Mental health problems of Adolescents

Abstract

Adolescence is a unique developmental period during which major physical, psychological and social changes occur. Adolescents are very conscious of their personal appearance which changes considerably due to sexual and physiological changes. Some adolescents are at greater risk of mental health conditions due to their living conditions, stigma, discrimination or exclusion, or lack of access to quality support and services. Nursing professionals can make significant contributions to health promotions among adolescents and their families because nurses understand the biologic, cognitive, psychosocial and social transitions of adolescence and their impact of health behaviour; they can address adolescents’ developmental and health needs. An exploratory study was conducted to assess the mental health problems of adolescents. The objectives of the study were to identify the mental health problems of adolescents and to find association of adolescent’s mental health problems with selected socio-demographic variables. 60 samples were selected by convenience sampling technique. Data was collected using Teen Symptom Questionnaire-mental health (TSQ-M). The data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The finding of the study showed that 53% adolescents had normal mental health, where as 47% had some mental health problems. 80% of adolescents were experiencing frequent difficulty in focusing particular task. 60% of them were having difficulties in sitting for long time. 17% of them were always experiencing nervousness while speaking in front of others. 53% of adolescents frequently experienced guilty. There was no significant association between selected demographic variables with mental health problems.