Coping with Your Adolescent.... ‌..your adolescent coping with you King Edward VI School Parents Wednesday 9th May 2018
Continuum of Emotional wellbeing
Wholly content, positive and optimistic
Despair, hopeless, possibly suicidal
Did you know....? Statistically….
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Over 194 current KES boys and girls will suffer from depression at some stage of their lives, many before they leave school
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Approximately 97 are suffering from a diagnosable mental health problem today
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About 42 will suffer from an anxiety or stress disorder
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A similar number girls AND boys will suffer from a relationship with food - or exercise - that is a significant cause for concern
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Approximately 30 of the current 6th form will have selfharmed
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75% of all mental health disorders originate during adolescence, 50% by age 15
What is adolescence?
(The Limbic System)
DNA(Nature)
BEHAVIOUR
TRIGGERS
EMOTION
COGNITION
PHYSIOLOGY EXPERIENCE (Nurture)
ANXIETY AND STRESS DISORDERS Generalised Anxiety Disorder
Panic Disorder
OCD
Separation Disorder
PTSD
Phobic Disorder Acute Stress Disorder
SELF-HARM 13% of 15/16 year olds Three times more girls than boys
It works……
Release of emotional pain
Depression “...a
loss of interest and enjoyment in ordinary things and experiences...low mood and a range of associated emotional, cognitive, physical and behavioural symptoms.� National Clinical Practice Guideline
Signs and Symptoms •Tearful •Withdrawn from friends and/or family •No longer enjoying hobbies •Unable to concentrate •Sadness •Tired all the time •Poor communication •Feeling hopeless or helpless •Irritable •Lack of motivation •Anxious •Angry •Neglect of appearance and/or hygiene
DEPRESSED? OR JUST A BIT HACKED OFF?
Duration Distress Disability
Top Tips! •
Encourage fresh air, exercise and decent sleep!
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Encourage laughter and fun! Always leave space and time to chill!
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Negotiate than than dictate: imposition should be last resort
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Communicate with school and with anyone with whom your son/daughter has a positive relationship
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Talk to your son/daughter - even if he/she doesn’t talk to you!
More Top Tips! •
Listen to him/her, even if he/she doesn’t listen to you! Try to avoid judging…
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Don’t hesitate to speak to your doctor if you feel your son/ daughter’s emotional wellbeing is under threat. Be pushy if necessary.
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Avoid imposing your own aspirations: A*s are not essential for a happy life
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Discuss emotions: Prepare for failure and ‘Man Up’! Take a deep breath and don’t insist on the last word
Life is not about waiting for the storms to pass, it is about learning to dance in the rain. www.dickmoore.org