Adolescent Mental Health in Mumbai

I am Dr. Narendra Rathi, a senior pediatrician in Andheri, Mumbai. Today, I wish to share my experience about a topic which is really important for all of us: teenager’s mental health. In last few years, I am seeing more & more cases of teenagers with mental health issues and I have realised that parents and adolescents need more scientific knowledge from a credible source regarding this topic. The world is going through a time of tremendous change, and so are bodies of adolescents! And, I want you all to realise that it's normal for teenagers to experience ups and downs, every now & then. But how can you tell if your teen is struggling more than just the usual? Here in Mumbai, where academic, social, financial and commuting pressures are particularly high, it has become important as a parent and as an adolescent himself/herself to be aware of the tipping point.

What is the first thing to do?

The first & the most important thing we can do is to talk about it, with doctors, with teenagers, with parents, in schools & colleges, in social functions and at any place one feels appropriate. It is a real problem, don’t shy away, don’t make it taboo! Create a safe space & time where we feel comfortable opening up about what's going on in the lives of our teenagers. This doesn't have to be a big, dramatic event. Try chatting with each other while you're making dinner or folding laundry or in parent meet or during doctor consultation. 

Don’t force, nag, cajole…

Pay attention to subtle cues – if she sees withdrawn or reluctant to talk at present, don't push it. Just let her know you're there whenever she is ready. I have seen this common mistake repeatedly done by overtly ambitious parents: once they are concerned about any issue of their children, they just can’t wait to act!

What Do I Watch Out For?

Most important for parents is to be aware of and subtly observing their teenagers for signals that might indicate that he/she is going through something one needs to take cognisance of, like…

• Changes in mood or behavior: suddenly withdrawn or irritable teenager Or  Unexplained changes in sleeping or eating patterns

• Difficulty concentrating on everyday tasks or schoolwork

• Loss of interest in activities one used to enjoy previously

• Feeling hopeless or worthless

• Talking about suicide or self-harm

I insist here that if you see any of these signs, don't panic. It's important to take action, but remember, you're not alone. There are many resources available to help you and your loved one.

Which are Common issues in Teens?

Here are some of the most common mental health conditions that affect teenagers:

• Anxiety: This is a feeling of excessive & persistent worry, nervousness, or unease, when actually, thinking rationally, there is no reason to feel that way. It's normal to feel anxious sometimes, but when anxiety starts to interfere with your daily life, it can be a problem.

• Depression: This is a feeling of sadness or hopelessness that lasts for more than two weeks. Teens with depression may lose interest in activities they used to enjoy, have trouble sleeping or eating, and have difficulty concentrating.

• Eating disorders: These are unhealthy eating habits that can be dangerous. Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder in which teens restrict their food intake and become very thin. Bulimia nervosa is an eating disorder in which teens binge eat and then purge the food by vomiting or laxatives.

• Substance abuse: This is the misuse of drugs or alcohol. Teens who abuse substances may use them to cope with difficult emotions or to fit in with a certain group.

How can we as Pediatricians Help?

Do you wonder Pediatricians or child specialist doctors are only for babies and young children? Don’t worry, this is a common myth! Like I see patients from birth to 21 years of age. Adolescent science is actually a part of Pediatrics. We at Smile Children Clinic, Andheri west, Mumbai are helping teens throughout their adolescence, not only regarding physical health but also for mental health. We offer screening for mental health conditions, provide counseling, and have in house support for therapy and treatment by trained Psychologists, developmental behavioural pediatrician and child & adolescent Psychiatrists. 

Smile Children Clinic, Andheri, Mumbai

As a pediatrician & Child Health Expert since 1989, we are catering to to the unique challenges that teens face. Most often, it is our experience that adolescents face combination of physical and mental health issues say like migraine with depression, anxiety with iron deficiency etc. The pressure to succeed academically and socially is really intense, and this can take a toll on mental health. If you're concerned about your teen's health, please don't hesitate to reach out. Multidisciplinary team is available, including me and my colleagues. We're here to help you and your teen get through this.

I Emphasise, at the cost of repetition…

• You are not alone. There are many resources available to help you and your teen.

• It's important to have conversations with your teen about how they feel.

Early intervention is the key. The sooner you get help for your teen, the better the outcome will be.