As World Mental Health Day approaches on October 10, a recent report highlights the pressing issue of mental health among young people, revealing that one in seven children and adolescents are affected by mental health conditions. Alarmingly, one-third of these conditions arise before the age of 14, with half emerging by age 18.
The report aims to support the transformation of mental health services for children and adolescents, emphasizing the need for early intervention to help young people reach their full potential.
Challenges in Accessing Mental Health Services
Despite the urgent need for action, access to mental health services remains severely limited. Many young individuals experiencing significant mental health symptoms face systemic barriers that hinder their ability to seek care, including a lack of service availability, prohibitive costs, and the stigma associated with mental health issues.
Globally, public funding and resources for mental health services are low, with those specifically targeting children and adolescents being particularly scarce, especially in low- and middle-income countries.
“We must take action to ensure that evidence-based and age-appropriate interventions are available and affordable for all,” stated Dévora Kestel, Director of Mental Health, Brain Health, and Substance Use at the World Health Organization (WHO). “Every country, regardless of its circumstances, can do something to significantly improve the mental health of its children, young people, and their families.”
A Community-Based Approach to Mental Health
The report advocates for a collaborative approach to supporting the mental health of children and teenagers. While no single model exists for addressing this issue, the report provides examples from various regions that demonstrate effective strategies.
“Mental health and well-being for children, adolescents, and their families cannot be addressed in isolation. We must integrate health, education, social protection, and community support systems to create a comprehensive network of mental health services for young people,” said Fouzia Shafique, Associate Director of Health at UNICEF.
Furthermore, the report highlights the plight of millions of children with mental health conditions who are institutionalized despite having families, arguing that such practices violate their human rights and contribute to negative health and social outcomes.
Phasing Out Institutional Care
The report calls for the gradual phasing out of institutional care in favor of community-based services that enable children to thrive within their families and communities. This approach would ensure continuity in their education, social relationships, and overall development.
“It is our collective responsibility to prioritize their mental health as part of overall child and adolescent well-being,” emphasized Ms. Shafique.
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