Mental Health

 EMBRACING MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS IN YOUTH

Everywhere in the world children are cherished and acknowledged by their families, and friends. Their amicable smiles radiate warmth and bring happiness to people all around them, creating a vibrant image of happiness and contentment. However, beyond this facade lies a vulnerable population that often gets misunderstood. Adolescents often struggle with their silent battles, trying their hardest to present an image of success despite fighting with their inner demons. However, it is unfortunate that many of these stories remain untold as these individuals continue to wrestle with their struggles in isolation, obscured in darkness.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), globally, one out of every seven individuals between 10-19 years of age experiences a mental health disorder. Furthermore, it is found that 13 per cent of the global burden of mental health disorders falls in this age group. Suicide is the 4th leading cause of death among 15-19-year-olds. Still, the mental health of adolescents remains largely unrecognised and untreated. 

The signs and symptoms are often neglected or ignored. Adolescents with mental health conditions are vulnerable to social exclusion, discrimination, and societal stigma and they often engage in life-threatening behaviours like smoking, drinking, and drug abuse. There are several reasons why adolescents have become the primary target of these mental health disorders, such as peer pressure, social media influence, gender, and societal norms that further exacerbate the differences between an adolescent’s reality and their hopes and dreams for the future. 

More than half of the mental disorders in adulthood begin in either childhood or adolescence. The reason behind teenagers being vulnerable to these disorders is during adolescence, their body and mind undergoes a myriad of changes and these are often unbeknownst to them since they occur internally. Their mind begins to develop and they experience various kinds of unfamiliar emotions and feelings due to the hormonal and psychological changes in their body. 

Teenagers often strive for independence and seek freedom from their parents and homes. They end up engaging in rebellious activities mostly under peer pressure or as a way to cope with the challenges they face in their daily lives. They experience strong and intense emotions thus making them emotionally sensitive and vulnerable. Adolescents sometimes feel the need to detach themselves from their surroundings and indulge in solitary activities, which may have negative effects in the future. Adolescence is often perceived as a challenging stage that is delineated by stubbornness, recklessness, moodiness, and emotional instability.

 Adolescent mental health is regarded as an umbrella term that covers various conditions such as anxiety, depression, substance abuse, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and eating disorders like anorexia and bulimia which are mostly common in women. Adolescents Struggling with mental health issues during adolescence may lead to a higher risk of developing different types of mental disorders in adulthood. In Nepal, a significant percentage of adolescents, around per cent are currently experiencing mental health disorders. This is particularly concerning as nearly 40 per cent of the country's population is under the age of 18, putting a large portion of the population at risk of mental health issues.

Conditions such as Post-Traumatic stress symptoms, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Anxiety, and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder are prevalent among the youth in Nepal, according to the 2022 Nepal Demographic and Health Survey. Unfortunately, many cases of mental health issues go unnoticed or are ignored. In Nepalese culture, mental health conditions are often perceived as spiritual dysfunction, especially in rural areas where a significant portion of the population is uneducated. Consequently, individuals may seek help from traditional healers who lack formal training in addressing mental illnesses.

Moreover, there is a shortage of mental health professionals in Nepal, with only 0.36 psychiatrists available per 100,000 people. This shortage leads to only one out of four individuals who require mental health services being able to access effective resources. Due to the lack of awareness and education about mental health in the community, it is imperative to implement awareness-raising and anti-stigma campaigns, as well as increase the recruitment of mental health professionals in the healthcare sector.

To address these issues, Nepal expanded its National Health Policy in 2019 to incorporate mental health services into the healthcare system. However, the government's initiatives alone are insufficient. It is also crucial for youths to acknowledge their mental health conditions and work towards improving them. This can be achieved through open conversations with trusted individuals, such as parents, school counsellors, and friends, in a supportive and safe environment.

Ultimately, addressing mental health challenges in adolescents not only benefits them as individuals but also contributes to the well-being of society as a whole. It is essential to foster an environment where youths feel comfortable discussing their mental health without hesitation or fear. By working together, and involving families, communities, healthcare sectors, and individuals, we can create a supportive environment in which adolescents can thrive mentally as they transition into adulthood.