Half of mental health disorders arise before the age of 14, but most cases are not detected or treated until much later, according to the latest data from the World Health Organization.
Half of mental health disorders arise before the age of 14, but most cases are not detected or treated until much later, according to the latest data from the World Health Organization.
This year’s World Mental Health day, which is today, focuses on the 40% of the global population who are between 10 and 24 years old. A special report by the WHO on adolescent health, which was published in September, said that unaddressed mental health issues will put a huge burden on what is the largest generation of young people in history.
The report warned that 10-20% of adolescents suffer from ailments that could have long-term impacts on their mental health, including emotional disorders, anxiety, psychosis and self-harm. Depression was identified as a particular problem – around 80% of cases begin in adolescence.
“If these disorders are left untreated, they can extend into adult life, thus impacting educational attainment, employment, relationships and even parenting,” warned Tarun Dua, a mental health adviser at the WHO.
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