World Mental Health Day – 10 October

World Mental Health Day, 10 October, is a day to help raise public awareness of mental health issues worldwide.

This year the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) theme ‘Young people and mental health in a changing world’ encourages us to be mindful of the issues facing our young people.

Adolescence and early adulthood bring many changes, including new schools, leaving home and starting university or a new job. For many, these are exciting times.  But WHO says they can also be times of stress and apprehension that in some cases (if not recognised and managed) can lead to mental illness.

Add to this the expanding use of online technologies at any time of the day and night, and many young people are feeling constantly under pressure.

To access Connect Health & Community Youth Services contact us today.

WHO says that half of all mental illness begins by the age of 14, with most cases going undetected and untreated.  Depression is currently the third most common illness among adolescents with suicide being the second leading cause of death among 15-29-year-olds. 
And with the pressure for the harmful use of alcohol and illicit drugs – which can lead to risky behaviours such as unsafe sex or dangerous driving, and eating disorders – the tapestry of pressures facing adolescents becomes more complex.

Building mental resilience

Fortunately, there is a growing recognition of the importance to help young people build mental resilience (from the earliest ages) to cope with the challenges of today’s world.  Evidence shows that promoting and protecting adolescent health brings benefits not just to adolescents’ health, in the short and long-term, but also to economies and societies.  Healthy young adults make greater contributions to the workforce, their families and communities and society as a whole.

A better understanding

Much can be done to help build mental resilience from an early age.  This can help prevent mental distress and illness among adolescents and young adults, and increase their ability to manage and recover from mental illness should it occur later in life.  Prevention begins with being aware of, and understanding, the early warning signs and symptoms of mental illness.
Parents and teachers can help children and adolescents build life skills to cope with everyday challenges at home and at school, and mental health support from Connect Health & Community is available when extra assistance is needed.

By continuing to raise awareness of mental health support for, and among, adolescents, we can help our young people and support good mental health in an ever changing world.
To access Connect Health & Community Youth Services contact us today.