KT for Good: Teens need you to pay attention

Neglecting adolescent mental health could lead to depressive thoughts, suicidal tendencies, and substance abuse.

Overwhelmed with all the As, the hearts and likes they 'have' to get, today's youth are struggling. They need help, but find themselves scrambling blindly for support. Our latest #KTForGood campaign seeks to put a face on teenage stress and anxiety and help them, their families and communities find solutions. In part two of our #Here4U series, experts explain how parents and For Good caregivers can safeguard adolescents' mental health.
Stressful periods at school or at home can drive a student to 'try out a cigarette', or 'have one shot of alcohol' - but before things spiral out of control and lead to substance abuse, parents can nip the problem in the bud, experts said. The key is to stay vigilant and be on the lookout for signs of depression.
"Neglecting adolescent mental health could lead to depressive thoughts, suicidal tendencies, and substance abuse," said Dr Sunny Kurain, a Sharjah-based paediatrician and founder president of the UAE wing of the Indian Academy of Paediatrics.
Doctors have said they have treated kids as young as age 14 for cigarette and alcohol addiction. Teachers also lamented that they now have to confiscate an increasing number of cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and other contraband from students.
According to the World Health Organisation, by 2020, depression is set to become the second largest disease worldwide. And anybody - regardless of age, gender, culture and socioeconomic status - can be affected.
In fact, depression, anxiety and other emotional problems have already been on the rise among adolescents and young adults.
One of the major reasons contributing to this situation is the increased use of smartphones and other digital media, a specialist said.
Anu Mathew, clinical psychologist at Zulekha Hospital, Sharjah explained: "The increased usage of digital media will lead to sleep disturbances, low physical activity and exercise, and low social interaction, among others."
Dr Maged Abd Elkawy Agour, another expert in the field, cited peer pressure, family issues, and children being spoilt as some of the top reasons why people fall into addiction.
These alarming trends must be cause of concern for everyone and must prompt some self-reflection, said Prateeksha Shetty, clinical psychologist at RAK Hospital.
If you are a teacher, you should ask yourself: "Are my actions affecting my students negatively?" If you are a parent, you may ask: "Am I putting too much pressure on my child? Have I been comparing him with others?"
Establishing a good, healthy relationship and spending time with the youth are also important, global advocates have said. This not only strengthen's a teen's support system, it would also help parents and caregivers identify warning signs as soon as they crop up.
Shetty also called for bigger initiatives focused on the youth's mental health. "If we are to make any true changes in this field, strategies must focus on structural and institutional levels rather than annual events that are said to aim at improving wellbeing," she said
TIPS FOR PARENTS: WARNING SIGNS TO LOOK FOR
>Consult with a school counselor, school nurse, mental health provider, or another health care professional if your child shows one or more of the following behaviours:
>Feeling very sad or withdrawn for more than two weeks
>Seriously trying to harm himself or herself (or making plans to do so)
>Experiencing sudden overwhelming fear for no reason (sometimes with a racing heart or fast breathing)
>Getting in many fights or wanting to hurt others
>Showing severe out-of-control behaviour that can hurt oneself or others
>Not eating, throwing up, or using laxatives to make himself or herself lose weight
>Having intense worries or fears that get in the way of daily activities
>Putting himself or herself in physical danger or causing problems in school
>Showing drastic changes in behaviour or personality
How to start a mental health conversation with your child
>Try leading with these questions
1-Can you tell me more about what is happening? How you are feeling?
2-Have you had feelings like this in the past?
3-Sometimes you need to talk to an adult about your feelings. I'm here to listen. How can I help you feel better?
4-Do you feel like you want to talk to someone else about your problem?
5-I'm worried about your safety. Can you tell me if you have thoughts about harming yourself or others?
When talking about mental health problems with your child you should:
>Communicate in a straightforward manner
>Speak at a level that is appropriate to a child or adolescent's age and development level (preschool children need fewer details than teenagers)
>Discuss the topic when your child feels safe and comfortable
>Watch for reactions during the discussion and slow down or back up if your child becomes confused or looks upset
>Listen openly and let your child tell you about his or her feelings and worries
sandhya@khaleejtimes.com  
dhanusha@khaleejtimes.com  
 

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