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3. Teenage years
Transitioning from primary to high school is another big step,
with a new environment and a new set of expectations. In your
teenage years you experience a range of emotions. Events such
as new relationships, studying for exams, starting a new job and
figuring out your friendship group can be challenging. During
this time, following puberty, the brain is also going through a
critical time of development which affects emotions, decision
making, controlling impulses, anticipating consequences of
behaviour and the ability to take-in information and understand
it, then set goals and plan.
4. Adults (18 to 65 years)
Growing up can often be a struggle for many adolescents who
view adulthood with apprehension rather than excitement to
explore. It is no wonder many young adults often develop
depression, anxiety, eating disorders, substance abuse disorders,
and have difficulty meeting developmental milestones. Moving
into the adult world can bring its own set of stresses such as;
deciding what you want to do after leaving school, whether to
pursue tertiary education, what to study or search for a job.
Negotiating the adult world with new freedoms and responsibilities
can be challenging. Similarly, developing relationships, starting
a family, getting married and long hours of work, finding a
job, romantic relationships, social media all bring stresses that
can affect your mental health.
5. Older adults (over 65 years) and retirement
Growing older brings its share of challenges. At this stage in life
you may find it difficult to look after your mental health and
well-being at times. If feelings like sadness or worry are preventing
you from getting the most out of life, help and support is
available for seniors with mental health issues. These effects
include partial identity disruption, decision paralysis, diminished
self-trust, experience of a post retirement void, the search for
meaningful engagement in society, development of a retirement/life
structure, the confluence of aging and retirement and
death anxiety, etc.
continuation from page 23
COMMUNITY MENTAL HEALTH
According to the Ministry of Health and Child
Care, 1 million people in Zimbabwe suffer from
mental health illness, a figure which could have
doubled due to effects of the Covid pandemic. As
a responsible member of your community you
should begin to ponder on the following:
1. What is the prevalence rate of mental
illness in your community?
2. According to Mental Health Experts drug
and substance abuse are leading causes of
mental illness in Zimbabwe. What can you
do to stop drug and substance abuse in your
community?
3. Research shows that mental challenges
can be treated more effectively and in a
more cost-effective manner in community
settings than in the traditional psychiatric
hospitals. What can you do as an individual
or community to push for establishment of
mental health care facilities in your area?
Remember to always check on your family and
neighbors, treat members of your community with
care. Avoid littering the environment counts as
much as taking care of your neighbor. Be a good
companion to others.
Major life events
Everybody experiences ups and downs in life. These could be
due to the stress brought about by major events that occur in life
such as: financial worries, job loss, a death, an accident or
long-term injury and breakdown of a relationship etc. Sometimes
even happy events like the birth of a new baby in the family,
moving interstate or overseas, planning a wedding or retirement
can be stressful and result in you feeling down. Always remember
to talk to a professional psychologist whenever you encounter
these issues.
Happiness is contagious be a carrier!!
Feb 2022 Issue 1 Mental Balance 25