According to the World Health Organization (WHO), half of all mental illness begins by the age of 14, but most cases go undetected and untreated.
WHO revealed that depression is one of the leading causes of illness and disability among adolescents. Suicide is the second leading cause of death among 15-29-year-olds.
Harmful use of alcohol and illicit drugs among adolescents is a major issue in many countries and can lead to risky behaviours such as unsafe sex or dangerous driving. Eating disorders are also of concern.
Data and numbers
- One in six people is between 10 and 19 years old.
- Mental disorders represent 16% of the global burden of diseases and injuries in people aged 10 to 19 years.
- Half of mental disorders begin at age 14, but most cases are not detected or treated.
- Depression is one of the main worldwide causes of illness and disability among adolescents.
- Suicide is the third cause of death in young people aged 15 to 19 years.
- The consequences of not addressing the mental disorders of adolescents extend to adulthood, which affects physical and mental health and limits the opportunities to lead a satisfying life as adults.
- The promotion of mental health and the prevention of mental disorders are key to helping adolescents thrive.
Evidence is growing that promoting and protecting adolescent mental health benefits not just adolescents’ health, in the short- and the long-term, but also economies and society as whole, with healthy young adults able to make greater contributions to the workforce, their families and communities.
“Much can be done to help build mental resilience from an early age to help prevent mental distress and illness among adolescents and young adults, and to manage and recover from mental illness. Prevention begins with being aware of and understanding the early warning signs and symptoms of mental illness,” WHO stated.
It added that parents and teachers can help build life skills of children and adolescents to help them cope with everyday challenges at home and at school.
“Psychosocial support can be provided in schools and other community settings and training for health workers to enable them to detect and manage mental health disorders can be put in place, improved or expanded. Investment by governments and the involvement of the social, health and education sectors in comprehensive, integrated, evidence-based programmes for the mental health of young people is essential.”