Young people and mental health in a changing world
Most of the changes in our modern world are major factors responsible for mental ill-health among young people.
DO you know that mental sickness is the most violent, the most destructive and most embarrassing sickness in the world?
Do you know that mental illness is quite common among young people?
Do you know that the numbers of young people that are mentally sick are more than those that are mentally healthy?
Do you even know that with our changing world and our lack of care for people with mental ailment, the number of mentally challenged young people are likely to increase? What are the possible solutions to this perennial problem?
A healthy person is not just one without disease or infirmity. A healthy person must be physically, mentally, emotionally and even spiritually balanced. Mental health is a healthy state of mind.
It is a state of well-being in which one copes with the normal stresses of life. It is the ability to work effectively and productively.
Above all, it is a state where every individual realises his or her own potential and is able to make positive contribution to the society.
October 10 is World Mental Health Day. This campaign began in 1992 to bring awareness about the importance of mental health. This year’s theme is "Young people and mental health in a changing world".
With this theme, it is obvious that mental ill-health is associated with young people.
According to World Health Organisation, “Adolescence and the early years of adulthood are a time of life, when many changes occur, for example, changing schools, leaving home, and starting university or a new job.
For many, these are exciting times. They can also be times of stress and apprehension, however.
In some cases, if not recognised and managed, these feelings can lead to mental illness.”
Unlike other physical illness, mental illness is not easily detected. It is mainly sickness of the mind.
So many factors are contributing to mental illhealth among young people.
Most of the changes in our modern world are major factors responsible for mental ill-health among young people.
Most of our young people are living on hard drugs, alcohol and other dangerous substances, which cause damages to the brain.
A good number of young people are spending most of their days on pornography, violent and horror films, which often affect their mental, psychological and emotional dispositions.
Cyber crimes and bullying are among factors contributing to young people’s ill-health.
Most young people that get involve in cyber crimes (popularly known as yahooyahoo) usually enter into occultic covenant; a good number of them even visit native doctors for charm.
These charms usually affect them spiritually and even mentally.
Considering the importance of mental health and its growing impact on young people’s lives, the authorities concerned should take a serious view and approach to the problem. For example, they can establish a mental rehabilitation centre for those with mental disorder, besides it can also cater for drug addicts, ex-cultist, ex-convicts, and even exprostitutes.
Apart from medications, counselling and spiritual exercises are among the steps that can help people with mental disorder to regain their senses.
With centres like this across the nation, it is sure to render highly required assistance to young people.