Mental Health refers to a person’s emotional, psychological and social well-being. How they think, feel and act as they cope with life’s highs and lows.
According to World Health Organization, 10 to 17 year old teens experience related mental disorders. Depression, behavioral disorders, emotional instability becoming the leading causes among teenagers. Very little information is available on how common mental disorders are among Kenyan adolescents
This indicates that there is an existing gap in understanding those findings. Research shows that mental health conditions that emerge during adolescence are not recognized which in the long run can negatively affect teens well-being as they progress into adulthood.
How Does Mental Health Issues Develop In Teens
Mental health issues in teens appear gradually and overtime shaped by psychological, family, social and behavioral factors intertwined with the sudden change experienced during adolescents. Below is a well researched signs to look out for;
Hormonal changes during puberty can affect emotional regulation in teens. For some, this change of biological phases leads to increased the risk of anxiety, depression, or mood disorders, especially if there is a family history of mental health challenges.
Teens are in the process of identifying who they are. This identity formation can bring confusion, self-doubt, and sometimes pressure. When teens struggle with low self-esteem, fear or comparison, unresolved emotions can slowly turn into mental health difficulties
Social pressures plays an important role in teens mental health. Pressure to fit in, fear of rejection, bullying, unhealthy friendships, or social isolation can deeply affect how teens see themselves.
Teen’s environment strongly influences mental health; Family conflict, family instability, neglect, lack of emotional support or poverty and substance abuse.
These mental health issues/factors develop when teens lack the tools, support, and safe spaces to process what they are experiencing.
How Teen Mentorship Plays A Critical Role
Teen Mentorship provides a life shaping role in supporting teen mental health especially when they are faced with pressures, identity struggles, social media influence and emotional rollercoasters.
This is how mentorship truly makes a difference;
It builds confidence and self-esteem. Mentorship comes in to help teens recognize their strength, set achievable goals and value who they are. By encouraging mentorship they are protected against negative self-talk which is linked as a contributor to poor mental health.
As a teen who walks with a mentor or a supportive adult/role model reassures them they are not alone. Mentorship has been shown to lower anxiety and depression by offering emotional reassurance and helping teens process difficult experiences.
Mentorship opportunities provides a safe and trusted safe space for teens who may have struggles to openly express their feelings to parents or teachers. A mentor offers a non judgmental and safe relationship where teens can talk about what they feel and think.
Conclusion And Way Forward
Teen mental health is not a phase to be ignored. Right mentoring and showing support in the adolescents stage lays a foundation for the future of a healthy mental state.
When teens are supported, heard and guided, they grow into confident, resilient and purpose driven individuals.
At Bethel Mentorship, we believe no teen should navigate life’s challenges alone. Our way forward encourages rooted consistent mentorship, safe spaces for open conversation, life skills development and early emotional support.
