Being a Teen is Hard, Being a Teen with a Mental Health Disorder is Harder

Albeit diminishing, the stigma attached to mental health is still damaging, and this reality is especially true when considering life as a teen.

Managing home life, school work, relationships, and everyday growing pains as a teen is difficult in itself, however; managing life as a teen with a mental disorder is an overwhelming struggle. At the Interior Health Adolescent Psychiatric Unit (APU) in Kelowna, patients are presented with the opportunity to live as any typical teen would although, with the added support they need to manage their mental disorders.

In light of shattering stereotypes, answering questions, and providing help, Interior Health released a new video depicting the APU space here in Kelowna.

“Youth with mental health challenges need positive support and encouragement to allow them to learn and flourish,” said Health Minister Terry Lake. “Through specialized programs like the adolescent psychiatric unit at Interior Health, we’re giving youth a helping hand when it’s needed the most.”

An area free of judgment and full of support, the APU appears to be an inviting and comfortable space where Okanagan teens can get the help they need.

“I had a hard time opening up about depression and anxiety,” said 20-year old Tyler Exner, who spent four weeks at the APU when he was 16. “The nurses, staff and doctors were incredible there. Everything started to come together. It was probably one of the most memorable moments through my mental health recovery.”

Photo credit: contributed. (Caption: Carly from APU.)

Since opening in 2005, the eight-bed unit at Kelowna General Hospital has served those aged 12 through 17 within Interior Health.

In B.C., about one in seven young individuals will have some form of mental disorder at any give time. Approximately 70 per cent of mental disorders surface before the age of 18.

Some APU patients have complex mental disorders, others are house bound due to anxiety; and others are at risk of suicide or self-harm. In addition, some are out of contact with reality or have severe mood disorders.

“The program is made up of committed and passionate staff and physicians who really care about supporting positive mental health for youth. While a youth is on the unit, they, and their family, work with Child Psychiatrists, a Psychologist, an Occupational Therapist, Social Workers, Registered Nurses, Registered Psychiatric Nurses, and Youth Care Counsellors who specialize in caring for youth,” explained APU Manager Colleen McEwan.

This unit is designed to be youth and family friendly. Resembling a college dormitory, the APU is meant to dispel the dreary hospital stereotype. Encompassing classrooms, a common space, bright and inviting decor, and daily activities, the APU certainly does not remind one of a hospital.

“These are youth with complicated mental health problems. They are here for assessment and diagnostic clarification. We spend time observing and building trust. We use a collaborative problem-solving approach. It takes time and resources, but it allows us to work together in the face of what appear to be ‘behavior problems’ to find mutual solutions,” said Medical Director Dr. Michael Ocana, one of two Psychiatrists with the APU.

Photo credit: contributed. (Caption: Janelle and Brenda from APU.)