Mental health of the youth – Breaking silence and stigma

By Prakriti Poddar

We recently celebrated World Mental Health Day and its focus this year was on “Mental health is a universal human right”. Millions struggling with mental health disorders and illnesses across the world are deprived of proper care and treatment because of the stigma surrounding it and lack of awareness. Worldwide, 10% of children and adolescents experience a mental disorder, but the majority of them do not seek help or receive care. In India, the prevalence of mental disorders among children between ages 13-17 was 7.3% in both genders, according to the National Mental Health Survey (2015-16). The consequences of not addressing these issues on time can haunt children life-long. It can prevent them from developing into healthy functional adults and leading fulfilling lives.

One of the main reasons why parents delay or don’t seek timely medical help for their children’s mental health is because of the stigma around it. I can’t emphasize enough the importance of seeking timely medical help. Just like with physical ailments, the sooner your mental health issues get diagnosed, the easier it will be to get on top of them. Sadly, parents are often reluctant to acknowledge or address their child’s problems due to fear of judgment or social stigma. And there are more reasons why parents delay or do not seek medical help:

1. Lack of awareness: Some parents may not recognize the signs and symptoms of mental health problems in their children, leading to a delay in seeking help.
2. Cultural or religious beliefs: Cultural or religious beliefs can influence a family’s perception of mental health and treatment options, sometimes leading to resistance against seeking therapy.
3. Misperception of severity: Parents may underestimate the seriousness of their child’s mental health issues, thinking that they will get better on their own or with time.
4. Communication barriers: A lack of open and effective communication within the family can hinder the recognition and discussion of mental health concerns.
5. Financial concerns: The cost of therapy and mental health services can be a barrier for many families, especially if they don’t have adequate insurance coverage or financial resources.
6. Lack of access: Some families may live in areas with limited access to mental health services, making it challenging to find a therapist or counsellor for their child.
7. Parental stress and mental health: Parents on their own may be dealing with mental health issues, which can make it harder for them to recognize and address their child’s struggles.

By spreading awareness about mental health and improving our understanding of it, we can fight the stigma surrounding it and motivate mental health patients and their caregivers to acknowledge it as a serious health condition and seek medical recourse for it.

Here are 5 ways in which we can understand our mental health better —

1. Mental health is not just about moods and emotions: Mental health is a complex field, and it involves various factors, including the functioning of the brain and the nervous system. Some mental health conditions, like depression, are associated with chemical imbalances in the brain or neurological disorders. Recognizing this aspect of mental health is essential to understanding the biological underpinnings of these conditions and treating them accordingly. If we always talk about mental health as emotional health, we make persons with mental health illnesses feel unsupported and misunderstood.

2. Professional intervention may be required: Professional intervention from a mental health practitioner is often crucial for individuals with severe or persistent mental health challenges. While self-care practices — activities that improve your mental, physical, or emotional well-being — can be helpful in managing mild to moderate mental health concerns, they may not be sufficient for more severe or complex conditions.

3. Poor mental health is not a sign of weakness: Poor mental health is an outcome of physiological factors and is in no way indicative of an individual’s personality. Mental health is a complex field involving various factors such as the functioning of the brain and the nervous system and should not be confused with emotional health.

4. People need to seek help: Stigma and misconceptions about mental health can sometimes deter people from reaching out for assistance. However, timely intervention can make a significant difference in managing mental health conditions and improving overall wellbeing.

5. Separate fact from fiction: Stigma is fed by misinformation, negative attitudes, and superstitions. If you find someone spreading misinformation about mental health on media, social media or offline, call them out, stop them and empower them with the right information.

To break the silence and stigma around the mental health of the youth we need to actively engage educational institutions, teachers, and parents to initiate an open dialogue around it and encourage children and the youth to come forward and talk about their struggles. Schools and colleges can set up peer support groups and leverage technology to encourage help-seeking behaviours alongside community-based interventions focused on creating greater inclusion and opportunities for children and youth coping with mental health challenges.

(The author is Global Head, Mental Health and Wellbeing, Roundglass Living app. Views expressed are personal and do not reflect the official position or policy of the FinancialExpress.com.)