Epidemiological data from around the world shows that a significant percentage of mental disorders, including conditions like depression and anxiety, develop in children and adolescents. The statistics are troubling, with as many as one third of mental disorders emerging before the age of 14, and two-thirds by age 25. Unfortunately, despite these alarming figures, the mental health needs of young people are often not being met.
In the UK, for example, the Children’s Commissioner has reported that only 32% of young people who require mental health support are able to access specialist care. Barriers such as long waiting times, limited resources, and rejected referrals are preventing many young people from receiving the help they need. This highlights a clear gap in meeting the mental health needs of children and adolescents.
To address this issue, researchers are exploring the potential of self-care strategies and digital resources as a means of support for young people. However, there is debate surrounding the effectiveness and universal implementation of these self-help interventions. Therefore, a recent study conducted by Town and colleagues sought to define and refine the concepts of self-care, self-management, and self-help specifically tailored to adolescents’ emotional needs.
The study utilized rigorous methodology, including searching multiple databases, screening titles and abstracts, and conducting a thematic analysis of the included studies. The researchers identified 12 themes that emerged from their analysis, including the common thread of digital availability among the self-help, self-care, and self-management interventions.
The review also shed light on the unique characteristics and strategies associated with each concept. For example, self-help was found to emphasize independent actions, such as digital interventions, that reduce stigma and increase access to mental health support. Self-care extended beyond regular activities to incorporate elements like sleep, diet, and exercise, while self-management emphasized proactive and structured approaches for managing symptoms.
The study also highlighted the need for further research to better support adolescents with unmet mental health needs, particularly within marginalized communities like LGBTQ+ youth. The authors suggested that clinicians consider these unified perspectives when planning interventions, and emphasized the importance of tailored approaches for specific populations.
Overall, the study provides valuable insights into the potential of self-help, self-care, and self-management interventions for adolescents with emotional difficulties. It presents a preliminary framework for understanding these concepts and their potential implications for practice. However, the authors also acknowledge the need for further research to fully realize the benefits of these strategies across diverse adolescent populations, particularly within marginalized communities.
