Support child and adolescent centre
Published:Monday | January 20, 2025 | 12:06 AM
THE EDITOR, Madam:
I am writing with reference to the article, ‘Child and adolescent centre opens in Montego Bay’, published in The Gleaner on January 17.
The establishment of the centre is welcome, and I hope whichever of the two major political parties that win the 2025 general election will continue to support the development of the centre.
The health and well-being of adolescents have a major impact on the overall health of society; and it is a unique stage of human developments and an important time for laying the foundations of good health during adolescence.
Today’s adolescents will become tomorrow’s workforce, so their physical and mental health directly impacts the economy and productivity.
Healthy youth are less likely to engage in risky behaviours, like substance abuse or violence, contributing to a more stable society.
It is important to focus on the following areas for youth wellness:
• Mental health: Addressing anxiety, depression, and other mental health concerns.
• Physical health: Promoting healthy eating habits, regular exercise, and injury.
• Physiotherapy: This can help with depression and developing skills for daily tasks.
• Education and life skills development: Providing access to quality education and building essential skills, like problem-solving and critical thinking.
• Substance abuse prevention: Reducing the risk of alcohol and drug.
• Sexual health education: Promoting safe sexual practices and reproductive health awareness.
• Psychiatric services: A qualified mental health professional, typically a psychiatrist, conducts comprehensive evaluations to diagnose mental health conditions, develops individualised treatment plans, and delivers therapy. This often includes medication management to address the patient’s needs, utilising various therapeutic approaches like cognitive behavioural therapy, while maintaining patient confidentiality and ethical standards.
Securing adolescent health and well-being today is vital for the heath of future generations.
CARGILL KELLY