Mental health – An ongoing debate among young adults

Everybody seems to think that the mental health of the current and upcoming generation of youngsters are as normal and healthy as it could be. But everybody seems to ignore or fail to understand the fact that mental health of these youngsters, in fact, are going down the drain with time. Depression, anxiety, behavioural disorders and even suicide are one among the leading problems that the young adults are facing nowadays due to their school, university, part-time jobs or even their personal and financial problems. This eventually leads them to be vulnerable to be socially inactive, discrimination and even violate human rights and do illegal stuffs. 

Adolescence is one such period of an individual’s life where they experience a lot of things during their school or college life where they are just beginning to be fully mentally grown. However, during this period, they try to be independent in this point of their life and this, sometimes, can lead them to feel completely isolated from the world and they feel all alone. Teenagers and adults feel the pressure to impress the society and they set   which they have to achieve in order to impress the people who talks behind their back rather than setting goals which makes them happy and at content with their lives. Furthermore, due to this mental pressure, they isolate themselves completely and change themselves to be a person with depression as well as overthinks and questions the existence of their own life and that would finally lead them to have bad relationship with their partner, family or even their loved ones.  

The signs and symptoms of mental illness in youngsters

Mental illness in youngsters can be difficult to detect, as children may not have the verbal skills to explain their feelings or behaviors. Therefore, it is important to be aware of potential signs and symptoms in order to intervene early and provide the best help and care for young people struggling with mental health issues.

Common signs of mental illness in children and adolescents include:

• Changes in mood or behaviors: There may be sudden or gradual changes in a child’s mood, such as extreme sadness, irritability, feelings of worthlessness or hopelessness, anger, or a lack of interest in the  activities they used to enjoy before.
• Withdrawal from friends or family: Young people with mental illness may become isolated and withdrawn, and may not want to engage in social activities. They may also have difficulty maintaining relationships with peers and adults.
• Changes in school performance: Youngsters with mental health problems may have difficulty concentrating in school, and may start to miss school or get lower grades.
• Substance use: Using drugs or alcohol can be a sign of mental distress, especially if the youngster is using them as a way to cope with difficult emotions.
• Sleeping too much or too little: Disrupted sleep patterns may indicate mental health issues. If a child is sleeping too much or too little, this is something to be aware of.
• Changes in eating habits: Eating too much or too little can be a sign of mental distress, and changes in appetite should not be ignored.
• Aggressive behavior: Youngsters with mental health issues may display aggressive behavior such as threatening or physically harming others.

• Reduced quality of life: Mental health issues can interfere with a child’s ability to live a full and rewarding life. Poor mental health can lead to decreased academic, social, and work functioning.
• Poor physical health: Mental illness can have a negative impact on physical health, leading to an increased risk of physical health problems.
• Increased risk of suicide: Mental illness, especially depression, is a leading risk factor for suicide in young people. Suicide risk can be reduced by early intervention and treatment.
• Increased risk of substance abuse: Mental illness can increase the risk of substance abuse, as some youngsters may turn to drugs or alcohol in an attempt to cope with their symptoms.
• Difficulty forming relationships: Mental health issues can make it difficult for young people to form and maintain relationships with peers and adults.
• Poor self-esteem: Mental illness can lead to low self-esteem and feelings of worthlessness.

It is important to recognize the signs and symptoms of mental illness in young people and seek professional help. Early intervention and treatment can improve their quality of life and reduce the risk of long-term effects.

Possible treatment for mental health 

Creating a supportive environment can help to promote good mental health in young people. Here are some tips for parents, teachers, and other adults to help support the mental health of children and adolescents:

• Therapy: Therapy can help children and adolescents to understand their thoughts and feelings, and to learn new coping strategies. Cognitive-behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, and family therapy are some of the most common types of therapy for mental health.
• Medication: In some cases, medication can help to manage the symptoms of mental illness. However, medication should be used with caution in young people, and only as an adjunct to therapy.
• Support groups: Support groups can be a valuable resource for young people struggling with mental health issues. They can provide emotional support, help to normalize experiences, and provide education about mental health issues.
• Alternative therapies: Alternative therapies such as mindfulness, yoga, and art therapy can be helpful for some young people in managing their mental health.
• Provide emotional support: Make sure to listen to young people without judgement, and create an environment where they feel comfortable expressing their thoughts and feelings.
• Encourage healthy habits: Help young people to establish healthy habits such as having regular meals, exercising regularly, and getting enough sleep.
• Model good behavior: It is important to model healthy behavior, including how to respond to stress, how to manage emotions, and how to reach out for help.
• Promote self-care: Encourage young people to take care of their physical and mental health, and make time for activities that bring joy and relaxation.
• Educate: Educate young people about mental health, the signs and symptoms of mental illness, and where to get help.

By creating a supportive environment and empowering young people with knowledge, we can help them to learn how to manage their mental health and live fulfilling lives.

Conclusion 

This needs to end. Young adults doesn’t deserve to face problems such as eating disorders, mood disorders and even anxiety. Parents or the older generation should understand their children or grand-children mentally and support them rather than forcing them to set goals which is hard for them to achieve. They deserve to be supported to their likes and dislikes and they deserve to be well-respected in the society.