Half of all mental health problems are reported to have developed before the age of 14.
Minimal research has been conducted on depression and anxiety among younger adolescents .
Now however, it is fairly safe to say that South African kids between 10 and 4 years of age are not as happy-go-lucky as we’d like to believe.
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2 Oceans Vibe reports that mental health researchers conducted a study which focused on the adolescents in 10 schools in under-resourced areas around Cape Town and the Cape Winelands.
The study consisted of 621 adolescents between the ages of 10 to 14, in primary schools across the region.
A large portion of these kids were reported to be struggling.
After contemplating factors such as sociodemographics, mental health symptoms, substance use, bullying, punishment, self-esteem and the witnessing of violence at home; researchers deduced that 33% of the group experienced symptoms of depression.
Accompanying these symptoms, were feelings of sadness, irritability, hopelessness, insomnia and concentration difficulties.
It was further affirmed that symptoms of depression in the kids had been linked to alcohol and other drug use, being in a higher grade in school and witnessing violence at home.
A majority of the group reported that they’ve experienced bullying at school, have witnessed violence within their home and have been exposed to punishment by caregivers.
21% of the group reported symptoms of anxiety which includes feeling afraid, scared, irritable and having trouble concentrating.
These concerning statistics have highlighted the need for comprehensive mental health support in schools as well as in homes.
As such, the World Health Organisation’s Early Adolescent Skills for Emotions (EASE) program is being soft-launched into certain schools across the Western Cape.
This group psychological intervention for 10- to 14-year-olds and their caregivers can be delivered by non-specialist providers to improve mental health.
The Western Cape also needs to address the ongoing rampant gangsterism to allow for children to grow up in a safer and more stable environment in which they can flourish.
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Picture: RDNE Stock project / Pexels
