Cyber-crimes, cyber bullying, playing violent games and round the clock access to online technology has its peculiar pressures on our young people. This is in addition to young children being at a time in their lives where many changes may occur.
Some of these changes include leaving home for boarding school, changing schools, starting university or even a new job. Some people may find these exciting times but for others the anxiety and stress associated with these changes are overwhelming.
The challenges of young people does not end with the above. Many children find themselves in the midst of conflicts (this may include conflicts at home), epidemics and natural disasters. All these stressors and many others make young people extremely vulnerable to mental illness.
This year on October 10th which is World Mental Health Day, the world is focusing on raising awareness “among adolescents and young adults of ways to look after their mental health and to help peers, parents and teachers know how to support their friends, children and students.” Is it not amazing that about half of all mental illness begins by age 14 but the majority are not detected and therefore receive no treatment (WHO)? It’s time to remove the stigma and be more proactive.
Mental Health refers to one’s emotional and psychological well-being. Mental disorders comprise a broad range of problems with different symptoms. In general they are associated with some combination of abnormal emotions, thoughts, behaviour and relationship with others. Some examples of mental illness include schizophrenia, depression, intellectual disabilities and disorders due to drug abuse. Most of these disorders can be successfully treated when we seek appropriate care. It is unfortunate that many people end up in weird places to seek “salvation” from their condition when the first port of call should be with a health professional while we continue with prayers. It is disheartening to see people abused just because they have a mental illness; it is not their fault that they are unwell. In fact many people try so hard to fight off their challenges.
We need to look at mental health in a more positive light in an effort to reduce stigma and make many more people seek help and support they deserve. Misconceptions and misrepresentation about people experiencing mental illness are damaging to lives. Clearly most people affected by mental illness are able to lead independent lives and make major contributions to their communities with the right treatment and support.
From today let us change our attitude about mental illness and even more important let us support our young ones to manage the stressors they face to prevent these illnesses but as healthcare professionals and even nonprofessionals let us pick up warning signs early and do what is needed.
We have the power to protect the future generation, so let us start now.
AS ALWAYS LAUGH OFTEN, WALK AND PRAY EVERYDAY AND REMEMBER IT’S A PRICELESS GIFT TO KNOW YOUR NUMBERS (blood sugar, blood pressure, blood cholesterol, BMI).
Dr. Kojo Cobba Essel
Health Essentials Ltd/St Andrews Clinic
(dressel@healthessentialsgh.com)
*Dr. Kojo Essel is a Medical Doctor, holds an MBA and is ISSA certified in Exercise Therapy, Fitness Nutrition & Corrective Exercise.
Thought for the week – “You can’t control everything. Sometimes you just need to relax and have faith that things will work out. Let go a little and just let life happen.” – Kady Kiplinger
Reference:
1. WHO – World Mental Health Day
