ADOLESCENCE is an age of enthusiasm, liveliness and other kinds of exuberance. The age in the ranges of 10–19 years is adolescence. It is during this period that many mental, physical and behavioural changes take place in the life of an adolescent. They grow up, on the one hand, and on the other hand, they cannot completely leave their childhood. Emotions run high at this time and, to some extent, pass through mental tension.
Adolescence is an important and sensitive part of human life. If the girls grow up with physical and mental health, they will be established as skilled artisans and ambassadors of human liberation. As a result of physical changes during puberty, various types of curiosity, dilemmas and excitement arise in the minds of adolescents. At this time, adolescents become aware of their body, appearance, clothes, behaviour, etc. These mental changes occur in the natural order of nature.
Emotional, physical or behavioural problems or abnormalities in the adolescent impair their social and daily life activities in this period. There are 3.6 million adolescents in Bangladesh. Their mental illness is emotional, behavioural, or neuro-developmental. The picture of mental health problems that emerges in the latest survey of Bangladesh is quite alarming. About 18.4 per cent of the adolescent suffer from mental illness.
According to the World Health Organisation, mental health is a state of physical, mental, social, and spiritual well-being and the absence of disease or infirmity. Simply put, mental health is a state of mind in which people can understand their own abilities, cope with the normal stresses of life and contribute to their community. Suicide rates are high among 15-19 years old girls. The period of 10–19 years is crucial for all kinds of social and human development.
If proper mental care is neglected this time, after 15-20 years, there will be a valueless society. At this time, behaviour in front of adolescents, unethical discussions, immoral activities and disrespect and contempt of others in their own society have a negative effect on the mind. During this period, study is stressed, but no effective measures are taken for mental development. As a result of behavioral and emotional changes in the adolescent, many times they become mentally disturbed and are subjected to abuse, oppression and cruelty and their normal mental development is disrupted.
Adolescent depression and anxiety are both mental health problems. Nutritious food, walking in the open air, various physical exercises, reading storybooks necessary for life, painting, writing competitions, biographies of wise people, and reading various advice words of successful people are very important for adolescents. The golden childhood of adolescents is fading away. The history of the original family bond is going towards the destruction of tradition. It is deprived of social status, family tradition and practice of cultural norms, love, harmony, affection, and compassion.
All becoming brutal rather than humane, drifting towards deviance. Drunkenness, robbery, theft, smuggling, drug dealing, narcotics and gang culture are involved in terrible crimes. During adolescence, special care and the establishment of moral, humane and equal rights in the family, social environment, humility, manners, the creation of a beautiful environment, as well as loving and respectful friendly relations will ensure a real human being with good mental health.
Because of not growing mentally healthy, the inefficient, misguided adolescent will be known as a burden to the nation and not an asset to the country. If constructive thinking is not developed, the nation will be devoid of talent,Ìý efficiency and leadership. Adequate sleep and rest, socio-cultural practices, psycho-social moral development, positive thinking, instilling a sense of respect and emotional protection of the adolescent are responsible to a large extent for family happiness and comfort. They have to say that the adolescent can do it; they can be the best.
In this case, there is no alternative tio the family, society and the state playing their proper role. Adolescent-friendly health centers should be established at every union where there will be counseling corners. Adolescents should be counselled by their parents. All sectors of society, including sports, entertaining activities, parenting, teaching, community participation, should be involved.
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Amit Banik is a development activist.
