The World Health Organization (WHO) has indicated that adolescent mental health is in a critical crisis. About one in six people between the ages 10-19 are vulnerable to mental health problems, the highest it has ever been.
This is a worrying phenomenon that needs attention especially in this internet age where cyberbullying is rampant. Sinclair College students shared their opinions on this crisis.
Damian Vincent
Damian Vincent, a current economics major at Sinclair, stated that he is not surprised by this rising crisis.
“It is actually not surprising since people between ages 10-19 are not yet mentally equipped to handle the emotional and psychological stress of these days,” Vincent said.
Vincent believe the internet shares a large amount of blame for the current crisis.
“I would believe the major cause would be the internet. There is too much uncontrolled stuff on there,” Vincent said.
He reiterated that he talks to family about things that affect his own personal mental health.
“I usually vent to my mom when things get too tough to handle. [My] mom always offers comforts me,” Vincent said.
Raphael Owusu Appiah
Raphael Owusu Appiah is a nursing major at Sinclair. He shared his opinion on what he thought was the cause of this rise in mental health problems.
“I would attribute the primary cause of this rise to insufficient awareness on counselling services for affected people,” Appiah said.
He then admonished the community to do more in providing a safe space for deteriorating mental health victims.
“I think the communities should create more awareness on this worrying phenomenon and let people know that they are there to help,” Appiah said.
When asked if he knew about Sinclair’s counselling services, Raphael was adamant he had only partially seen it on the school’s website.
“I saw it somewhere on Sinclair’s website, I have not physically seen the location yet,” Appiah said.
Cyril Young
Cyril Young, a freshman at Sinclair, said that trend needed to be addressed immediately.
“Luckily, I have not had to deal with mental health problems, but too many people are losing themselves a lot lately and this needs to be addressed immediately…I would attribute the root cause of this crisis to cyberbullying,” Young said.
He maintained that punishment for cyberbullies was too lenient and that it was not enough deterrence.
“There should be harsher punishments for cyberbullies to ensure cyberbullying is gone for good. Parents should also try to limit access to certain content for their kids,” Young said.
He also stated that talking to his best friend is more than enough to always keep his head level and so he has not had to deal with any major crash out yet.
“I am aware of the counselling services Sinclair offers but I really hope I never get to the point where I must use it,” Young said.
Nukuh Semor Akwetey, reporter
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