Nip in the Bud’s Post

Some tough to read research about children’s mental health 🧠 Among 8-18 year olds found two-fifths (39%) felt worried every week, including 36% of eight-year-olds and 43% of nine-year-olds. A similar 37% of all children regularly felt stressed. Did you know that mental health is Bupa’s highest claims area for children and younger people aged 4-17. We want to be the number one choice for families. At Bupa we have created a parent’s guide to opening up mental health conversations with their children, helping them to break through the bubble and be heard. We’ve produced interactive videos with mental health platform Just Ask a Question (JAAQ) to help parents have these important conversations and highlight what mental health signs to look out for. We haven’t stopped there! Since January 2024 We’ve onboarded 670 NEW mental health therapists into our network 📣 AND we’ve launched our first Child and Adolescent Triage service pilot with the Priory hospital. This pilot allows children to access an in-depth MH assessment, ensuring our members are getting the most appropriate treatment at the earliest opportunity. #BupaFamily+ #BeHeard

The alarming statistics are in: according to a recent report by Bupa, a staggering number of parents are grappling with their children's mental health. From anxiety and ADHD to depression, the invisible burden on our young is immense. Yet, the reality is that many parents feel ill-equipped to navigate this complex terrain. The shortage of mental health care workers is exacerbating this crisis, leading to delayed diagnoses and insufficient support for children in need. It's time to shine a spotlight on this issue and increase investment in mental health services. We must empower parents with the tools and resources they need to identify potential issues early and seek appropriate help. By fostering open conversations and breaking down stigma, we can create a supportive environment for our children to thrive. https://lnkd.in/e77egKvG #childmentalhealth #mentalhealth #healthcare #crisis #investinmentalhealth #earlyintervention #supportourchildren

Analysis of data over the past five years shows that mental health is the area in which RedArc has provided the most support for children. This data shows there is a very clear and rising need for mental health support for children. Therefore, RedArc believes that it is important that such support is made available, and that when it is available, it is made clear. #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek

Mental healthcare is a life-saving, preventative form of healthcare that everyone should be able to access. This #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth, I’m taking inspiration from Young Invincibles' mental health agenda, created by young people, for young people. They’ve identified policies and structural changes that can help young adults get the care they need and deserve, including calls to: ➡️ Improve access to mental healthcare on college campuses ➡️ Increase the number of trauma-informed, culturally competent mental health providers ➡️ Make the first three mental health visits free ➡️ Reform mental health coverage https://bit.ly/3WHru1d

👂 One Word for Better Parent-Child Communication: Listen Up! 📣 Many parents worry about their children's mental health, but struggle to have open conversations. A new study reveals a surprising key: communication. Dr. Naveen Puri, Medical Director for Bupa UK Insurance, highlights the importance of listening and creating an open environment. The number one suggestion? Stop trying to be your child's friend. While maintaining a friendly atmosphere is important, children need strong parental figures who can set boundaries and provide guidance. This doesn't mean being distant – it means being a source of support and structure. Dr Naveen says it is important to ensure your children feel HEARD: 1) How are you?: Keeping it informal, avoid distractions and genuinely ask them about their day. 2) Empathise: Try to put yourself in their shoes, rather than becoming agitated if they tell you they’re struggling with stress. 3) Acknowledge: When your child shares how they feel, acknowledge it with simple phrases.  4) Reflect: As the conversation develops, play back what you’ve heard them say. 5) Direct: Direct the conversation towards next steps. Let's prioritize open communication to help our children thrive! #mentalhealth #parenting #communication #wellbeing

The beneficial bond between older adults and pets – shared from the CarePatrol blog: Mental Health Benefits: Pets can help older adults who live with mental health conditions. In a study from 2006, researchers divided seniors in retirement communities into three groups: 48 older adults were given a canary, 43 older adults were given a plant, and 53 adults were given nothing. Those who received the canary said they had a higher quality of life than the other two groups. A similar study showed dog-assisted therapy may be beneficial for some residents of aged care facilities with dementia as dog-assisted intervention also showed significant improvements on a measure of quality of life and depression scores. Moreover, older adults who owned a pet were 36% less likely than non-pet owners to report loneliness.

