A conversation on Mental Health and it's impact on young people
Mental health is an integral part of health; indeed, there is no health without mental health. Multiple social, psychological, and biological factors determine the level of mental health of a person at any point of time. Young people are one group whose mental health has been negatively impacted by lockdown restrictions.
Some of the factors affecting the mental health of young people include:
1. Loneliness - A rapid review of the links between loneliness and mental health highlights the potential for increase in young people experiencing mental health issues as a result of loneliness.
2. Worries and concerns around their education, missing school, academic pressures, career, and uncertainties about the future also influence the mental health and well being of young people.
3. Discrimination, perhaps because of their race, sexuality or religion
4. Acting as a carer for a relative, taking on adult responsibilities
5. Other important determinants include the quality of their home life and relationships with peers. Violence including harsh parenting and socioeconomic problems are recognized risks to mental health.
