Civil infrastructure consultancy firm of Architects and Engineers, Bricklane Development Group, has organised a mental health awareness programme at Madina Cluster of Schools in the La Nkwantanang Madina assembly.

The 2018 Mental Health Day themed, “Young People and Mental Health in a Changing World” was designed to raise awareness about the importance of Mental Health and Mental illness.

Bricklane, as part of its corporate social responsibility, reached out to over 1000 students at the Madina Cluster of Schools, No. 1 Compound in the La Nkwantanang-Madina Assembly to educate students about the importance of mental health and how to promote good mental health in a changing world.

This, according to the organisers, will prepare the students for the transformations of the world from simple traditional societies into complex modern societies as these changes including, lifestyle, trends, direct habits and mental assets have greater influences on the individual’s overall health and o the nation at large.

“As a nation, our future depends on the youth and this change is immense in terms of their physical, mental, and emotional change, coupled with responsibilities from society and moral developments.

All these changes can have an impact on the growing child and that is why it is our responsibilities as professionals, parents, teachers, opinion leaders, elders, among others to educate our children about the importance of mental health,” the organisation said.

Studies have revealed that more than 50% of the people suffering from mental disorders starts before the age of 14. One in five youth live with a mental health condition, but less than half of these individuals receive the needed attention.

Undiagnosed, untreated or inadequately treated mental health conditions can affect a student’s ability to learn, grow and develop and to become a better person for themselves, the community and the nation as a whole.

In view of this, it is important to for the youth, particularly to have confidence in their mental health issues. Whiles focusing on economic growth, it is also important that we support youth to develop and adapt to these changes. If they are identified at an early stage and given the appropriate therapy and support, probably we can prevent many children from suffering these severe mental disorders.