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Youth Mental Health Crisis: 50% of Adult Issues Start by 15
24 Jan
Summary
- Half of adult mental health issues begin by age 15, experts warn.
- 1.7 billion adolescents worldwide face unprecedented mental health challenges.
- Digital revolution and mobile use exacerbate adolescent mental health issues.
Professor Mohan Isaac highlighted the critical need for early identification of mental health problems among adolescents. He noted that over 50% of adult mental health issues commence by age 15, and 75% by age 18, emphasizing the significance of timely intervention during this transitional phase.
The world's adolescent population has reached an all-time high of 1.7 billion, with 80% residing in low- and middle-income countries like India. Mental health issues such as anxiety and depression have doubled in the past decade, further compounded by the digital age and increased mobile phone use.
Experts recommend focusing on youth aged 12-24 and developing specialized mental health services. Programs like Australia's 'Headspace,' offering counseling and skills training, are presented as effective models for supporting young people's mental well-being.
