Importance of mental health in children, adolescents and adults

Sunday, March 28, 2021
Hi, I hope you are feeling great, do you want to learn more about mental health?
Now, as I mentioned in my first blog, I will talk about the importance of mental health in children, adolescents and adults.

Children:

In children, mental health is important, since in studies it refers to mental health as: "Mental health in childhood means reaching emotional and developmental milestones, learning healthy social skills and how to cope with problems."

It is incredible since many of us get carried away by the thought of "they are children, they do not suffer, they do not have worries" unfortunately many children present fears and worries or show disruptive behaviors. Mental disorders in children are described as serious changes in the way they learn, behave, or handle emotions, causing distress and problems with daily activities.

Adolescent

👉Let's explore the facts about mental health according to the world health organization:

One in six people is between the ages of 10 and 19.

Mental disorders account for 16% of the global burden of disease and injury in people between the ages of 10 and 19.

Half of mental disorders begin at age 14 or earlier, but in most cases they are not detected or treated (1).

Depression is one of the leading causes of illness and disability among adolescents worldwide.

Suicide is the third leading cause of death for young people between the ages of 15 and 19.

Failure to address adolescent mental disorders has consequences that extend into adulthood, affecting both physical and mental health and limiting opportunities for a satisfying adult life.

Adolescence can be considered as one of the stages where feelings become more sensitive and strong at the same time, where we experience more changes.
it is a unique and formative stage

The many physical, emotional and social changes that occur in this period, including exposure to poverty, abuse or violence, can make adolescents vulnerable to mental health problems. Promoting the psychological well-being of adolescents and protecting them from adverse experiences and risk factors that may affect their ability to develop their full potential is essential both for their well-being during adolescence and for their physical and mental health in adulthood.

Adults

"An exploratory study between January and December 1996, with a sample of 649 15-year-olds from the rural areas "Granma" and "Yaguajay". A closed survey was applied to them to find out the present psychiatric symptoms and possible causal factors, as well as the medical personnel who imposed treatment. Psychiatric symptoms occurred in 74.5%, predominantly women and especially in the age group 46 to 65 years. Depression, anxiety, and sleep and character disorders were the most frequent; due to family, economic and social factors. 54.8% were seen by the family doctor and a high percentage of them said they felt quite controlled after the treatment."