Page 31 - Cornwall Issue 5 2024

HEALTH MATTERS

they are themselves the head of a child-led
household. The age gap, or lack of a close
bond, makes difficult subjects even harder
to approach. A lack of parental supervision is
harmful, with most teens feeling they would
relate better to a parent than a grandparent
or aunt.

The poverty and hardships they face often
make matters worse. Like all teenagers,
they want to look a certain way or dress
fashionably, but with a lack of resources
this is not always possible, leading to
comparisons which affect their sense of self-
worth.

Social media only seems to exacerbate
issues like this, as the ‘like’ button has an
emotional impact and seeking validation
through social platforms is treacherous
ground for young people still trying to come
to grips with their feelings.
ASKING FOR HELP
Lekana says that although most teens don’t
feel comfortable asking for help, many
he 2016 Lancet Commission non-profit organisation mandated to create of them will unconsciously be seeking it
on Adolescent Health and positive change by providing a Christian through their behaviour. She warns that a
Wellbeing highlights that education and training for black women teen who has withdrawn and wants to spend
adolescence is a crucial period to become teachers in the early childhood most of their time alone or in their room, is in
for realising human potential. development sector. trouble. In addition to bottling up emotions,
TDuring this volatile time, teenagers who constantly belittle themselves
the brain undergoes rapid development In 2010, The Love Trust opened a school in and have negative comments about others,
and changes, and interactions with social Midrand and has been providing a haven including their families, may need help.
environments significantly shape the abilities for its learners ever since. It oversees every
that young people carry into adulthood. aspect of their wellbeing, with the inclusion Lekana is put in touch with learners who
of a social worker to ensure that their are struggling, when this is recognised by
Many medical experts predicted that post- psycho-social development is catered for. teachers in the classroom but often met with
Covid 19, the next health crisis would relate resistance by the teen’s family. She says
to mental health and that prediction seems Elsie Lekana is the resident social worker for the biggest hurdle when communicating
to have been spot on. SADAG, the South the Nokuphila School, working between the with family members can be the general
ADDRESSING THE RISE IN African Depression and Anxiety Group, educators, learners, their parents and the lack of knowledge about mental illness, with
local community to ensure that teens who
has confirmed that teen suicide is on the
older generations not understanding the
increase and becoming more and more
support are given just that.
common. A worrying statistic is that suicide are not coping or need additional care and emotional and psychological part of what
she is trying to explain to them. ‘Soldiering
accounts for 9% of all teen deaths in South on’ is not always healthy but sometimes
Africa. Her role is critical and she has formed a expected of the younger generation. In
network between the organisations she addition, cultural myths sometimes leave
Whilst some may experience difficult periods, represents and local counselling and support teens feeling hurt and misunderstood.
depression is not as simply shifted and can services. She works with current students
be extremely dangerous if left undiagnosed. as well as alumni from the school through While the subject of depression and suicide
Up to one third of all suicide victims have their Saturday classes, and is privy to the can be disheartening, it is comforting to know
attempted suicide previously and the best pressures and hardships faced by teenagers that organisations are constantly working to
way of improving this situation is to gain in the township. change perceptions and educate others about
a good understanding of recognising the mental health issues. The sooner the stigma
symptoms of depression amongst them. She says that while many teens experience that surrounds them is removed, the more
There are tools at our disposal to help the dangers of peer pressure, with people can be helped to lead fulfilling lives.
combat this crisis. depression it is more often than not a
sense of displacement and a feeling of Lekana also has close ties with the Valued
THE LOVE TRUST being misunderstood that leaves them with Citizens initiative, and believes that this will go
Leading the charge is The Love Trust, a more severe mood imbalances. Many of the a long way towards paving a path to healing.
students she deals with feel they do not have She believes that school-led workshops
a person they can lean on, or a safe space. for parents, with informative sessions on
Elsie Lekana In some cases, they live with an older relative recognising and aiding young people battling
who is not a parent or in extreme cases, with depression, will be a game changer.

CONT A C T DET AILS
If you or anyone you know needs help, please visit
https://sadag.org
Web address: www.lovetrust.co.za

Cornwall View • Issue 5 2022
Kyalami Estates • CONNECT • Issue 2 • 2024 29