11.5.2023: Kaustubh Jadhav: The Silent Struggle: Shedding Light on Adolescent Mental Health Problem
Kaustubh Jadhav: The Silent Struggle: Shedding Light on Adolescent Mental Health Problems
Ever wondered why some school-going children have difficulty concentrating or underperform compared to their classmates? They prefer to live isolated from the clan, mostly silent and seem to be lost in their own world. I am sure you might have noticed someone from your family or relatives fitting this role perfectly. Typically, when we come across such children, we assume they lack interest in their studies. However, there is more to the story. Research reveals the other side of the coin, what I call “The Silent Struggle.”
The Pruning Process
The human brain is the most complex organ of the body, one that gradually undergoes changes during its developmental stages. These changes may not occur evenly throughout the adolescence, as some parts of the brain develop later as compared to others. They can affect an individual’s mental and emotional well-being, although most teens successfully navigate through this phase. You might be wondering what these changes are and how they are relevant for an adolescent’s mental well-being. It was previously believed that brain development starts at an early age and stops in childhood. But that’s not true, some areas of the brain will continue to transform till your late twenties. Essentially, the brain is eliminating any unwanted neural connections to develop a more sophisticated network that will allow for more specialized functions, such as critical thinking, learning, memory, etc. Adolescence is a critical phase where these changes occur, and the brain is the “pruning” process.
Causative Factors for Mental Health Issues
Adolescence is considered to be a risk-taking as well as sensation-seeking period. As it is when these dramatic changes occur in the human brain, it is also a phase that may lead to an early onset of mental health issues. These psychological issues may stem from the deviations or amplifications of the usual adolescent developmental processes. As a result of the interplay between these processes and the environment, relationships, biological changes, school &home atmosphere, expectations, etc. mental health problems might arise. These include anxiety, depression, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), schizophrenia, and substance use.
1. Modifications in the Brain
A major driving factor for the modifications in the adolescent brain is myelin. It is a fatty substance that is involved in developing connections between the brain cells and for improved information transmission. The region, behind the forehead, called the prefrontal cortex is gradually developing and is also an important contributor for causing mental health problems. In individuals with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), these changes can be a major factor in the progress of the disorder. There are also some excessive changes happening in such individuals like reduction in grey matter volumes. All these areas are very important for cognition and social perception. These are not the sole cause for mental health problems. Research has shown that disruptions to this normal process of brain development, such as those caused by trauma, stress, or substance abuse, can increase the risk of developing mental health problems later in life.
2. Genetics and Family History
Some individuals may have a genetic predisposition to these disorders, which may be inherited from their parents. Thus, individuals with a family history of mental disorders such as bipolar disorder, depression, and schizophrenia are at a higher risk of developing these disorders, even if they undergo normal brain development. It is therefore crucial to record any family history of mental health problems and inform healthcare professionals in advance to avoid the severity later in life.
3. Risk-taking Attitude
Some adolescents are more prone to show enhanced risk-taking behaviour without the fear of death or self-harm. This behaviour may be driven by a desire for rewards or the excitement of new experiences. Such individuals may face challenges in their lives, encounter difficulties in forming and sustaining relationships, and have a higher likelihood of being involved in accidents or sustaining injuries. The latest European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA) reports that approximately one in five young Europeans reported using illicit drugs (marijuana, cocaine, etc.) at least once in their lifetime, and one in ten reported uses in the past year.
4. Social Stimuli
Adolescence is a very sensitive period when it comes to developing relationships and social interactions. Adolescents are more susceptible to social stimuli like acceptance and rejection by their peers. The COVID19 pandemic has brought to light how social deprivation can have a toll on the mental health of school-going children. An unsupportive home or school environment, breakups, and a lack of social support can lead some adolescents to turn to drugs or alcohol as a means of coping. Research has shown clear evidence that relationships, social rejections, bullying and loneliness are causative factors for affective disorders such as major depressive disorder (MDD).
5. Environmental Factors
This has been the least discussed contributor for the mental well-being crisis at an early age. Children who grow up in poverty-stricken areas and war-torn zones are vulnerable to trauma from an early age. This is a leading cause of problems like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which is often not widely acknowledged. Lack of social and educational opportunities, access to quality health services, food, and recreation facilities, access to green spaces, greater exposure to pollutants, environmental toxins, or social stressors, have a strong influence on the psychology of the individual.
What Can We Do?
It is crucial to raise awareness about mental health and well-being, as anyone can experience such issues at different time points. It is also essential to understand that one is not alone in this battle, as others have successfully navigated through similar challenges. Educating parents and school-going children about the symptoms of mental health issues can help identify problems at an early stage.
In this 21st century of technology, we have overlooked the importance of communication. Failure to express one’s problems can hinder the search for a possible solution. To facilitate communication, it is essential to be compassionate towards others. People tend to feel more confident and at ease when they have someone trustworthy to confide in. Initiating a conversation by simply asking “Are you okay?” to someone who seems down or isolated can be an effective starting point. Parents, a trusted adult, teachers as well as healthcare professionals can also serve as excellent communication partners to express your discomfort.
Lastly, everyone must take responsibility for creating an inclusive and supportive community. Unfortunately, stigma still exists around mental health issues, and individuals experiencing such problems are often unfairly labelled. Considering the substantial impact that our environment has on our mental health, it is our duty to cultivate a positive neighbourhood where children can feel secure and at ease.
How Recognizing Adolescent Mental Health Struggles Can Help Build a Healthier Future
In conclusion, this article tries to draw your attention to the mental health issues that some adolescents face during the critical phase of their brain development. Adolescents are susceptible to various risk factors that contribute to psychological disturbances which may lead to the onset of mental health disorders. By recognizing the warning signs and providing support and resources, we can help adolescents navigate this critical phase and overcome “The Silent Struggle” towards a healthy and fulfilling life. This early diagnosis will help in reducing the economic burden on healthcare systems and avoid the severity of the disorder. Thus, it is essential to promote mental health awareness and encourage open conversations around the community to remove the stigma associated with it and foster a supportive and inclusive society.