Taking care of your mental health

Ester Kamati
Naledi Nakuta



The pressure to achieve 'perfection' in high school may be so overwhelming that students are more at risk of suffering from mental illness.

As young people, it is understandable that we want to look, do and feel our best. We want to live our best lives, exist as our authentic selves and do the most academically. However, sometimes it is easy to lose track of who we are fundamentally.

Studies conducted by the World Health Organisation show that 10-20% of children and adolescent experience mental disorders. A mental illness or disorder refers to our cognitive, behavioral and emotional wellbeing. The state of one's mental health may affect daily life, relationships and even physical health. Mental disorders, depending on the severity, may influence the person's ability to relish life. Therefore mental illness may be life threatening. In addition, it is imperative to perceive the significance of mental health in order to help ourselves and those around us.

The most well-known mental disorders in adolescents:

Anxiety

Anxiety is a feeling of agonising worry, nervousness and unease about something with an uncertain outcome. Imagine being so anxious about a test, or an event or just being around people, it makes you physically or emotionally unwell. Your stomach turns, you can't sleep, you might even cry. Anxiety makes you anticipate every single horrible outcome causing you to feel stressed and unable to enjoy the process.

Depression

"Depression feels like a recurring funeral of joy, within myself" , says a pupil who would like to remain anonymous. It is defined by Google dictionary as feelings of severe despondency and sadness for long periods of time. These feelings make you feel inadequate, unloved and pessimistic. Depression may be caused by the inevitable events of life, like the death of a loved one. However, it can also be caused by nothing at all. Depression, the mother of anxiety, is the main cause of suicide worldwide.

Attention Deficiency and Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Characterised by continued inattention and/or hyperactivity that interferes with daily functioning or development. ADHD is not just day dreaming in math class, it is the intense inability to focus on one thing for a long time.

These disorders are just the beginning of a wide range of mental illnesses. If you feel you are not in a good place mentally, do not hesitate to talk to a guidance counselor, parent or friend. Express yourself by means of exercise, art or music.

A beautiful life starts with a beautiful mind. Your thoughts are so profoundly powerful that they control your life and influence it positively or negatively.