A clinical psychologist, Adedotun Ajiboye, has urged communities nationwide to prioritise adolescent mental health, highlighting it as a major health concern.

Mr Ajiboye, who works with the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, Ado Ekiti, told journalists on Wednesday in Abuja that the advocacy was necessary as one in five adolescents experienced mental health disorders.

Mr Ajiboye, who spoke against the backdrop of the International Adolescent Health Week, said data revealed that 31.9 per cent of adolescents had anxiety disorders, while 14.3 per cent suffered depression.

He added that 17.2 per cent of high school students had suicidal thoughts/attempts.

Mr Ajiboye said some risk factors included a family history of mental health disorders, social media and technology overuse, peer pressure and bullying. Other risk factors, he said, were academic stress and expectations, trauma caused by abuse, neglect, or loss, social isolation and loneliness, as well as substance abuse.

Mr Ajiboye said changes in mood, appetite or sleep patterns, social withdrawal or avoidance, decreased interest in activities, difficulty concentrating or completing tasks, and increased irritability or aggression were warning signs for adolescents.

The expert added other support and intervention forms, including medication management, peer support groups, online resources, and hotlines.

Mr Ajiboye listed some strategies for the promotion and prevention of adolescents’ mental health issues, including open communication and emotional expression, as well as fostering relationships and social connections.

He said others were promoting healthy coping mechanisms such as exercises and mindfulness, monitoring and limiting technology use, and providing mental health education and awareness, especially in schools.

Mr Ajiboye said there was a need to highlight the role of parents, educators and healthcare providers in supporting adolescent mental health.

International Adolescent Health Week is celebrated annually to work towards improving the health and well-being of over one billion adolescents across the globe.

The mission of the week, which runs from October 7 to October 13, is to inspire adolescents and their communities to advocate for a successful transition into adulthood.

The 2024 IAHW theme is ‘Thriving, not Just Surviving: Building Adolescents’ Resilience’.

(NAN)