Agence France-Presse released an article: “Depression top cause of illness in world’s teens, WHO reports.”
Here are some excerpts:
Depression is the top global cause of illness and disability for adolescents, with suicide the third-biggest cause of death, the World Health Organization said on Wednesday.
The finding is in a new report by the UN agency, which has pulled together a wealth of published evidence with direct consultations with 10 to 19-year-olds around the world to assess the health issues that affect them.
“The world has not paid enough attention to the health of adolescents,” says Flavia Bustreo, head of the WHO’s family, women and children’s health division.
Some studies show that half of all people who develop mental disorders have their first symptoms by the age of 14, said the report.
“If adolescents with mental health problems get the care they need, this can prevent deaths and avoid suffering throughout life,” it said.
Traffic injuries were the number two cause of illness and disability, behind depression, with boys three times more likely to die than girls.
WHO said it was crucial for countries to reduce the risk by increasing access to reliable and safe public transport, improve road safety regulations such as alcohol and speed limits, establish safe pedestrian areas around schools and graduated licensing schemes where drivers’ privileges are phased in over time.
Worldwide, an estimated 1.3 million adolescents died in 2012, it said.
The top three causes of death globally were road traffic injuries, HIV/AIDS, and suicide.
“We must not let up on efforts to promote and safeguard the sexual and reproductive health of adolescents, including HIV,” said WHO scientist Jane Ferguson, lead author of the report.
For adolescent girls alone, the second-biggest killer after suicide was complications during childbirth.
We must focus our intentions and efforts more on the pain and struggles of our adolescents. They are our future.
Dr. John Schinnerer
Anger management and positive psychology
Guide to Self, Inc.
Danville CA 94526