ADOLESCENT MENTAL HEALTH

Highlights

Supporting the mental health and well-being of adolescents is critical for fostering individuals as they transition from childhood to adulthood. This transition lays the foundation for healthy and productive lives.

Children in China are facing increasing stress and competition at school, high parental expectations, and rapidly changing socio-economic conditions. Mental health conditions are a major burden of disease for adolescents in China. According to a recent national study of mental health, almost 25 per cent of adolescents reported feeling mild or severe depression. It is estimated that at least 30 million children and adolescents under 17 years of age in China struggle with emotional or behavioural problems.

The COVID-19 epidemic has also led to adolescents and young adults feeling more isolated, anxious, and concerned about their schooling and career prospects. Compared to adults, young people tend not to seek help for mental health problems due to fears about confidentiality and public stigma; peer pressure and a desire to be self-reliant; and a lack of awareness of mental health problems and mental health services.

UNICEF is working with the health and education sectors, families and adolescents to get young people the mental health and well-being support that they need.