Title : Prevalence of Mental Health issues in Adolescents in South India

Mental health is a priority as much as physical health. Since the pandemic, mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, self harm, OCD etc are being more prevalent. More awareness is needed for breaking the stigma of mental health especially in countries like India. Survey method was implemented to obtain data on the prevalence of mental health issues in adolescent population in South India. The data was obtained from both parents of adolescents and adolescents. Demographic variables such as urban-rural, education and occupation status of parents, availability of mental health support resources, etc were studied. Non parametric analysis was used to analyse the data obtained. Implications of the study is to develop more strategies to educate parents, adolescents, teachers and medical professionals so that the stigma is broken and the accessibility for mental health services is better.

Dr Keerthi Prabhu, MPhil in Clinical psychology from Kasturba Medical College Manipal and PhD from Madras University.  She is Consultant Clinical Psychologist, Mental Health Advisor in Apollo Shine Foundation, Partner in Element H PSS, Guest faculty in Institute of Mental Health Chennai, India Joint secretary of TNACP, Founder member and Vice President South Zone of Clinical Psychology Society of India. She’s certified CBT trainer from CBT Australia. She is trained in DBT, SFBT, MBCT, Grief therapy, IFS and group therapy. Children, adolescent, young adults and senior adults with psychological distress, relational difficulties, personality disorders, giftedness, grief etc consult her.