Celebrating World Mental Health Day 2023: Unraveling the Impact on Mental Health in Adolescents and Young Adults.
The 2023 World Mental Health Day revolves around the idea that ‘Mental health is a universal human right.’
World Mental Health Day, observed globally on October 10 each year, is dedicated to promoting mental well-being worldwide. The theme for World Mental Health Day 2023 centers around the concept that ‘Mental health constitutes a fundamental human right.’ This theme underscores the importance of ensuring that individuals of all ages, socioeconomic backgrounds, and origins have equitable access to top-notch mental health care and support.
According to the World Health Organization, approximately half of all mental health challenges commence before the age of 14, yet a significant number of these cases remain unnoticed and untreated. Adolescents and young adults are among the groups who frequently encounter difficulties accessing mental health care. Left unaddressed, these mental health issues can significantly impact their daily lives, careers, and future development.
To safeguard the mental well-being of adolescents and young adults, it is crucial to be mindful of the factors that can contribute to poor mental health in this demographic. Here is a list of these contributing factors, let’s explore them further.
Limited Understanding and Expression Capabilities:
Insufficient awareness and the societal stigma associated with mental health challenges can create obstacles to effectively expressing their emotional distress. As a result, on-campus counseling, educational programs, workshops, and other interventions can empower young individuals to openly address their mental well-being.
Pressure to Excel:
Numerous adolescents and young adults face tremendous pressure to excel academically, athletically, or in various aspects of life, driven by parental, educational, and societal expectations. Furthermore, they contend with peer pressure, competition, and the pervasive influence of social media, all of which can significantly impact their mental health, motivation, and self-esteem.
The Stigma Barrier:
The pervasive stigma surrounding mental health issues and the reluctance to seek help is a global challenge, impeding individuals from sharing their mental health concerns openly. Consequently, society must provide resources to support individuals in caring for their mental well-being.
Insufficient Support:
In many cases, parents or guardians may not take their adolescent or young adult children’s mental health issues seriously, dismissing them as typical or transitory in nature.
Ways to enhance the mental well-being of young adults.
Young people require additional care and support for their mental well-being due to various factors. There are several approaches to promote and safeguard their mental health, including:
Raising Awareness:
Enhancing awareness about mental health is essential for every age group. This can contribute to fostering a more positive societal atmosphere.
Establishing a Secure Environment:
Creating a safe and welcoming environment is of paramount importance to encourage individuals to openly discuss their mental health concerns.
Affordable and Accessible Mental Health Services:
Making affordable and easily accessible mental health services available, such as peer support, therapy, medication, and counseling, can have a significant positive impact.
Cultivating a Positive Overall Atmosphere:
Children and young adults should be provided with opportunities to express themselves, make choices, pursue their passions, and achieve their goals. Additionally, they should be supported in managing stress and facing challenges.
