort of professional treatment should I seek? If you feel your child’s anxiety is not getting any better or is getting worse or their symptoms are getting worse, and efforts to sort it within the family have not worked, then it is a good idea to ask for some professional help. There are a few different options that both you and your child can try to find out what is the best way to approach their particular anxiety and if any further treatment may be needed. Here are a few different ways to seek professional treatment. Family Doctor (GP): You can talk to your doctor on your own, or with your child, or they can have an appointment without you if they are able to do that. The doctor should listen to your concerns and may offer some advice about what to do next Telephone helplines or online services: These can be good for children and young people as it’s sometimes easier to talk to someone who doesn’t know them or to write things down. Organisations supporting sufferers of anxiety can also help parents and carers.

Generalised Anxiety Disorders

Support at school: Your child’s teacher needs to be aware of their anxiety so they can support your child in school, so it’s worth asking if you can have a meeting with them. Other school staff who might be able to help include school counsellors, and nurses. If school think your child needs help from outside they can ask for specialists from the local Education Authority, for example an educational psychologist, to assess your child’s needs. Medication: If your GP thinks your teens anxiety could be helped by medication, they may be prescribed an anti-depressant which may help them to calm down and feel differently about things. Antidepressants usually take around two to four weeks to work properly so your child may not notice the difference immediately. Some people experience side effects when taking a medication so your child should be aware of this and should tell their doctor if it happens. If the side effects are unpleasant the doctor may be able to change the type or adjust the dose. Adolescent mental health services: There are plenty of support services for youths in Cork that offer a variety of different service. There are also a number of nationwide services that could provide some much needed help and guidance online or via telephone. See chapter nine for a list of a list of sources that are available throughout Ireland.

Generalised Anxiety Disorders

Generalised Anxiety Disorder By Ally Discovering I suffer from GAD took 15 years. Mental health wasn’t something we were educated about in school. Anxiety can come in so many forms and thankfully can be manageable. But when do you know it’s spiralling out of control? During my third year of university, my anxiety was probably at its peak. I would not only worry about “normal” things, like my exams, I’d worry about what people thought of me. I became compulsive and obsessive. I knew I wasn’t myself but until very recently, it hadn’t clicked that my anxiety started at such a young age. My bed became my cave. I wouldn’t crawl out of it for days. I couldn’t bear to speak to anyone. I hated myself. When I found myself in these deep, dark and depressive holes, suicide seemed to be an easy way out. I’m so grateful now that I never attempted it. Without the support from my GP, family and friends, I wouldn’t be here today. From the oblivious anxious seven-year-old, I had become a clinically depressed 21-year-old. I decided to seek support after months of depressive episodes. Anti-depressants were never an option for me but without them,

Generalised Anxiety Disorders

I don’t know how I would have got through the past few years. The first few months of taking them were challenging.

“

Suddenly going from sociable, I became a recluse. I hid it as well as I

could but found panic attacks and breakdowns soon became regular After a few months of feeling better and getting the help I needed to get by, I quickly decided I was ‘fine’ now. I tried to live a ‘normal’ 20-something

life. I became my worst enemy. December 2012, it all got too much again. I broke down at work and took a week off sick. My anxiety and mild OCD were preventing me from living a regular working life. By January 2013, I left my job. That first week was one of the hardest weeks of my life. It got better though. Taking very tiny steps, I’ve managed to pick myself up. Bad days still happen but looking after myself, relaxing, going to the right therapy group has helped me to see things in a new light. I haven’t thought about harming myself for a few weeks now. I can get out of bed and dressed even when I’m feeling low. I want to reach out to anyone going through a mental health condition – take your time. I pushed myself to feel better by ignoring my condition and I actually made myself worse. Remember you’re not alone. No one will ever understand what anyone is going through, but a good listener is all you need. Of course in this world of prejudice, violence and uncontrollable health complications, it’s impossible not to worry. But to accept this and keep moving is all you can do.

Bipolar disorder

06.

What is Bipolar disorder?

Bipolar disorder is a serious mental health problem and is sometimes also known as manic depression. If your child is affected by bipolar disorder you may notice that they will experience periods where they feel very happy or ‘manic’ and then extreme episodes where they feel very low or depressed which seem like extreme mood swings. These episodes can last for a few days or even a few weeks. “Never apologize for being sensitive or emotional. Let this be a sign that you’ve got a big heart and aren’t afraid to let others see it. Showing your emotions is a sign of strength.”

