Have you ever been at a point where you are told, “What do you mean you are stressed? Children don’t stress.” Well, we are going to address and unpack children’s mental health today.
In many African cultures, mental health is often stigmatised and dismissed as a “Western” concept.” The phrase “just deal with it; you’re a kid, respect your elders” has become all too familiar, leaving young people feeling unheard and invalidated. However, research suggests that this approach can have devastating consequences. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Africa has the highest rate of suicide in the world, with young people being disproportionately affected. 
The teenage years are a critical period of development, marked by significant physical, emotional, and social changes. As such, it’s essential to create a supportive environment that allows young people to express themselves freely.
It is a thing in most African societies to brush off how a young person feels and to want them to conceal it and act like they are fine, it becomes most painful when your emotions are all over the place as a teenager and the community around you treats them as though they are not real and you are just looking for attention.
Societies expect teens to conform to traditional norms and suppress their emotions. A study published in the Journal of Adolescent Health found that adolescents in Africa are more likely to experience mental health issues due to societal pressures and lack of support.
I mean, look at the number of suicide cases that rise during the period when results for exams are released, the numbers spike. It was like a ticking time bomb, and the news was the last straw.
Parents and guardians often bear the weight of providing for their families, leaving them overwhelmed and stressed. During these moments, their words can be hurtful, causing teens to feel uneasy.
“They are trying to fit in, to understand this wild world, and they need us to listen, to validate their feelings,” says Dr. Emefa Akoto, a clinical psychologist.
It is a relief when you do something wrong and you are corrected positively and not sarcastically or in a cold manner. Most teens in my community, especially girls, are probably all too familiar with the statement, “With the way you sleep, you are going to be chased away from your marriage, and your husband is always going to be beating you.” This mindset gives young people a negative outlook on marriage and just grooms them to be defensive.
Research has shown that emotional validation is crucial for adolescent mental health, with a study published in the Journal of Youth and Adolescence finding that teens who feel heard and validated are more likely to develop positive coping mechanisms.
The consequences of neglecting mental health are dire. In Zimbabwe, for example, suicide rates among young people have been rising, with many cases linked to untreated mental health issues. The Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency (ZIMSTAT) reports that suicide is one of the leading causes of death among young people in the country.
So, what can we do? Firstly, we need to break the silence surrounding mental health. We need to create a culture where young people feel safe to express themselves without fear of judgement or rejection. This requires a shift in mindset, from viewing mental health as a “Western” concept to recognising it as a universal human need. Let’s write, podcast, create films, and make content about mental health instead of ignoring its existence.
To all the teens out there, your mental health matters. Your feelings are real. You deserve to be heard, to be respected, and to be loved unconditionally.
And to the adults, let’s be more mindful and empathetic. Let’s prioritise mental health and create a supportive environment that allows our young people to thrive.
According to the African proverb, raising a child requires a village. Let’s work together to create a village that values mental health and supports our young people.