As the world grapples with the challenges of a rapidly changing society, a silent crisis is unfolding among our youth. Behind the masks of smiles, laughter and selfies, many adolescents are struggling with Mental Health issues that threaten to derail their lives. Anxiety, depression, stress and trauma are just a few of the invisible demons that haunt the minds of our young people, often with devastating consequences. Adolescents Mental Health is a ticking time bomb, hidden in plain sight. The pressure to perform social media, anxiety and the struggle to belong has created a perfect storm that’s taking a devastating toll on our youth. Depression, anxiety and stress are no longer just adult problems. They’re now a harsh reality for millions of adolescents, who are crying out for help. It’s time to break the silence and shine a light on this hidden crisis.
According to World Health Organisation, ‘Adolescents’ connotes an unique stage of human development and signifies an individual’s transition from childhood into adulthood during which there are dramatic physical, psychological, emotional and social changes taking place simultaneously. During this crucial phase, they require to observe, understand and develop coping, problem solving and interpersonal skills. It is a period when they are more likely to engage in risky and thrill seeking behavior posing a significant risk for injury, physical and Mental Health issues.Physiologically in adolescent brain udegoes neutral alterations; these coupled with ongoing hormonal changes predispose them to various Mental Health disorders. Out of all the adolescent health issues, Mental Health has become prime public health concern as it has huge impact on physical, social and psychosocial aspect of the adolescent. The presence of psychiatric disorders such as depression, anxiety and stress at this stage of life is a matter of concern as it can lead to poor academic performance, lack of communication with friends and family, substance abuse, homicidal ideation, suicidal tendency, school and college dropout and delinquent behavior.
Around 8.2 billion people as of 2024, or 1 in 6 of the world’s population are adolescents and an estimated 10-20% of adolescents globally experience mental helath condition, yet these remains under-diagnosed and untreated. About 50% of all Mental illness begins by an age of 14 and 75% by mid-20s. Globally, depression is one of the leading causes of illness and diability among adolescents. According to the survey conducted by Dr. Bishwalata Rajkumari in 2023, anxiety is the 6th commonest cause of illness for adolescents aged 10-14 years and 9th among those aged 15-19 years in Manipur. Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death in individuals aged 15-19 years. With a population of 1,456,719,653 as of December 2024, India is home to 21% of world’s adolescents. One in every five Indian child is affected with some form of mental disorder. Early studies reported the prevalence of psychiatric disorders among children ranges from 2.6% to 35.6%. As per “Mental Health Survey” India, the prevalence of psychiatric disorders in adolescents aged 13-17 years is 7.3%.
Identification and quantification of mental status and its disorders has remained a big challenge to all researchers as greater part of the burden is subclinical. As we navigate the complexities of modernlife, it’s easy to overlook the silent struggles of our youth. Adolescent MentalHealth has become a hidden crisis, lurking in the shadows of our collective consciousness. The alarming statistics are a wake-up call: 1in 5 adolescents experience mental health issues, including anxiety, depression and substance abuse. It’s time to shed light on this critical issue and work towards solution.
So, what can be done to address this hidden crisis? Early intervention and detection are crucial. Implementing mental health screenings in schools and providing training for teachrs and parents to recognize early earning signs can make a significant difference. Mental Health Education should be integrated into school curricula, focusing on stress management, emotional regulation and healthy relationships. Accessible and affordable treatment options are also essential, ensuring that adolescent receive evidence-based care without financial burden. Parental support and education are vital in creating a nurturing environment for adolescents to thrive. Resources and workshops should be made available to parents, teaching them about adolescent mental health, and how to encourage open conversations about mental wellness. Parents, educators, policy makers and community leaders must join hands to provide accessible mental health resources, promote intelligence and foster a supportive environment that allows our adolescents to thrive. By working together, we can turn the tide on this hidden crisis and empower our youth to build resilient minds and brighter futures. Public awareness campaign can help- achieve this goal. The time to act is now.
The writer is an Asst. Prof. Dept of History, St. Joseph College, Ukhrul. The views expressed are writers own