Some people with bipolar disorder do not have noticeable symptoms all of the time. Your child may go for periods of time feeling well and then at other times they will experience extreme mood swings. Some young people may experience other symptoms such as psychosis which is when a person sees or believe things that are not really there or real. Bipolar disorder is not the same as the normal ups and downs in every day life that most teenagers goes through. Bipolar symptoms are more powerful than that. The illness can make it very hard for a adolescent to do well in school or to get along with friends and family members.

Bipolar disorder

How does someone suffering with bipolar disorders feel? When children develop the illness, it is called early-onset bipolar disorder. This type can be more severe than bipolar disorder in adults. Young people with bipolar disorder may have symptoms more often and switch moods more frequently than adults with the illness. Bipolar disorder in young people can co-exist with other problems such as substance abuse, both adults and kids with bipolar disorder are at risk of drinking or taking drugs, Attention deficit/ hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and other mental illnesses, like depression and anxiety. Some mental illnesses cause symptoms that look like bipolar disorder. A person with bipolar disorder will often experience certain moods behaviours. Bipolar mood changes are called “mood episodes.” Your child may have manic episodes, depressive episodes, or “mixed” episodes. A mixed episode has both manic and depressive symptoms. Teens with bipolar disorder may have more mixed episodes than adults with the illness. Mood episodes last a week, sometimes longer. Mood episodes are intense. The feelings are strong and happen along with extreme changes in behavior and energy levels.

Bipolar disorder

Can bipolar disorders be prevented? People can take steps that help prevent the recurrence of a mood disorder or at least, minimize its impact. In addition, try to maintain a balance between work and play. Family and friends, social networks and a feeling of community all help to maintain mental well-being. Avoid drinking caffeinated beverages as they tend to increase anxiety, and minimize alcohol intake as it is a depressant. Know the early signs of a recurring depression or manic episode. The sooner symptoms are identified and treatment is initiated, the better the outcome. Getting treatment early and appropriately will lessen the impact of the episode and promote faster recovery. Whether your or someone you know about is experiencing a mood disorder such as depression or bipolar disorder, the future does not have to be bleak. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t let fear or embarrassment stop them from getting the help that they deserve and need for a better quality of life. Find out more about the mental health facilities and services that is available in your community. Remember neither you nor your child are not alone, there is help out there.

Bipolar disorder

How can I help my child if they have bipolar disorder? Taking care of a teenager with bipolar disorder can be stressful for you too. You have to cope with the mood swings and other problems, such as short tempers and risky activities. This can challenge any parent. Help your teen get the right diagnosis and treatment. If you think he or she may have bipolar disorder, make an appointment with your GP to talk about the symptoms. If your child has bipolar disorder, here are some basic things you can do:

Be patient

Encourage your child to talk, and listen to him or her carefully

Be understanding about mood episodes

Seek the correct treatment that is best for your teen

Help your child understand that treatment can help them get better

Introduction to services that helps them understand their disorder

Bipolar disorder

Should I seek professional help for my teen? Just like any other disease, mental illness responds better to early identification and treatment. Right now, there is no cure for bipolar disorder. Doctors often treat teenagers in a similar way they treat adults. Treatment can help control symptoms and works best when it is ongoing, instead of on and off. Bipolar disorder can respond very well to treatment. It can be treated with psychotherapy, counselling, education and medication. Self-help groups are also very beneficial in getting and staying on the road to recovery. 1. Medication: Different types of medication can help. Children respond to medications in different ways, so the type of medication depends on the child. Some children may need more than one type of medication because their symptoms are so complex. Sometimes they need to try different types of medicine to see which are best for them. Children should take the fewest number and smallest amounts of medications as possible to help their symptoms. A good way to remember this is “start low, go slow”. Always tell your child’s doctor about any

Bipolar disorder

problems with side effects. Do not stop giving your teen medication without a doctor’s help. Stopping medication suddenly can be dangerous, and it can make bipolar symptoms worse. 2. Therapy: Different kinds of psychotherapy, or “talk” therapy, can help children with bipolar disorder. Therapy can help children change their behaviour and manage their routines. It can also help young people get along better with family and friends. Sometimes therapy includes family members. 3. Support: A supportive network of family and friends is also very helpful. You can help treatment be more effective. Try keeping a chart of your teenagers moods, behaviours, and sleep patterns. This is called a “daily life chart” or “mood chart.” It can help you and your teens understand and track the illness. A chart can also help the doctor see whether treatment is working. Chapter nine provides a list of Irish based services that cater to the needs of adolescence with mental health issues.

