What Are Some Key Challenges Plaguing Adolescent Health And Mental Well-Being?
What Are Some Key Challenges Plaguing Adolescent Health And Mental Well-Being?
Investing in adolescent health paves the way for a healthier future. But, how can we build a society where every adolescent, regardless of gender, has the opportunity to thrive physically, mentally, and socially?
Written By: Prerna Mittra | Published : January 31, 2025 4:10 PM IST
Medically Verified By: Dr Vishesh Kasliwal, co-founder and CEO of Medyseva Technologies
Problems like anxiety and depression are common in young people, but these mental health issues are often ignored because of societal stigma. (Photo: Freepik)
Adolescence is a crucial period in one's life, characterised by swift physical, emotional, and psychological transformations. Although an impressionable phase, it does allow one to discover their identity, aspirations, and their role in the society. Health and mental stability, therefore, must be guaranteed in every sense, as they are necessary for attaining gender-equity empowerment. According to doctors and health experts, a healthy and empowered adolescent populace constitutes the basis of a progressive society. It is important for one to understand the link between adolescent health and gender equity. How can that happen? According to Dr Vishesh Kasliwal, co-founder and CEO of Medyseva Technologies, health and well-being are inseparable from gender equity. Adolescent girls, in particular, face many challenges that cause obstruction in their health. Examples include limited access to healthcare, nutritional deficiencies, discrimination against mental health, and sociocultural barriers that restrict their autonomy. The doctor says that boys, too, often undergo hardships under 'normative' gender practices that cast 'emotional vulnerability' in a derogatory light.
"Thus, such external limitations can indirectly influence the boy child's mental health. For these very reasons, there is a need for any health intervention to be holistic, addressing both physical and mental health concerns with gender equity," Dr Kasliwal says.
Key Challenges In Adolescent Health And Mental Well-Being
Here are some crucial points to consider, as explained by Dr Kasliwal.
Limited healthcare access: In many rural and semi-urban regions, young people (mostly girls) find it hard to get good healthcare because of monetary issues and poor facilities.
Mental health issues: Problems like anxiety and depression are common in young people, but these mental health issues are often ignored because of societal stigma.
Poor nutrition: Bad eating habits during adolescence can affect physical and mental growth, especially in young girls, who may face anaemia and other health problems.
Lack of reproductive health knowledge: Many young people do not know enough about reproductive health, menstrual hygiene, and birth control, resulting in early pregnancies and health issues.
Gender violence and inequality: Young people, especially girls, are at risk of gender violence, which affects their mental and physical well-being significantly.
Approaches To Addressing Adolescent Health Challenges
Enhancing healthcare access: Increasing healthcare services in areas with fewer resources to ensure young people get needed medical care, and motivating governments and non-profits to fund health initiatives that cater to the youth.
Fostering nutritional education: Running programs to teach about balanced diets and the need for good nutrition, and creating school meal initiatives to combat malnutrition in vulnerable groups.
Improving reproductive health education: Encouraging comprehensive sex education to promote awareness of reproductive health and rights. Ensuring access to menstrual hygiene products and reproductive healthcare services.
Fostering gender equity through education: Advocating for policies that promote gender equality in education and healthcare. Engaging communities in discussions on breaking gender stereotypes and promoting equal opportunities for all adolescents.
The Path Forward
Dr Kasliwal concludes by saying that gender equity and empowerment cannot be achieved without prioritising adolescent health and well-being. "Governments, healthcare providers, educators, and communities must collaborate to create policies and programs that ensure comprehensive healthcare access, mental health support, and gender-sensitive education."
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