World Mental Health Day, 10 October

Main facts :

• One in six is ​​10 to 19 years old.
• Mental health problems account for 16% of the global burden of disease and injury among people aged 10 to 19 years.
• Half of all mental health problems begin before the age of 14, but most cases are not detected or treated.
• Suicide is the third leading cause of death among 15-19 year olds.
• When left untreated, adolescent mental health problems have mental and physical consequences until adulthood, affecting their ability to lead satisfying lives.
• Mental health promotion and prevention are essential to help teens 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. 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.