Bipolar disorder

My life as a bipolar teen By Abbie

Being 16, I’ve always known that my mood swings weren’t normal for kids. I mean sure, everyone has mood swings, and hormonal moods. But I knew mine weren’t just my hormones. One week I’d be extremely low and contemplating suicide. I didn’t see a better life ahead. I had made many attempts to end my life because I was so low. On the other side of the spectrum I’d be energetic beyond that of anyone I knew, I would talk for hours on end and the teachers at school couldn’t get a word in edgeways. I’d run around aimlessly and I couldn’t sleep. I was in pure euphoria. I’d have my normal days where I could just relax, sleep was normal. I’d focus moderately better and my behaviour was heaps better. I’d also get angry extremely easily. Something as small as someone walking a different direction would cause me to throw anger fits and hit walls.. Everything I did was on impulse, I’d spend my life on the edge and without thought, speaking and acting before I could

Bipolar disorder

think. I got expelled from one school, and was on the edge of being expelled from my second.

“

I finally realised that none of my mood swings were normal, so I took

a big step and talked to my mum. Bipolar disorder ran in her side of the

“

family and she had always seen that trait in me although she would never say it in case she offended me

I spoke to my local GP who was extremely worried about my condition as I’d been so suicidal and down. He urgently rang a psychiatrist who fit me in straight away. I had two options at that point, Go to the pshychiatrist or the doctor wanted me admitted to hospital. I couldn’t stand being in hospital so I reluctantly went to the pshyc. He recognized my condition straight away. He said I had bipolar and that I had done the right thing going to my GP. I was put on medication. I’ll be on it for the rest of my life. I want other teens to realise that mental health issues aren’t taboo any more and get the help they need. It’s good knowing I’ll get better eventually!

Schizophrenia disorder

07.

What is Schizophrenia disorder? At first glance, schizophrenia may seem like a great puzzle. Its causes are still uncertain; its symptoms, variable. It is an often-misunderstood illness. Even those who have it do not totally understand the nature of their condition, so it can be a confusing, terrifying experience. Add to that the normal stress of teenage life, and you have captured the essence of teenage schizophrenia: a world of fear, confusion and helplessness in a world of your own. Schizophrenia is a brain disorder that affects the way a person acts, thinks, and sees the world. People with schizophrenia have an altered perception of reality, often a significant loss of contact with reality. They may see or hear things that don’t exist, speak in strange or confusing ways, believe that others are trying to harm them, or feel like they’re being constantly watched. With

“..balancing time you

such a blurred line between the real and the imaginary, schizophrenia makes it

spend with or without

difficult—even frightening—to negotiate the activities of daily life. In response,

people is crucial for mental health.”

people with schizophrenia may withdraw from the outside world or act out in confusion and fear.

Schizophrenia disorder

What can cause Schizophrenia? The causes of schizophrenia are not fully known yet. Most cases appear in the late teens or early adulthood. However, schizophrenia can appear for the first time in middle age or even later. In rare cases, schizophrenia can even affect young children and adolescents, although the symptoms are slightly different. However, it appears that schizophrenia usually results from a complex interaction between genetic and environmental factors. Genetic causes of schizophrenia: Schizophrenia has a strong hereditary component. Individuals with a firstdegree relative (parent or sibling) who has schizophrenia have a 10 percent chance of developing the disorder, as opposed to the 1 percent chance of the general population. But schizophrenia is only influenced by genetics, not determined by it. While schizophrenia runs in families, about 60% of schizophrenics have no family members with the disorder. Furthermore, individuals who are genetically predisposed to schizophrenia donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t always develop the disease, which shows that biology is not destiny.

Schizophrenia disorder

Environmental causes of schizophrenia: As for the environmental factors, more research is pointing to stress, either during pregnancy or at a later stage of development. High levels of stress are believed to trigger schizophrenia by increasing the bodyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s production of the hormone cortisol. Research points to several stress-inducing environmental factors that may be involved in schizophrenia, including: Prenatal exposure to a viral infection: Low oxygen levels during birth (from prolonged labor or premature birth, exposure to a virus during infancy and early parental loss or separation Abnormal brain structure: Abnormalities in brain structure may also play a role in schizophrenia. Enlarged brain ventricles are seen in some schizophrenics, indicating a deficit in the volume of brain tissue. There is also evidence of abnormally low activity the area of the brain responsible for planning, reasoning, and decision-making.

