Childhood and adolescence are critical periods for development and mental health is an important component in overall health and well-being. While most youth cope with life's challenges, effective and timely treatment can help reduce the impact of emotional struggles on an adolescent's life.

It is normal for children and youth to experience various types of emotional distress as they develop and mature. But if problems persist, young people will benefit from professional assistance. Children and adolescents may suffer from depression and anxiety, eating disorders, self-harming behaviors, suicidal feelings and thoughts, impulsive or risk-taking behaviors, delinquency, and substance abuse. More severe mental health conditions are expressed in mental confusion, dangerous behavior, explosiveness, and extreme swings in mood.  Youth exposed to traumatic events such as violence, abuse, disasters, or accidents may be especially prone to anxiety, depression, and problems with sleep. Peer relationships and school functioning can be adversely impacted by such exposure. Children with special educational needs are at higher risk than their peers for mental health conditions and may be prone to depression and anxiety. LGBTQ+ youth may also experience elevated risk and associated negative health outcomes.  Mental health support for all children and youth should be as focused and routine as for any other health condition.

Children and adolescents benefit from the presence of adults in their lives who can be engaged should the child or teen feel the need. Trusted adults can include teachers, coaches, guidance counselors, school psychologists or social workers, clergy, and in the Foreign Service world, the Community Liaison Officer (CLO), the FS Nurse Practitioner, the Regional Medical Officer or the Regional Medical Officer-Psychiatrist. There can sometimes be a need for one or more meetings with a mental health professional, such as a psychologist, professional counselor, clinical social worker, or psychiatrist.

While particular aspects of Foreign Service life must be acknowledged as potential stressors, there are many very positive and protective factors. Third Culture Kids (TCK's) or "globally mobile" youth are those who spend significant parts of their young lives outside of their parent's culture. Whether they spend only a little time or nearly their whole lives as expatriates, TCK's accumulate experiences and develop perspectives that are unique. The experiences that TCK's have abroad can lead to a sense of confidence in managing complicated situations, like navigating an international airport. TCK's learn to interact with peers from many cultures and thereby develop a strong sense of cultural competence. TCK's learn to adapt to changing circumstances, like laws and cultural norms that vary from country to country. TCK's often develop patience and flexibility due to the unpredictability of life in foreign countries.  The lives of TCK's are enriched by the many places visited and sites seen. Their tastes in music, food, and art are broadened by exposure to art, food and music of different cultures.

TCK's may have more in common with youths from other countries who are also TCK's, than they do with their U.S. - based peers. It may be for this reason that many children and teens of the Foreign Service report that re-entry into the U.S. to attend school or university is often the most difficult time in their lives.

A growing body of research about TCK's reveals some common challenges that need to be recognized by parents. These include:

·         The effects of frequent relocations and school changes

·         Loss of friends

·         Difficulties fitting into new cultures and new schools

·         Extended separations from parents during unaccompanied tours or frequent TDY's

·         Separation from extended families

·         Separations from nannies

·         Exposure to poverty, crime and danger in foreign countries

TCK's serve in foreign countries alongside their parents and are exposed to the same opportunities, dangers, and difficulties that come from living abroad. Acknowledging these challenges and the possible impact these have on children, youths and families is important. We should also help TCK's themselves learn to recognize, express and work to resolve any problems that accompany this lifestyle.

FSYF offers the following resources to assist families in promoting mental wellness.

FSYF Resource List.docx  Check out the  Digital Library for additional mental health resources.