A Clinical psychologist, Dr. Adedotun Ajiboye, has urged communities nationwide to prioritise adolescent mental health, highlighting it as a major health concern.
Ajiboye, who works with the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, Ado Ekiti, told the News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) on Wednesday in Abuja that the advocacy was necessary as one in five adolescents experienced mental health disorders.
Ajiboye, who spoke against the backdrop of the International Adolescent Health Week, said data revealed that 31.9 per cent of adolescents had anxiety disorders while 14.3 per cent suffered depression.
He added that 17. 2 per cent of high school students had suicidal thoughts/attempts.
Ajiboye said some risk factors included family history of mental health disorders, social media and technology overuse and peer pressure and bullying.
Other risk factors, he said, were academic stress and expectations, trauma caused by abuse, neglect, or loss, social isolation and loneliness as well as substance abuse.
Ajiboye said changes in mood, appetite or sleep patterns, social withdrawal or avoidance, decreased interest in activities, difficulty concentrating or completing tasks and increased irritability or aggression were warning signs to look out for in adolescents.
“Adolescence (ages 10-19) is a critical phase of rapid physical, emotional and social changes.
“Mental health during this period significantly impacts their future well-being and development.
“Adolescent mental health requires attention, support and proactive measures.
“Support and intervention could be in the form of family therapy and support, cognitive-behavioural therapy and school-based intervention in the form of counselling and accommodation.’’
The expert added other forms of support and intervention to include medication management, peer support groups and online resources and hotlines.
Ajiboye listed some strategies for the promotion and prevention of adolescents’ mental health issues to include open communication and emotional expression and fostering relationships and social connections.
Others, he said, were promoting healthy coping mechanisms such as exercises and mindfulness, monitoring and limiting technology use and providing mental health education and awareness, especially in schools.
“By acknowledging risk factors, recognising warning signs, and providing effective interventions, we can promote healthy development and well-being of our adolescents.
“We need to educate ourselves and others about adolescent mental health, encourage open conversations and empathy and support mental health initiatives and resources.
“We need to also advocate for policy changes and increased funding and prioritise adolescent mental health in our community.
“It is also important to emphasise the importance of early intervention and treatment.”
Ajiboye said there was need to highlight the role of parents, educators and healthcare providers in supporting adolescent mental health.
“They all have a role to play in providing examples of successful mental health programmes and initiatives while discussing the intersection of mental health with other adolescent issues such as bullying and substance abuse.
“They need to also offer guidance on navigating mental health resources and services,” he said.
NAN reports that International Adolescent Health Week (IAHW) is celebrated annually to work towards improving the health and well-being of over one billion adolescents across the globe.
The mission of the week, which runs from Oct. 7 to Oct. 13, is to inspire adolescents and their communities to advocate for a successful transition into adulthood.
The 2024 IAHW theme is “Thriving not Just Surviving: Building Adolescents’ Resilience.” (NAN)
