MHM Magazine

8 | MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS | 2024 | Issue 6 MHM Mental health in South Africa is a subject that’s not openly spoken about, particularly when it affects young people. In our communities, it’s still taboo to talk about mental health, even amongst the highly educated. This means mental health challenges are not easily recognised, acknowledged, understood or accepted. This is more complex when it’s children or adolescents, who are faced with mental health challenges. Due to lack of information, parents are normally not aware of symptoms and it may take a long time for those around the young person, to realise that they are struggling. An adolescent’s mental health disorder diagnosis is very difficult to accept for the client, but most especially for parents. Parents tend to react with shock, anger and self-blame for “failing” their children by not recognising their symptoms on time. In cases of depression, suicidal ideation merits immediate admission into a psychiatric facility for the safety of the young person and those around them. However the stigma around mental health leads to parents initially resisting recommendations for admission as they feel ashamed and struggle to understand their child is in need of help. Health practitioners have the experience and capacity to By Dr Seleme Melato Clinical Psychologist Morningside, Sandton www.melatoinc.co.za THE PREVALENCE OF DEPRESSIVE AND ANXIETY DISORDERS AMONGST ADOLESCENTS: THE ROLE OF PSYCHO-EDUCATION AND COMPASSION IN THE FIGHT AGAINST STIGMATISATION. MHM | 2024 | Volume 11 | Issue 6 | The prevalence of depressive and anxiety disorders amongst adolescents: The role of psycho-education and compassion in the fight against stigmatisation. H