‘Depression becoming common among youth’
CHENNAI, OCTOBER 11, 2018 00:00 IST
World Mental Health Day observed
Depression is turning out to be common among the young, say psychiatrists. Academic pressures, inability to cope with stress and relationship issues are among the factors that cause depression in young people.
In changing times, the mental health needs of the young differ. This is what the World Mental Health Day observed on October 10 focuses this year - Young People and Mental Health in a changing world.
In terms of burden of the disease among adolescents, depression is the third leading cause of mental illness, according to the World Health Organisation.
At the Institute of Mental Health, 20 to 30% of the outpatients are young people, said its director P. Poorna Chandrika. “Mostly, there are cases of depression and acute stress. When it comes to mental health, communication is vital. This need not necessarily be with a mental health professional, and could be a friend,” she said.
R. Thara, co-founder and vice chairman of Schizophrenia Research Foundation (SCARF), said it was mostly academic pressure and relationship issues that caused depression in the young. When children are unable to manage parental expectations, it makes them depressed and anxious, added V. Jayanthini, child psychiatrist.
Addiction to internet and mobile phones is turning out to be a huge problem. As a result, psychiatrists say that many young persons are complaining of sleep disturbances.
“Many of them stay awake till 2 a.m. and are online till they fall asleep. They should shut down social media one hour before going to bed,” Dr. Chandrika added.
R. Sathianathan, professor and head, Department of Psychiatry, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research said support from family and lifestyle modifications were crucial.
CHENNAI, OCTOBER 11, 2018 00:00 IST
World Mental Health Day observed
Depression is turning out to be common among the young, say psychiatrists. Academic pressures, inability to cope with stress and relationship issues are among the factors that cause depression in young people.
In changing times, the mental health needs of the young differ. This is what the World Mental Health Day observed on October 10 focuses this year - Young People and Mental Health in a changing world.
In terms of burden of the disease among adolescents, depression is the third leading cause of mental illness, according to the World Health Organisation.
At the Institute of Mental Health, 20 to 30% of the outpatients are young people, said its director P. Poorna Chandrika. “Mostly, there are cases of depression and acute stress. When it comes to mental health, communication is vital. This need not necessarily be with a mental health professional, and could be a friend,” she said.
R. Thara, co-founder and vice chairman of Schizophrenia Research Foundation (SCARF), said it was mostly academic pressure and relationship issues that caused depression in the young. When children are unable to manage parental expectations, it makes them depressed and anxious, added V. Jayanthini, child psychiatrist.
Addiction to internet and mobile phones is turning out to be a huge problem. As a result, psychiatrists say that many young persons are complaining of sleep disturbances.
“Many of them stay awake till 2 a.m. and are online till they fall asleep. They should shut down social media one hour before going to bed,” Dr. Chandrika added.
R. Sathianathan, professor and head, Department of Psychiatry, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research said support from family and lifestyle modifications were crucial.
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