Dimapur, April 27 (MExN): The Department of Psychology, Nagaland University in collaboration with Model Higher Secondary School, A G Colony, Kohima organised an awareness programme on “Adolescents and Mental Health” on April 27 2017 as part of Community Outreach Programme of the department.
In her talk on the subject, Lovika P Shikhu, Assistant Professor, Department of Psychology, Nagaland University highlighted the importance of understanding individual differences in intelligence and abilities and stressed on positive youth development in the context of mental well-being.
Citing WHO data, Shikhu said that 20 percent of teens by the age of 18 suffer from depressive episodes and mood disorders which accounts for majority of adolescents suicides and is the third leading cause of death in adolescents.
Manifestations of depression in adolescents such as withdrawal from social activities, irritability, low self-esteem, frequent somatic complains and tearfulness often remains unrecognized and untreated in our society due to social stigma and parents lacking awareness about the disorders, she added.
In this connection, she called for changing attitudes and mindsets in recognizing such disorders and its treatment accordingly.
Addiction disorder in terms of digital/internet addiction was also discussed wherein long term addiction habits can result in psychological related problems such as insomnia, irritability, depression and disinterest in academic studies.
The interaction session on various issues was facilitated by Temsusenla Jamir, Assistant Professor, Department of Psychology, Nagaland University, informed a press note received here.
