Adolescence can be an exciting and overwhelming time filled with new challenges and adventures for teenagers and their parents. Adolescence is the phase of life between childhood and adulthood (age 13 to 19), where teenagers may face specific challenges that can affect their development.
According to the Western Cape Department of Health there are three key categories that this age group grapples with: mental, behavioural and physical. It wants to make sure every young person can access the health care that they need to live their best, healthiest, longest life.
Mental and physical health
Many physical health problems diagnosed in adulthood are caused by habits established during adolescence that negatively impact health, such as heart disease caused by diets high in fat and sugar, and a lack of physical activity. However, a healthy diet helps to protect against malnutrition in all its forms as well as non-communicable diseases (NCDs), such as diabetes, heart disease, stroke and cancer.
In addition, depression, anxiety and behavioural disorders are among the leading causes of illness and disability among adolescents. This past month has seen youth across the province undergo school exams and this can often be a cause of stress.
Shiloh Watlington (15), experienced severe panic attacks and anxiety in his first year of high school last year.
“It felt very scary because I was always worried when and if the panic attacks would come. I could not control it at the time, and as it was my first year in high school you can imagine what it would feel like still having to make new friends. There were times I needed to leave the classroom.
“My teachers and principal were very supportive. The first day I had my panic attack, the teacher took me to the sick bay and comforted me. A week later the principal had an assembly to talk about mental health issues – I felt like the environment was one where I was supported.”
Dr Brett van der Schyff, psychologist for Western Cape Government, shares advice with adolescents and caregivers on navigating mental health and how they can access services in times of crises. The following guidelines recommended by Dr Van der Schyff are not only good for taking care of our physical health but can have a positive impact on our mental health too:
. Regular exercise is so beneficial, as it can release feel-good brain chemicals. Choose a program or form of exercise that works for you and stick to it. Exercising doesn’t need to be expensive or lengthy or take up too much time in your day. Find something that makes you feel good and puts a smile on your face.
. Young people may love to eat junk food and spoil ourselves with luxuries. What you eat, is so important to your mental health. Therefore, choose a healthy diet including fruits, vegetables and fish or good fats such as nuts if at all possible.
. Get enough sleep. A good night’s rest consists of 7-8 hours of quality sleep, and do your best to maintain a regular sleeping pattern. Your sleep should be safeguarded at all costs, but especially during the times you are struggling with your mental health.
. Decrease screen time. Too much time on a cellphone can affect sleep and the ability to interact with others in a healthy way. Try to set a time at night where you will switch off your phone.
In addition to visiting your nearest clinic, you can also contact these organisations for help and assistance:
0 SADAG (0800 567 567), Lifeline Suicide Crisis Helpline (0800 121 314 /0861 322 322), Adcock Ingram Helpline (0800 708 090), Akeso Psychiatric Response (0861 435 787), Childline (0800 055 555 or 116), Cipla 24hr Helpline (0800 456 789) or Dr Reddy’s Helpline (0800 212 223).
Shiloh encourages teens to ask for help. “With help and prayer support from my family and accessing medical help at my nearest clinic, I have overcome a terrible time in my life. Don’t be ashamed or afraid to reach out and ask for help. I felt very embarrassed to talk about it at first, because it’s something you want to forget. I realise now it’s just better to talk to someone, it’s so much easier than having these heavy issues to deal with. Prayer and seeking help worked for me. Do what you need to do get the help you need.”
