Judilynn N. Solidum
University of the Philippines, Philippines
Title: Mental health state of selected adolescent students in manila, Philippines
Biography
Biography: Judilynn N. Solidum
Abstract
It is alarming to note that more than a tenth of the world’s population below 20 years of age experience mental disorders. Majority of these mental illnesses commence before the age of 15 and three quarters are seen by mid-twenties which may adversely affect an individual’s development if untreated. This would hinder the attainment of a full and functional life. Symptoms of emotional distress are experienced by one-fifth of adolescents with about a tenth having emotional impairment. Depression and anxiety disorders are the most common mental conditions recorded among adolescents. This cross-sectional descriptive study aimed to assess the mental health state of selected adolescents in in Manila. Philippines. Using the mood and feeling inventory, 200 students, aged 16-20 were made to answer the 33 item questionnaire. The results revealed that a significant percentage of respondents are suffering from moderate depression. Stakeholders should be engaged in the advocacy of raising people’s awareness on the magnitude of the mental health issues among adolescents. Members of the academe are in a very good position to identify mental health challenges of adolescent students as they spend much of their waking hours in school.