50% of mental health problems are established by age 14 and 75% by age 24.
70% of children and adolescents who experience mental health problems have not had appropriate interventions at a sufficiently early age. Sadly CAMHS is under-resourced and the waiting lists are incredibly long.
Acupuncture is incredibly effective and well suited to treating teens and mental health conditions. It is also NOT talking therapy. For some individuals talking therapies are a wonderful resource and have great benefits. For others the idea of talking is difficult. It may not suit them or they may not really be able to articulate what is bothering them – they simply know that life is overwhelming them and they need some help.
The metamorphosis into adolescence involves real physiological changes. These are all normal and involve many feelings of de stabilisation for a young person. Their sleep patterns change, their body changes, romantic/sensual feelings stir and they are starting to want to take risks and challenge the life of the family nest. All of this takes place seemingly in retreat (the bedroom with the door shut) whilst rejecting family help and sometimes love and involvement and yet underneath the hard exterior of their cocoon, there is a very vulnerable individual. It is no wonder that things can be overwhelming.
It is a time of so much change happening that they may feel like they are living life on a wobble board. Underneath whatever exterior you see in your child, there will be lots of vulnerability as they play with how they present themselves to the world. They need exercise, a good diet, love, understanding and freedom to self-express, challenge and take a few risks. Equally they should be allowed to sit with a bit of sadness and grief at the mourning of their childhood and childhood dreams as they engage with the reality of a grown up world. It is an exciting metamorphosis into adolescence but for those who are struggling, things can be eased by getting help when needed.
If you wish to discuss your own child’s situation, please call Clare Ward Acupuncture on 07766 370914.
