Teenage mental health

Mariselle Stofberg
Demarscho Mouton and Genice Ockhuizen

Here’s a serious question: When was the last time you smiled, laughed or was even just generally happy? For many of us we can answer this in a heartbeat, but what about those who can’t even remember? What about those of us who are constantly unhappy and feel inner turmoil? We sometimes forget that not everyone smiles and laughs every day and that some teens really are depressed and feel the need to end their life.

Suicide is never the answer but for many it seems like the only way out. Namibia has one of the highest suicide rates in the world. The average rate per a hundred thousand people is 17 people, in Namibia however, its 22 people. We have to treat depression and anxiety from an early age to prevent this. Depression is defined as a feeling of unhappiness that lasts for a long time and anxiety is defined as a feeling of worry or fear.

If you experience depression you don’t automatically experience anxiety and vice versa. Many teens or even kids don’t even know that they have depression and they just assume their sad. But this is not true. Teenage hood is a very tough time as we experience peer pressure, hormonal changes, a lot of homework and tests and much more and the pressure usually gets to some of us. This does not mean you have to end your life. It might just mean you have to make the right decisions and work extra hard to treat whatever mental health issues you may have.

It’s also extremely important that you go to a professional and get diagnosed. Do not google your symptoms as you obviously can’t diagnose yourself because there are a lot of mental illnesses and most have almost the same symptoms. Many schools have guidance teachers and if you feel you have depression, anxiety, etc. then you can always go to them. Some teens are ashamed and chose to hide it but these illnesses are serious and do affect you just like any other physical disease could. We all know our academics are important but always try to take a break and just have fun. Having a healthy social life and a good support system can really help to overcome depression and if you ever feel intense anxiety for whatever reason just try to remind yourself everything will be okay. Be sure to always make sure you’re both mentally and physically healthy.

Aiding depression

Depression is a battle for teenagers but parents, friends, close relatives you are their aid. You can love and support them so that they don’t want to give up the fight.

Having a good conversation with the depressed learner is a good start. The conversation should consist out of you listening and the person talking. Do not by any means only try to give advice, all that person needs for you is to listen and feel like you want to be there that you are not listening because you feel obligated or that its your duty. Being a compassionate listener is better than giving advice.

Understand that consistency is key. People having one talk with the learner are not going to be effective unless it is consistent. Depressed learners need to know that you are going to be there for them not just for a minute but for more than that. They need to be reassured that there are still people who care for them and that reassurance is not going to stem from one conversation. If planning to address the situation, please be prepared to carry it out to the fullest.

Depressed people or learners tend to emotionally isolate or withdraw themselves. You need to remember that this is not them pushing you away or being rude. They feel scared to trust you to make them feel cared for since they could not trust other people for that the first time. You should take a gentle approach but be persistent, not forceful. Even if it takes them a year to open up, still be there. One important rule is do not give up on them.

You can start a conversation by saying; “I have been feeling concerned about you lately”, or; “I wanted to check in with you because you have seemed pretty down lately”. You can ask questions like; “Did something happen that made you start feeling this way,” or; “How can I support you right now?”

You should try to say things such as; “You are not alone”, or; “I’m here for you”. Make sure the person knows that you are important to them and that their life is valuable. You should avoid saying things like; “It’s all in your head”, or; “Just snap out of it”.

Please remember that something as simple as a conversation can change a life or save one. Please be aid.