Factors that influence mental health in young people cont.
Although some young people may be more likely to develop poor mental health, many young people with these risk factors will not. Furthermore, young people can also experience poor mental health even when they do not fit into groups statistically more likely to do so. “It’s important to understand that people from different or disadvantaged backgrounds may have additional struggles and barriers. But also knowing that it might not be their background that is impacting them.” Teddy, 17 years old Risk factors for poor mental health include, but are not limited to: Caring responsibilities Why can this be a risk factor? A young carer is a person under 18 who is looking after a family member who is unwell or disabled, or who is helping by looking after the other family members whilst the usual caregiver can’t. A young carer will often have more responsibilities than other young people, which can cause stress or feelings of isolation. What do we need to know? One in five children are young carers in some capacity. Some children begin giving care from a very young age whilst others become carers overnight (28). A young carer may provide both emotional and practical support to the person they are caring for, such as nursing, bathing, and dressing them. They also may be investing a lot of time and energy into their care responsibilities, and they may not find enough time for themselves. With little time for themselves it is difficult for young carers to also cope with education or a job.
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