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Nearly Half of Parents are in Denial About Their Child's Mental Health
More than half of parents in England do not talk to their children about stress, anxiety or depression, new research has revealed. The poll of more than 1,100 parents discovered 55 per cent had never spoken about the subject with many saying it was because they didn't know what to say.
Almost half of parents said they felt they did not need to have the conversation because mental health was 'not an issue.' But with recent figures showing children as young as four are receiving for treatment for a host of mental health problems, including depression and anxiety, charities are urging people not to shy away from the subject. One in ten young people will experience a mental health problem which equates to three in every classroom, according to the campaign. The survey results have been released as part of a campaign, funded by the Department of Health, to break down the stigma associated with mental health. The poll, of parents to children aged between six and 18, was carried out by market research company Opinion Matters. It is part of the Time to Change campaign, set up by charities Mind and Rethink Mental Illness in a bid to end the stigma and discrimination experienced by people with mental health problems. Experts have warned children are coming under increasing stress, with pressure from social media, cyber-bullying, school exams - and even 'early sexualisation'. Statistics reveal the number of cases has risen by almost a fifth with issues including anxiety, depression, problems dealing with social situations and low mood. Sue Baker, director of Time to Change, said that now has to be 'the generation for change.'
'Recent research has also shown that more than two-thirds of headteachers were worried about their pupils' mental health,' she said. 'Sadly, the stigma experienced as a result stops young people from doing everyday things such as going out with friends, attending school and having relationships. 'A quarter have also told us that stigma has made them want to give up on life.' Nadine Peacock's 19-year-old daughter Emma experienced mental health problems in her early teens. She said parents of other children at the school were initially understanding and supportive but then started to avoid her. 'I felt quite let down by people, who were quick to judge without asking me about what was really going on. As a family, we all felt stigmatised,' she said. Her advice is to make mental health a part of everyday conversation to make it easier if there are problems. ‘Even if your child isn't experiencing any issues, if something does crop up further down the line at least then they feel like they can have an open conversation with you about it,' she said. Daniela Beck, 19, said she started to experience mental health problems when she was just 12 years old. 'Some of my friends thought that I was attention seeking. They would say things like, ''why are you crying? Nothing is wrong with you. You're such a drama queen.'' 'Comments like this made me feel even more isolated,' she said. 'When it comes to being there for someone with a mental health problem, just simply listening and not judging is key. 'There isn't any expectation of you to solve or change anything, but giving your friend space to talk, without a fear of being judged, can make a massive impact.' Minister for community and social care, Alistair Burt, urged people to talk about their mental health. 'Talking about mental health can be hard – for young people, for teachers, and for parents and carers – but often it is a vital first step towards greater understanding. 'This campaign is the largest of its kind, funded by government, and is part of the biggest transformation to young people's mental health. 'There is no question that tackling stigma remains a big challenge. I hope this campaign breaks down barriers and helps all with responsibilities towards children speak more about mental health with them.' Written by Kate Pickles Retrieved From:
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