One in five adolescents will experience a mental disorder every year

Sujata (fictitious name), a young adolescent studying in high school, seems to have lost interest in her academics over the last three months. Her father was recently transferred from a small city to a metropolis, and so the family too has shifted along with him to the new place. Besides adjusting to a new home, she also has to get used to her new schoolmates, who are different from those she had in her earlier city. All this has taken a huge toll on her mental health. After repeatedly being asked by her mother, she finally confides in her that she is being constantly bullied by a few students in her new school. Her recent episodes of anxiety and depression have been related to this.

Stay connected with your adolescent

Start communicating with your teenager. Assure them that they are not alone and that you care. Also, suggest to them that if needed, you can get them professional help.

STEPS TO PROMOTE HEALTHY MENTAL HEALTH AMONG ADOLESCENTS

Show love, affection and l care towards your teenager. Value their ideas, make them realise that you are interested in their life. Show that you are interested in what’s happening in your child’s life. Enjoy spending time together as a family.

Encourage them to talk about their feelings and you can collectively work on a solution.

Discuss problems as and when they are faced.

Consult teachers if needed. Seek help from healthcare professionals whenever necessary.

Communicate with your teenager. Assure them that they are not alone and that you care. DR VARSHA DAWANI , M.B.B.S, D.P.M, D.N.B. (Psych), M.N.A.S (Delhi), M.I.P.S, Shewi’s Health Care Centre, Ulhasnagar, Mumbai

HTC

Disclaimer: The veracity of any health claim made in the above article is the responsibility of the concerned doctor /hospital