‘Adolescents struggling with relationship issues, drug abuse’

An increasing number of adolescents in Ernakulam are struggling with relationship issues and drug abuse, both of which are emerging as rising problems in mental health, says Dr. Daya Pascal, consultant psychiatrist and Nodal Officer, District Mental Health Programme, Ernakulam. Adolescent suicides are also increasing, she added.

Mental health issues and suicidal risks in all age groups are increasing, she said. “What is alarming and concerning is that it is being seen in younger age groups, the reasons being drug abuse and relationship issues. We have identified these issues as emerging reasons in the post-COVID era. Addiction is not just related to substance abuse, but Internet and cyber addiction as well,” Dr. Daya told The Hindu.

According to her, while law enforcement is doing its bit on issues concerning drug abuse, it is not enough. “We also need to focus on having open conversations about relationships and drug abuse. In fact, we are okay with holding awareness classes for children studying in the tenth grade and up. But that is not enough. According to Excise department data, cases of drug abuse can begin at the age of 13. We need to start talking about this to children from 13 years and above,” said Dr. Daya.

Maintaining that such issues are all part of mental health, she stressed the need to stop ignoring them. “It is high time we started talking about relationships. Children are more exposed these days, and they do not know how to handle relationships, break-ups or how to end a relationship. But no one is interested in talking about these issues. I am mostly discouraged by schools when it comes to talking about relationship issues. We have come across cases of childhood pregnancies. We need to have open, healthy conversations on these issues in our community,” she added.

Those at Maithri, a Kochi-based non-governmental organisation (NGO) working towards suicide prevention, have also observed a recent shift in the nature of calls it receives from adolescents. Relationships and drug abuse are some of the emerging issues in mental health among adolescents and youngsters. “Relationship issues are related to both romantic partnerships and friendships. For children, not having someone who they can refer to as a “bestie” is also a major concern. Other issues involve drug abuse, cyberbullying, bullying, and ragging in schools and colleges,” said Lenita Annamma Joseph, former director of Maithri.

The organisation, which has around 40 volunteers, is also struggling to deal with the surge in distress calls from people with suicidal tendencies.Every day they get calls ranging from 10 to 15, with the average call duration being 30 minutes. Maithri, which is the Kochi chapter of ‘Befrienders Worldwide’, provides on-call support free of cost and can be reached on all days from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Round-the-clock mental health support is available. Call 14416 to connect with a counsellor. Maithri can be reached at 0484-2540530.