Adolescent development
“Young people who are going through a lot of different things might act strangely to adults. They can feel stress from friendships and the pressure of all the schoolwork we are given, especially when there are close due dates.” Ines, 11 years old Adolescent development and Youth MHFA How to reflect on your individual Frame of Reference An understanding of how the brain changes during adolescence can help explain the contradictions a young person experiences during this period of their life. Young people at this age are close to reaching peak physical health, strength, and mental capacity – but for some it can be a time filled with challenges. Most adolescents go through the transitional age well, but it is important to understand the risk factors involved. A changing brain and hormones, as well as genetics and childhood experience, can all shape behaviour. For many Youth MHFAiders adolescence, and the associated attitudes and behaviours, may seem far removed from their current view on the world. It’s important that anyone who is supporting an adolescent keeps in mind that the various chemical and physical changes going on for them are out of their control. It’s also important that the Youth MHFAider tries not to compare their own experiences of youth with those of the young person they are supporting. How we can separate poor mental health and adolescent development Mental health and adolescent development are interrelated, influencing each other in many ways. It can often be difficult to distinguish the signs of poor mental health from normal adolescent
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