Teens and chronic medical conditions

Dr Asha Pemberton

Teenhealth.tt@gmail.com

TEENS WITH chronic conditions occupy a larger percentage of young people in our country than is usually recognised. This may be due to a lack of awareness, stigma or the often erroneous belief that the affected teen has “grown out of the illness.” This population of young people remains vulnerable.

Young people who are managing chronic illnesses are not to be feared and are often models of resilience. They have to navigate clinic appointments, regular hospital stay, missed school, daily medications and multiple effects on their family life and relationships. For these many reasons, teens with chronic illnesses are at risk of many potential psychosocial complications unless active measures are taken to optimise their holistic health.

As far as possible and as early as feasible, young people need to be fully educated on their condition. This supports their ability to actively manage themselves, their medication adherence and other lifestyle adjustments required.

Teenagers will naturally rebel and this is augmented when they do not understand the reasons why they are being asked or forced to comply with a rule. By engaging them in the process of their own health there is greater likelihood that overall success is achieved.

Parents are encouraged to share decision-making around healthcare decisions. This helps young people to increase their sense of control over their condition. As teens begin to take ownership over their health their self-management skills are improved. This is critical to future health as, naturally, parental influence will decline.

In order to methodically promote this independence, there should be a gradual increase in the allowance that teens have to dictate their healthcare needs all while complying with best-practice guidance. Simple strategies such as allowing them to attend their medical visits alone or supporting them in taking control of medications help to promote their autonomy surrounding their health.

School engagement is critical toward adolescent health in general. This is even more relevant for those with chronic illnesses. Some young people will be required to take medication during school hours, or be excused from certain activities. Such differences make youth feel conspicuous and often ashamed. If these feelings are not addressed, young people then often want to ignore their conditions or disobey treatment requirements so as not to stand out.

Parents are critical to the process of engaging schools. This may take much effort and time, but in order to optimise youth health it is required. Effective strategies include educational sessions for teachers, students and other parents, or health days where experts can visit and make presentations.

While families often feel as if they are the only ones affected by chronic illness, this is seldom the reality. Parent connectivity yields many dividends in the school environment as parents and youth alike can form strong and supportive bonds to help them navigate often challenging times.

Overall, management of chronic medical conditions in young people can be challenging. In addition to the medical and emotional health challenges that they bring, teens will still have the undulating effects of adolescent development to contend with. This solidifies the reasons why this group of young people deserves special attention, mention and focus.

If your child is diagnosed with a chronic illness, take the time to check in with them, their primary healthcare provider and your entire family to ensure that all is being done to optimise their health.

As the new academic year begins, reflect upon ways in which school connection can be improved, and, most importantly, communicate with your young person to create shared strategies toward improving their holistic self-management skills.