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The South African kids between the ages of 10 and 14 are not alright.

So little research has been done on depression and anxiety among younger adolescents, especially in this age range, even though half of all mental health problems develop before the age of 14.

But now mental health researchers conducted a study focusing on these young adolescents in 10 schools in under-resourced areas within Cape Town and the Cape Winelands and found that a large portion of them really are struggling.

621 adolescents aged 10 to 14 in 10 primary schools across the region were recruited by the researchers working with community-based organisations offering psychological and social support and counselling, per The Conversation.

Gathering information on sociodemographic factors, mental health symptoms, substance use, bullying, punishment, witnessing violence at home and self-esteem, the researchers found that 33% experienced symptoms of depression. That included feeling sad or down, irritability, hopelessness, trouble sleeping, appetite changes and difficulty concentrating.

They also found that these depressive symptoms were linked with being in a higher grade in school, alcohol consumption, the use of other drugs, and witnessing violence among adults at home.

We found that a high percentage of adolescents reported experiencing bullying at school (80.5%), witnessing violence at home (78.6%), and being exposed to punishment by caregivers (56.4%).

A significant portion of the adolescents had tried alcohol at least once (23.8%).

Meanwhile, 21% reported symptoms of anxiety, which included difficulty controlling worry, feeling afraid or scared, feeling irritable, trouble concentrating and feeling restless. Significant associations were found with being in a higher school grade, poor emotional regulation skills, and cannabis use.

Children feeling worries and woes so early on is probably a very normal and natural reaction to the state of the country and the world at large.

However, these figures are very concerning for this age group and highlight the urgent need for comprehensive mental health support in schools and in the home.

To implement this, the researchers are piloting the World Health Organisation’s Early Adolescent Skills for Emotions (EASE) programme at some of the schools in the Western Cape. This group psychological intervention for 10- to 14-year-olds and their caregivers can be delivered by non-specialist providers to improve their mental health.

The Western Cape probably also needs to address the rampant gangsterism in order for children to grow up in a safer, stable environment in which they can flourish instead of falling into the pits of despair.

[source:conversation]