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Kids helping kids: The lived experience of adolescents who support friends with mental health needs
Author(s) -
Roach Ashley,
Thomas Sandra P.,
Abdoli Samereh,
Wright Megan,
Yates Andria L.
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
journal of child and adolescent psychiatric nursing
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.331
H-Index - 35
eISSN - 1744-6171
pISSN - 1073-6077
DOI - 10.1111/jcap.12299
Subject(s) - mental health , feeling , suicidal ideation , psychology , anxiety , lived experience , suicide prevention , help seeking , psychiatry , clinical psychology , poison control , psychotherapist , medicine , social psychology , medical emergency
Problem Adolescent mental health is a significant health care issue. Friends play an important role in the lives of adolescents with mental health concerns and help to improve outcomes related to depression and suicide. However, little is known about the experiences of adolescents who help their friends with these concerns. Methods A phenomenological research design involving unstructured interviews was used to answer the question: what is the lived experience of adolescents who provide support to friends with anxiety, depression, or who express suicidal ideation?” Participants for this study were aged 16–17 and included both males ( n = 2) and females ( n = 3). Findings Participants described their experience as “Kids Helping Kids” which is defined by the following themes: Being Fearful, Maintaining Vigilance, Seeking Knowledge, Keeping Secrets, Involving Others, Setting Boundaries, and Feeling Honored. Conclusion Helping a friend with mental health concerns can be challenging yet rewarding. Nurses should be aware of this role that some adolescents undertake and include the friends of adolescents with mental health concerns as part of plans of care.