TheHEALTH July/August 2024 | Page 22

Column The HEALTH | July-August . 2024
Effective strategies for building resilience

22

Column The HEALTH | July-August . 2024

Building resilience in adolescents

While building resilience is a powerful tool , it is essential to recognise when professional help may be necessary
MINDTALK
BY DR ROZANIZAM ZAKARIA
Dr Rozanizam Zakaria is a psychiatrist and an associate professor at the International Islamic University Malaysia ( IIUM ). He works at Perth Children ’ s Hospital , Western Australia , as part of his subspecialty training in child and adolescent psychiatry .

ADOLESCENCE is a critical transitional phase in human development marked by significant psychological and emotional changes . During these formative years , adolescents develop their identity , self-esteem , and emotional regulation while navigating the complexities of social pressures , academic demands , and increasingly pervasive social media influences .

This phase can be both exciting and challenging , making the development of resilience - a critical skill for coping with life ’ s adversities - essential for maintaining mental well-being . This resilience helps them manage current stresses and prepares them for future difficulties , reducing the risk of mental health issues and enhancing overall life success .
According to global estimates from the World Health Organisation ( WHO ), approximately one in seven ( 14 per cent ) of 10 to 19-year-olds experience mental health conditions . These conditions often go unrecognised and untreated .
Specific data on adolescent mental health disorders include :
• Anxiety disorders affect an estimated 3.6 per cent of 10-14 year-olds and 4.6 per cent of 15-19 year-olds globally .
• Depression is estimated to occur in 1.1 per cent of adolescents aged 10-14 years and 2.8 per cent of 15-19-year-olds .
• Behavioural disorders affect 3.6 per cent of 10-14-year-olds and 2.4 per
cent of 15-19-year-olds .
• Suicide is the fourth leading cause of death among 15-19 year-olds globally .
• The recently released Adolescent Health Survey 2022 reported that one in four Malaysian adolescents reported symptoms of depression . It ’ s important to note that 50 per cent of mental health conditions start by age 14 , which makes early identification and timely intervention crucial .
ROLE OF PARENTS AND COMMUNITY
Parents and caregivers play a fundamental role in supporting adolescent mental health . Creating a supportive home environment is essential for adolescents . This includes maintaining open lines of communication , being approachable , and actively listening to adolescents ’ concerns .
Recognising signs of mental health issues and providing timely intervention is also essential . Parents can model resilience by demonstrating healthy coping strategies and maintaining a positive attitude , which can influence their adolescent ’ s approach to challenges .
Schools and community programmes can offer valuable resources for promoting mental health and resilience . Many schools , local health clinics , and NGOs provide counselling services , peer support groups , and extracurricular activities that can support adolescents ’ well-being .
Community programmes , such as youth organisations and mental health
workshops , can provide additional support and resources . Encouraging adolescents to take advantage of these resources can help them build resilience and access the support they need .
A healthy lifestyle contributes significantly to mental well-being and resilience . Encouraging adolescents to maintain a balanced diet , exercise regularly , and ensure adequate sleep can positively impact their mood and stress levels .
Physical activity , for example , is known to release endorphins , which can improve mood and reduce anxiety . By fostering these healthy habits , adolescents can better manage stress and build resilience .
WHEN TO SEEK PROFESSIONAL HELP
While building resilience is a powerful tool , it is essential to recognise when professional help may be necessary . If an adolescent exhibits persistent signs of mental health issues such as severe anxiety , depression , or significant changes in behaviour , seeking professional intervention is crucial .
Mental health professionals can provide tailored support and treatment options to address specific needs . Building resilience in adolescents is crucial for their mental health during their teenage years .
Effective strategies outlined here will help teens navigate challenges and build confidence , setting them up for a healthier future . – THE HEALTH

Effective strategies for building resilience

Healthy coping mechanisms Teaching adolescents effective coping mechanisms is essential for building resilience . Techniques like mindfulness , journaling , and relaxation exercises can help manage stress and emotions . Mindfulness practices , such as meditation and deepbreathing exercises , help adolescents stay grounded and present , reducing feelings of anxiety . Journaling permits teens to express their thoughts and feelings , providing a beneficial outlet for emotional expression . These practices should be integrated into their daily lives , including between hectic academic classroom sessions .
Positive self-talk Encouraging positive selftalk is another vital strategy for building resilience . Adolescents often struggle with negative self-perceptions and self-criticism . Teaching them to change negative thoughts with positive affirmations can improve self-esteem and emotional resilience . Teens can develop a more optimistic and constructive mindset by focusing on their strengths and accomplishments rather than their shortcomings .
Goal-setting and problemsolving Goal-setting and problemsolving skills are also critical aspects of resilience . Helping adolescents set realistic goals provides them with a sense of purpose and direction . Additionally , teaching them problem-solving skills enables them to tackle challenges systematically and confidently . Encouraging teens to break down more significant problems into smaller , manageable tasks can make them feel more in control and less overwhelmed .
Social support and relationships Strong social support networks play a significant role in building resilience . Positive relationships with family , friends , and mentors provide emotional support and encouragement . Encouraging adolescents to cultivate healthy relationships and seek support from trusted individuals can help them feel less isolated and more supported during challenging times . Open communication with parents and caregivers fosters a supportive environment where teens feel comfortable discussing their concerns and seeking help .