20% of children, adolescents suffer mental disorders worldwide – WHO
The World Health Organisation (WHO) says 10 to 20 percent of the children and adolescents suffers from Mental Disorders worldwide, with half of setting in at age 14
This data was released by the WHO as the world observes World Mental Health Day to draw attention to the importance of mental health in the attainment of Sustainable Development Goals (SDG),
Marked annually on October 10th, this year’s theme was “ Young people and mental health in a changing world”,
WHO Regional Director For Africa, Matshidiso Moeti, in his message revealed that Worldwide, 10–20% of children and adolescents suffer from mental disorders, hence the need to recognise and mange them, as there is no health without mental health,
“Adolescents and the early years of adulthood are a time of change – moving schools, leaving home, and starting work. For many, these can be times of stress and anxiety, and these feelings can lead to serious mental illness if they are not recognized and managed in time,” Moeti said
Highlighting the causes of mental disorders, Moeti noted that the third leading cause of mental illness and disability among adolescents globally, while suicide is the second leading cause of death among 15-29-year-olds.
Going on, the WHO Director revealed that in the African Region, it is estimated that 5% of the population aged below 15 years, suffers from a mental disorder, with half of all mental illness begins by the age of 14 years, with most cases going undetected and untreated, with serious long-term consequences for mental health.
“In today’s changing world, expanding online technologies undoubtedly bring many benefits, but can also exert additional pressure when people feel the need to be constantly connected.
“ Children and adolescents in humanitarian settings are particularly vulnerable to mental distress and illness. The harmful use of alcohol and illicit drugs among adolescents contributes to risky behaviours such as violence, unsafe sex and dangerous driving. Children and adolescents with mental disorders often face stigma and limited access to health care and education, in violation of their human rights.
“ Although African countries are making progress, much more can be done to build mental resilience from an early age to help prevent mental distress and illness among adolescents and young adults, and to manage recovery. Mental health is fundamental to overall health and for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals,” he said
Moeti also stated that the WHO has developed tools to support parents, caregivers and teachers to build life skills of children and adolescents, to help them cope with everyday challenges, with recommendation that there is integration of mental health care at primary health care centres and continuous training for primary health-care workers to enable them detect and manage common mental health problems in community settings.
“ As we elebrate World Mental Health Day, I call upon governments to develop and strengthen evidence-based programmes for young people, with the support of national policy-makers and programme managers. We invite governments, interested partners and civil society to continue collaborating with WHO to improve the response to adolescents’ health needs.,” said Moeti.