Schizophrenia disorder

How do I know if my teenager has Schizophrenia? It can sometimes be difficult to distinguish the onset of schizophrenia from other mental disorders such as depression or social anxiety disorders. This type of disorder is diagnosed using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). Schizophrenia often starts slowly. When the symptoms first appear, usually in adolescence they may seem more bewildering than serious. In the early stages, people with schizophrenia may find themselves losing the ability to relax, concentrate or sleep. They may start to shut long-time friends out of their lives. Work or school begins to suffer; so does their personal appearance. During this time, there may be one or more episodes where they talk in ways that may be difficult to understand and/or start having unusual perceptions. Once it has taken hold, schizophrenia tends to appear in cycles of remission and relapse. When in remission, a person with schizophrenia may seem relatively unaffected and can more or less function in society. During relapse, however, it is a different story.

Schizophrenia disorder

What are the typical symptoms that I should be aware of? It can be difficult to diagnose schizophrenia in teens. This is because the first signs can include a change of friends, a drop in grades, sleep problems, and irritability—behaviors that are quite common among most teenagers. A combination of factors can predict schizophrenia in up to 80% of youth who are at high risk of developing the illness. These factors include isolating themselves from their close family and friends and withdrawing from others, an increase in unusual thoughts and suspicions, and a family history of psychosis. In young people who develop the disease, this stage of the disorder is called the “prodromal” period. The symptoms of schizophrenia vary greatly from person to person and from very mild to quite severe. A specialist is needed in order to make a full diagnosis for schizophrenia, especially because there are no diagnostic tests. There are a few notable symptoms that could indicate that your teen could be suffering from schizophrenia disorder including:

Schizophrenia disorder

What can I do if my teenager has schizophrenia? People with schizophrenia often resist treatment. They may not think they need help because they believe their delusions or hallucinations are real. In these cases, family and friends may need to take action to keep their loved one safe. Laws vary from state to state, and it can be difficult to force a person with a mental disorder into treatment or hospitalization. But when a person becomes dangerous to himself or herself, or to others, family members or friends may have to call the police to take their loved one to the hospital. Treatment options for schizophrenia are good, and the outlook for the disorder continues to improve. With medication, therapy, and a strong support network, many people with schizophrenia are able to control their symptoms, gain greater independence, and lead fulfilling lives. If you think that someone close to you has schizophrenia, you can make a difference by showing your love and support and helping that person get properly evaluated and treated. To learn about local support services that are available to both you and your child see chapter nine.

Schizophrenia disorder

What kind of professional treatment should I seek for my teen? To reduce the impact of schizophrenia on the individual early diagnosis couple with the appropriate type of treatment is critical. During severe psychotic episodes some individuals with schizophrenia may require hospitalization to stabilize the person and help them in developing a proper treatment plan. However, some individuals are able to be helped using intense outpatient treatment. A person with schizophrenia should leave the hospital or outpatient facility with a treatment plan that will minimize symptoms and maximize quality of life. A comprehensive treatment program should usually include the following: 1.

Antipsychotic medication

Education & support, for both ill individuals and families

Social skills training and rehabilitation to improve daily living

Vocational and recreational support

Cognitive therapy

Schizophrenia disorder

My Schizophrenic Sister By Anonymous

My 13-year-old sister has schizophrenia. This is uncommon for someone so young. Usually the diagnosis is made when the person reaches adulthood, but my sister has always been one to get a jump-start on things. Although I am the older sister, she is often the one to take the first step and risk it all. She learned to ride a bike when she was four, while I was too afraid to try until I was eight. Our family has had to jump over our share of hurdles. My sister and I, as well as our younger brother, are adopted. We share the same mother, who was also diagnosed with schizophrenia (in addition to other mental illnesses), but we have different fathers. I have always considered my adoptive family to be my real family. Our adoptive mother is no spring chicken and also has multiple sclerosis, which has made it extremely difficult for her to raise kids, never mind one who has a mental illness. Nevertheless, she has done an amazing job. Without her, our family would fall apart. She is the one who remains strong through all the hard times, but of course, she worries about my sister. Since she was 8, my sister has wanted to be a boy. She likes boys and is boy crazy.

