For centuries, the problems of the youth have been trivialized as basic and unimportant. Their issues have been relentlessly mocked by the older generation. This belittling of such issues doesn’t do anything except cause fear of talking about their issues.
According to the National Library of Medicine , 23.3% of school-going children and adolescents have psychiatric disorders. India also has the highest rate of suicide globally, which is the leading cause of death among this population.
To encourage discussions around youth’s mental health, September 19 is celebrated as Youth Mental Health Day.
In India, mental health is seen as a taboo subject, due to fear of being shunned from society. But taking care of mental health is as important as taking care of your physical health. Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being, which in turn affects how we think, feel, and act. Someone going through anxiety, depression, addiction, bipolar or eating disorder needs our help.
These are some of the causes of mental health crises among the youth:
- Increased stress, fear, and anxiety
- Parental depression
- Negative family environment (may include parental substance abuse)
- Child mistreatment or abuse by parents
- Family conflict
- Loss of school, sport, church, community routine
- Loss of supportive relationships with friends, extended family members, mentors
Social media itself has caused many teens to develop mental health issues. In the drive to increase ‘likes’, some teens can get obsessed and develop self-esteem issues. Teens on social media also have a tendency to compare their lifestyles with the lifestyles of their peers, which makes them feel low. Having body image issues because of social media has become all too common.
Taking care of mental health can help one lead a better life. Having good mental health leads to good physical health, improved productivity and a joyous life.
So, what can be done to solve this epidemic?
First, we need to create an environment where young people feel comfortable to share their feelings. Avoid belittling their issues, no matter how unrelatable they might be for you. Remember, what might seem trivial to you, can be a major issue in someone else’s life. Keep checking on them by asking how their day was and remind them that you are always there for them.
One must also remember to support them in their endeavours. Give positive criticisms, instead of negative insults. Give them daily achievable goals, so they can improve in their craft.
However, it is always important to seek professional help or advice in times of severe crisis. Therapists are better equipped to understand the thoughts, feelings and behaviours. They can also guide them towards their goal and help them gain a new perspective.
Child Help Foundation understands the importance of mental health. Child Help Foundation has organized numerous mental health drives and suicide prevention campaigns in schools.
Thank you for taking the time to read this blog. Make sure to share this with all your friends and family members.