Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Jun 20: Adolescence, a time marked by intense emotional, physical, and psychological change, is becoming increasingly challenging for today’s teenagers, who are grappling with rising mental health issues under growing societal pressures.

Mehezabin Dordi, Clinical Psychologist at Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital, revealed a troubling trend: “I have seen a steady rise in anxiety, depression, self-harm, sleep disturbances and identity-related distress. These are not isolated cases but part of a larger mental health crisis demanding urgent, compassionate and systemic solutions.”

Breaking the stigma

A key barrier remains the stigma surrounding mental health. Adolescents often hesitate to seek help for fear of being judged. Experts stress that mental health support should be seamlessly integrated into school environments — not through occasional workshops, but via sustained, age-appropriate programs that promote emotional expression, peer support, and open dialogue.

Digital distress on the rise

With constant exposure to social media, teens face mounting pressure to meet unrealistic standards. Experts highlight the urgent need for media literacy education, setting digital boundaries, and encouraging face-to-face social interaction to restore emotional balance.

Home dynamics matter

Warning signs such as withdrawal, irritability, or academic disengagement are often dismissed as “teen moodiness.” Psychologists urge parents to be trained to spot such red flags early and respond with empathy rather than dismissal.

Life skills for resilience

Integrating resilience and life skills training into school curriculums is vital. Teaching teens to manage stress, regulate emotions, and build healthy relationships can provide them with tools to navigate life’s challenges more effectively.

Access to care must be a priority

Affordable, stigma-free access to mental health services — be it through school counselors, community clinics, or online therapy — is crucial. Experts emphasize that prevention is as important as intervention.

Addressing adolescent mental health requires a collaborative approach, involving schools, families, mental health professionals, and policymakers. “When we invest in the emotional well-being of our youth, we’re building a stronger, more resilient future generation,” Dordi said.