The State Of #MentalHealth In America https://lnkd.in/gDBggETc Key Findings 2024: In 2021-2022, 23% of adults experienced a mental illness in the past year, equivalent to nearly 60 million Americans. More than 5% of the U.S. adult population (12.8 million people) reported experiencing serious thoughts of suicide. After slight decreases in suicide deaths in 2019 and 2020, the number of individuals who died by suicide in 2022 was the highest number ever recorded in the U.S. 3% of youth ages 12-17 reported experiencing serious thoughts of suicide. The percentage of youth reporting suicidal ideation was highest among youth who identified as Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander (25%) and more than one race (20%). 1 in 5 youth had at least one major depressive episode (MDE) in the past year. Over half of them – nearly 3 million youth - did not receive treatment. Of those who did receive treatment, only 65% said it helped them. The vast majority of individuals with a substance use disorder in the U.S. are not receiving treatment. 18% of adults in the U.S. had a substance use disorder in the past year. Of them, 77% did not receive treatment. 9% of youth in the U.S. had a substance use disorder in the past year. Youth were more likely to struggle with drugs than alcohol - 3% had an alcohol use disorder in the past year, while 7% had a drug use disorder. 60.5% of youth in the U.S. are flourishing, which is associated with school engagement and other positive outcomes for youth. The percentage of youth who were flourishing was highest in Georgia, Illinois, and Hawaii. Cost is still a significant barrier to accessing mental health care. 1 in 4 adults with frequent mental distress could not see a doctor due to cost, a 2% increase over the last report. 10% of adults with a mental illness are uninsured. In 2022, 64% of adults who were uninsured said that they did not have health insurance because they could not afford it. Millions of adults and youth in the U.S. still lack parity in insurance coverage of mental health and substance use services. 10% of adults and 8.5% of youth still have private insurance that does not cover mental health. Only 0.67% of students are identified as having an emotional disturbance (ED) for an Individualized Education Program (IEP). While there was an increase in mental distress among students from 2019-2021, the percentage of students identified with emotional disturbance for an IEP decreased in all states except for Wyoming, Texas, and South Dakota. There are 340 people for every 1 mental health provider in the U.S. However, these figures may be an overestimate of active mental health professionals, as it may include providers who are no longer practicing or accepting new patients.

Caregiver burnout is a state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion. It occurs when family caregivers try to do more than they are able to, often without adequate support. Burnout can manifest in various ways, including: ✓ Physical symptoms: Fatigue, sleep problems, and frequent illnesses. ✓ Emotional symptoms: Feelings of hopelessness, depression, and irritability. ✓ Mental symptoms: Difficulty concentrating, forgetfulness, and a sense of being overwhelmed. Recognizing these symptoms early can help caregivers act before burnout becomes severe. Call us today - let our team provide the additional helping hands needed to support you and your loved one. ✍️ https://lnkd.in/edjHudK4 #BristolHospice #HelpingHands #Caregiver #Support

Having culturally sensitive resources when dealing with a loved one's mental health challenges is vital. Access the Caregiver Action Network's Blueprint for BIPOC Caregivers of Children With Mental Health Issues: https://lnkd.in/ejxBRR4z

Understanding the key contributors to stress is essential for mental health professionals, and financial concerns often top the list. According to Walden University, financial stress is a significant factor impacting mental health practitioners' well-being. SupportPay offers a solution by providing a platform that simplifies the management of financial obligations, including child support payments. By reducing the anxiety associated with financial management, SupportPay allows mental health professionals to focus more on their vital work with clients. Empower your practice by managing stress effectively with streamlined financial tools. #MentalHealth #FinancialWellness #Stressmanagement https://lnkd.in/gBunfdqA.