One in seven youths in sub-Saharan Africa are experiencing a mental health condition, according to the 'State of the World’s Children' report released on Tuesday.
But with mental health care out of reach for many, self-harm is now the fourth most common cause of death for teenagers, according to a Unicef reportOne in seven youths in sub-Saharan Africa are experiencing a mental health condition, according to a Unicef report. Stock photo.Examples of mental illness include depression, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, eating disorders and addictive behaviours.
Self-harm is the fourth most common cause of death among 15 to 19-year-olds and a top cause of years lived with disability. Many are deterred from seeking help by stigma and misconceptions that equate mental health with witchcraft or spiritual possessions and a general lack of awareness among people that recovery is possible.
The human cost of the situation is devastating for children, adolescents and families, and the financial cost — the costs of inaction — tops $393bn a year.
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