The Burden of declining Mental Health in Adolescents – A wake up Call

Mental health concerns have been rising like never before. WHO estimates that the burden of mental health problems is of the tune of 2,443 DALYs per 100,000 population , and the age-adjusted suicide rate per 100,000 population is 21.1. It is estimated that, in India, the economic loss, due to mental health conditions, between 2012-2030, is 1.03 trillions of 2010 dollars.” Worldwide, it is estimated that 10–20% of adolescents experience mental health conditions, yet these remain under diagnosed and undertreated. Signs of poor mental health can be overlooked for a number of reasons, such as a lack of knowledge or awareness about mental health among health workers, or stigma preventing them from seeking help. MH problems are still perceived as a form of failing or incapability on the part of the suffering person. There is a dire need to enlighten the masses and ensure helpful policy formation as well as social support so as to ensure positive Mental Health for our adolescents and thus, a healthy and a secure future for the humanity.