Teenagers more likely to seek help for depression and anxiety in the autumn
TL;DR
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A new study has found that teenagers are more likely to visit their GP about depression and anxiety in the autumn, at the start of the school year.
The study, published in the journal PLOS One, examined anonymised electronic health records from GPs of 5 million individuals in England over 13 years.
The researchers sought to identify seasonal patterns in antidepressant prescribing and mental health consultations among adolescents and young adults.
They found that at the beginning of the school year in autumn, there were higher rates of antidepressant prescriptions and consultations for depression and anxiety among adolescents, alongside increased rates of self-harm. These trends were not observed in older age groups.
The study suggests that the transition back to school in the autumn can be a particularly challenging time for adolescents, and that mental health support should be focused on this age group during this time of year.
There are a number of possible reasons why adolescents may be more likely to experience mental health problems in the autumn.
The start of a new school year can be a time of increased stress and anxiety, as students face new challenges academically and socially. Additionally, the shorter days and colder weather of the autumn and winter months can lead to feelings of isolation and depression.
I am a parent of a teenager – what can I do to support them during the autumn months?
Be vigilant for signs of mental health problems, such as changes in mood, sleep, and appetite.
Provide them with opportunities to socialise and exercise, and to talk about their feelings.
If they are struggling, encourage them to seek professional help.
