Youth and mental health and managing the difficulties of today's world

According to the WHO (World Health Organization), health is a state of complete physical, mental, and social wellbeing and not just the absence of disease or infirmity. In today’s world, mental health challenges are being faced by people of all ages and genders across all strata of society. However, the challenges faced by youth are unique. Family dynamics, social media , peer interactions, and academic pressures are some challenges. However, the world has been changing so rapidly in the last few decades that there is a whole new set of challenges affecting the mental health of youth. . The IT revolution has resulted in reduced social interaction and intimacy, a reduction in physical activities, and a sedentary lifestyle. Excess internet use is rampant, and the internet is rife with misinformation, cybercrimes, and cyberbullying . Social media leads to unrealistic expectations and unreasonable comparisons. Global issues like pandemics, wars, political instability, and climate change also impact the mental wellbeing of youth. They have vast amounts of information and resources at their fingertips, which makes navigating some challenges easier. However, it also makes them vulnerable to false information, biases, and triggers that may lead to negative effects on their mental health.

20–25% of youths worldwide are afflicted with mental health and substance use disorders. There are high rates of depression, anxiety disorders, substance use disorders, eating disorders, ADHD symptoms, personality disorders, OCD, bipolar disorders, and self-harm. Mental health of youth is critical because positive mental health during childhood, adolescence, and young adulthood lays the foundation for good lifelong mental health. It improves focus, concentration, planning, and decision-making and improves academic and work performance; and leads to higher achievements in professional realms. It fosters good social skills and effective communication, which lay the foundation for future healthy relationships and social life. In the case of troubled youth, early diagnosis and intervention prevent the development of serious mental health problems and socio-occupational dysfunction. Good mental health leads to emotional resilience and cognitive flexibility, which helps youth to deal with future stressors and setbacks effectively. Mentally healthy youth contribute to the development of a healthy, flourishing society.
Hence mental health in youth is a priority for fostering a resilient, happy, and successful generation.

So how do the youth navigate mental health challenges in today's world?
Firstly, recognize that mental health challenges are real, common, and treatable, and help is always available. Take care of your physical health, as a healthy mind resides in a healthy body. Reach out to friends, family, and mental health professionals. Practice stress management strategies and build and maintain healthy relationships. Use social media and the internet intentionally and mindfully. Have a work-life balance. Families, friends, and caregivers also have a role to play in the mental well-being of youth. They should provide a stable, secure, safe, non-judgmental environment. They can be role models themselves – take care of their mental and physical health, seek help when necessary, and help youth in developing strong, stable, and healthy relationships by example and guidance. They should be aware of warning signs of distress and encourage help-seeking behaviour. They should minimize children and youth’s access to means of self-harm and be mindful about their online activities.

Educators should create a positive, safe, and affirming school environment promoting the mental, physical, and emotional wellbeing of children and youth – not just focus on academic achievement. They should learn to recognize changes in mental and physical health and behaviour, take prompt action, and provide a support system to address the needs of all students.

Employers should create a workplace culture that affirms the importance of the mental health and wellbeing of all employees and provides access to comprehensive, affordable, and age-appropriate mental health care for all employees.
(Author: Dr. Aparna Ramakrishnan, Consultant, Psychiatry, Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Mumbai)