Adolescence is the most influential period for forming one’s identity, presenting individuals with numerous obstacles and pressures. During this time, a young person stands at a crossroads concerning many paths, including choices related to social circles and partners, education and success, sports and training, musical direction, personal style, recreation and hobbies, future careers, family relationships, and much more. In summary, adolescence is a period of organizing and defining one’s life and how it should unfold. Research conducted by Dray and colleagues (2014) highlights the most common risk factors for developing psychological difficulties during adolescence: social isolation, peer, family, and school problems, intense school obligations and stress, low self-esteem and distorted self-image, exposure to abuse or neglect, early sexual activity, and risk behaviors such as alcohol and substance abuse. The occurrence of stressful life events or specific types of trauma also contribute to deteriorating mental health and affect the course of ones life. Implementing programs to enhance skills in children and adolescents can impact various life outcomes, such as education level and success, employment, income, substance abuse, and family stability (Farrington & Welsh, 2008). Research indicates that addressing mental health issues in children and adolescents involves not only the healthcare sector but also various other sectors focusing on prevention and remediation (Kieling, Baker-Henningham, et al., 2011).
Our mission is to continuously provide support and assistance to children and adolescents through activities and workshops, which aim to strengthen and improve their mental health.
References:
Dray, J., Bowman, J., Freund, M., Campbell, E., Wolfenden, L., Hodder, R. K., & Wiggers, J. (2014). Improving adolescent mental health and resilience through a resilience-based intervention in schools: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial. Trials, 15(1)
Farrington, D. P., & Welsh, B. C. (2008). Saving children from a life of crime: Early risk factors and effective interventions.
Kieling, C., Baker-Henningham, H., Belfer, M., Conti, G., Ertem, I., Omigbodun, O., … & Rahman, A. (2011). Child and adolescent mental health worldwide: evidence for action. The lancet, 378(9801), 1515-1525.
