BONUS - RUSTENBURG - Mental health struggles often go unnoticed in teens, and according to the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG), 9% of teen deaths in South Africa are caused by suicide, and female suicides peak between the ages of 15 and 19 years.
The teenage years are famous for being emotionally tumultuous. Teens are almost expected to be moody, volatile, and uncommunicative with their parents and this expectation can make it harder for parents to identify when teens are struggling with mental health. Also, according to data from UNICEF, 32% of South African teens show symptoms of anxiety or depression.
Ajuda is a South African startup that promotes preventative healthcare as well as screening programmes. At a general health screening event for school children last year, Ajuda gave older children the opportunity to do a short mental health assessment. “It was deeply eye-opening and revealed just how serious the mental health crisis is,”says Dr Liza Street, paediatrician and co-founder of Ajuda.
Just as hearing, vision and dental screenings are conducted in many schools, it planted the seed that mental health deserves the same attention. “Teens need access to mental health screenings just as much as physical ones, because early detection and support can change the trajectory of a young person’s life,” says Dr Street.
Ajuda has developed a mental health screening tool specifically for teenagers, with the aim of making it widely available in schools across the country. “The screening is completely anonymous – although learners have the option to fill in their names to seek help if they choose to,” says Dr Street.
It’s a written assessment that has been carefully designed to be engaging and non-intimidating. “It’s thoughtfully designed, not just black ink on white paper, like a traditional test, and it folds up like Origami at the end,” says Dr Street.
For learners who are struggling and don’t know how to ask for help, this assessment can be a lifeline. “If a learner provides their name and their responses suggest they may be at risk, they are sensitively identified and prioritised for timely, supportive follow-up.” In addition, Ajuda offers a free, anonymous helpline that learners can call to receive counselling and support.
“Adolescence is a period of significant brain development; it’s a phase where structural rewiring is still possible. If a teenager begins to experience depression and doesn’t get help, they're probably going to become a depressed adult,” Dr Street explains. “Early intervention provides the opportunity to shift the trajectory of their life and prevent long-term mental health challenges.”
While mental health is receiving a lot more attention nowadays, it’s still a taboo topic in many families. Introducing mainstream screening in schools is a powerful step towards addressing this stigma and ensuring children receive the support they need early,” says Dr Street.
* For more information visit www.Ajuda.co.za