Schizophrenia disorder

The stereotypes that surround those with schizophrenia are often that the person is extremely violent and “walks around carrying a hatchet.” A schizophrenic’s perception of reality often gets distorted so that sometimes they hear voices or think they are a famous person. Schizophrenia is also often confused with multiple personality

“

disorder, but someone with schizophrenia does not have two different people inside the head

My sister’s particular distorted version of reality has to do with food. She believes she’ll become sick if she eats. When she is told that food is beneficial and won’t harm her, she replies, “I know, but my mind is telling me that I’ll get sick. I want to eat, but I can’t.” So not only is she schizophrenic, but she’s also anorexic. Being thin might have something to do with her obsession. Her psychiatrist explained that her mental illness could have been directed at anything it just happened to be food. I have laughed and cried with my sister. I have flung food at her during food fights and have tried in vain to get her to drink a measly cup of water. I have hugged her and hurt her, told her stories and listened to the stories she thinks are reality. I love her and will always hate hearing people jokingly say they are “schizo” or refer to those people who are plagued with this illness. It is an illness that should not be shunned or made fun of but understood.

Body Dysmorphic Disorder

08.

What is Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD)? Most of us have something we don’t like about our appearance — a crooked nose or an uneven smile. And though we may fret about our imperfections, they don’t interfere with our daily lives. But people who have body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) think about their real or perceived flaws for hours each day. BDD is a condition that involves obsessions, which are distressing thoughts that repeatedly intrude into a person’s awareness. With BDD, the distressing thoughts are about perceived appearance flaws. People with BDD might focus on what they think is a facial flaw, but they can also worry about other body parts. Just as people with eating disorders obsess about their weight, those with BDD become obsessed over an aspect of their appearance. Because of

“We must accept finite disappointment, but we must never lose infinite hope.”

the distorted body image caused by BDD, a person might believe that they is too horribly ugly or disfigured to be seen.

Body Dysmorphic Disorder

Are there any characteristics of BDD? BDD is a body-image disorder characterized by persistent and intrusive preoccupations with an imagined or slight defect in oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s appearance. People with BDD can dislike any part of their body, although they often find fault with their hair, skin, nose, chest, or stomach. In reality, a perceived defect may be only a slight imperfection or nonexistent. But for someone with BDD, the flaw is significant and prominent, often causing severe emotional distress and difficulties in daily functioning. BDD most often develops in adolescents and teens, and research shows that it affects men and women almost equally. The causes of BDD are unclear, but certain biological and environmental factors may contribute to its development, including genetic predisposition, neurobiological factors such as malfunctioning of serotonin in the brain, personality traits, and life experiences.

Body Dysmorphic Disorder

What are the most common symptoms of BDD? People with BDD tend to have low self-esteem, avoid of social situations, and have problems at work or school. Severe BDD may avoid leaving their homes altogether and even have suicidal thoughts. BDD sufferers may perform some type of compulsive or repetitive behaviour to try to hide or improve their flaws although these behaviours usually give only temporary relief. Examples are listed below:

Camouflaging (with clothing, makeup, hair, etc.)

Comparing body part to othersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; appearance

Seeking surgery

Checking in a mirror or avoiding them altogether

Skin picking

Excessive grooming, clothes changing and exercise

Body Dysmorphic Disorder

What should I do if my child has BDD? Parents see their teens every day and know what’s “normal” for them. Needless to say, if something develops, parents should be the first to notice – and help. Parents need to always listen to their guts. When you see a major change in your child and you notice habits and preoccupations that you think are ‘weird,’ then talk to them. Don’t judge, and go seek some professional help. The most important thing to remember is that BDD is a legitimate mental and physical health problem affecting both male and female teens every. day. Knowledge is power, once you can look beyond the symptoms and recognize that BDD is born from other circumstances and experiences, then you can uncover a way to help each other heal. If you’re concerned that your child has BDD, talk to a GP or mental health professional. A careful assessment can help to clarify what’s causing the distress and whether BDD is behind it.

Body Dysmorphic Disorder

Getting professional help for a teenager with BDD If you are concerned that your teen may have BDD, you should seek professional help as soon as possible. It is important to seek help at an early stage, to give them the best chance to sort out the issues before a more serious problems then it already is. The first step would normally be to visit your GP. Your GP can provide an assessment and diagnosis, and help your childs access appropriate treatment. Below are a few treatments that may be suggested by your GP to help your teen. Cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT): Cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) is a form of therapy that aims to identify connections between thoughts, feelings and behaviour, and to help develop practical skills to manage them. It can be done one-to-one, or in a group. For body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), CBT will normally focus on your general attitude to body image and physical appearance, as well as your concerns about your own appearance. It aims to reduce your need to carry out unhelpful behaviours and gradually make you feel less anxious about your body.

