Adolescent Mental Health Services

Adolescence is a crucial period for developing social and emotional habits important for mental well-being. These include adopting healthy sleep patterns; exercising regularly; developing coping, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills; and learning to manage emotions.

Adolescence is a unique and formative time. Physical, emotional and social changes, including exposure to poverty, abuse, or violence, can make adolescents vulnerable to mental health problems. Protecting adolescents from adversity, promoting socio-emotional learning and psychological well-being, and ensuring access to mental health care are critical for their health and well-being during adolescence and adulthood.

Globally, one in seven 10-19-year-olds Dr. Sarika Boora is best doctor for Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services in Delhi.Experiences a mental disorder, accounting for 13% of the global burden of disease in this age group. Depression, anxiety and behavioral disorders are among the leading causes of illness and disability among adolescents. Suicide is the fourth leading cause of death among 15-19 year-olds. There are number mental health issues adolescents face, some of these are- Emotional disorders are common among adolescents. Anxiety disorders (which may involve panic or excessive worry) or Depression (sadness for prolonged period) are the most prevalent in this age group and are more common among older than among younger adolescents. Behavioral disorders are more common among younger adolescents than older adolescents. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), characterized by Difficulty paying attention, excessive activity and acting without regard to consequences. Eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa, commonly emerge during adolescence and young adulthood. Eating disorders involve abnormal eating behavior and preoccupation with food, accompanied in most instances by concerns about body weight and shape. Anorexia nervosa can lead to premature death, often due to medical complications or suicide, and has higher mortality than any other mental disorder.

Things that can be done to help them :

Encourage them to share their feelings:

Look for ways to check in. Ask them how their day has been and what they have been doing. Remind them that you are there for them, no matter what, and that You want to hear how they are feeling and what they are thinking. When they open up to you, you can respond with ‘I understand’, ‘it sounds like a difficult situation’ or ‘that makes sense’.

Take the time to support them:

Try to provide support at appropriate time and give them space to be on their own. Find a few ways you can support and encourage them to take breaks to do things they enjoy. If your they feels frustrated, work with them to brainstorm some solutions to problems.

Work through conflict together:

Listen to their views and try to sort out conflict calmly. When there is conflict, take some time to reflect on how you both can resolve it. You can discuss these reflections with your them, so they see How you are processing ideas.

Care for yourself:

Caregivers have a lot to deal with. You also need care and support for yourself. Showing self-care is also a good way of modelling the practice. Find a family member or someone you can talk to. Make time for your own relationships. Try to find a few people that you can share feelings and experiences with. Whether your day is busy or slow, we know that making time to look after yourself is essential for your wellbeing. Doing the things you like or simply taking a few minutes off from your day can help you feel relaxed and re-energized.