Body Dysmorphic Disorder

Specialist BDD services: If you require more intensive support, your GP or mental health specialist may refer your child to a psychiatrist or service that specialises in BDD. Access to specialist services is limited across the country and you and your child may need to travel outside your local area to seek the appropriate help that they need. Waiting times for specialist services can also be very long. Community mental health and social care: If initial treatment is not helpful, you may be referred to a GP or mental health specialist experienced with BDD where your teen will be given a more thorough assessment which will look at your teens health and social care needs, and a potential care plan for any future treatments. Chapter ten also provides some services that may be helpful to both you and your teenager during this tough period in their life.

Body Dysmorphic Disorder

My face and I: a personal recollection of BDD By Melissa I am a 13-year-old girl and it is the end of the school day at my school. I’ve just been told by the boy that I’ve been obsessed with for months that I am “too ugly” to be his girlfriend. A mirror hangs on the inside of my locker door and for the first time in my life I close my eyes every time it catches my reflection. I don’t want to see my face anymore. I didn’t know that I was ugly — everyone else must have kept it a secret from me. I hate them for it. I go home and scrub all the makeup off my freckled skin. I’m so embarrassed that I’d actually tried to wear it in the first place. I don’t want people to think that I don’t know that my face is repulsive. I don’t want them to think I’m wearing makeup to fix it. For the next six months, I cover my face with my hand every time a mirror threatens to make me look. I dig my face out of every photograph with a wet finger. My psychological reaction to being called ugly is still a mystery to me. I suppose I could have shrugged it off, or called that dude a jerk, or just chalked it up to a bad choice in crushes, but I did none of those. I just took his word for

Body Dysmorphic Disorder

it and became absolutely convinced that there were no redeeming qualities in my face.I took great care to make sure that other people knew that I knew I was ugly. I wore no makeup. I began dressing in men’s baggy T-shirts and a number of other garments from my father’s closet. When walking in public I kept my gaze planted on the ground. I used mirrors as a tool to reinforce the perception of my own

“

hideousness. I would scrutinise my skin for hours — picking and digging my nails into my flesh

I remember being in a class in school and having to watch a video of myself from some group project, my stomach churned and my face burned with fear. I couldn’t do it. I buried my face deep into my crossed arms, and stared at the blackness of my desk until the viewing was over. I couldn’t find a single person with the disorder to interview for this story. And I know it’s not because I’m the only one to have suffered from BDD. I was lucky in that the problem went away with time, therapies, and perspective. For other sufferers of BDD, the issue persists and cripples every aspect of their life. The real key is in ending the silence those shame-based inner thoughts that keep our true selves at bay. So, I tell you my story in hope that you can speak yours. Please know you are not alone. There is help.

Mental health services

09.

Mental health services

You would not hesitate to go to your doctor for a broken leg; seeking help for mental health is no different. If your child is showing signs of a mental health disorder, talk to someone. Cork based CAMHâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S - Brothers of Charity (General Mental Health) Contact: 021 435447

Cork Counselling (General Mental Health)

Location: Hazelton Clinic, Ardfallen Medical Centre, Douglas Road Contact: 021) 493-6006 or (021) 422-2977 GROW (General Mental Health)

Location: Wilton S.M.A. Parish Centre, (Between Church & Shopping Centre) www.grow.ie

Contact: 021-4277520 Kinsale Youth Support Services (General Mental Health) www.kyss.ie

Mental health services

Samaritans (General Mental Health)

Childline

Contact: 021 427 1323

Contact: 1800 66 66 66

www.corksamaritans.ie

Shine (General Mental Health) www.shineonline.ie

Contact: 021 422 6064 Suicide Aware (Suicidal Thoughts)

Location: Hillside House, Rochestown, Cork, Ireland

www.childline.ie

Headstrong (General Mental Health) www.headstrong.ie

HSE Services Cork www.hse.ie

Email: suicideaware@gmail.com

Lean On Me (Depression)

Youth Health Service (General Mental Health)

OCD Ireland (OCD and BDD)

Email: yhs@hse.ie

Email: info@ocdireland.org

Contact: +353 87 945 4202

Location:73 Shandon Street,Cork Contact: 021-4220490 Nationwide Aware (Depression) www.aware.ie

Email. wecanhelp@aware.ie, info@aware.ie

Contact: 01 661 7211 Helpline: 1890 303 302 BodyWhys (Eating Disorders)

www.leanonme.net

General Inquiries:

Parentline (Support for parents) www.parentline.ie

ReachOut (General Mental Health) www.ReachOut.com

Spunout (General Mental Health) www.spunout.ie

www.bodywhys.ie

Contact:1890 200 444

And remember to