GARDEN ROUTE | KAROO NEWS - The matric class of 2024 has had a tumultuous school journey – it has included the coronavirus pandemic, schooling from home, then being reintegrated into in-person education.
At the same time, technology has become a major part of learning, thanks to digital platforms and AI. Social media has amplified the opportunities, as well as the challenges of young people’s lives.
Add to that the uncertainty of choosing a career, and securing work or a place at a tertiary institution, and finishing school can become a highly stressful experience for some.
As this year’s matriculants prepare to get their final results, they stand on the threshold of an exciting, but challenging stage of their lives: adulthood! It represents freedom, but at the same time, a whole new set of responsibilities – bills, relationships, work and community involvement and the pressure of succeeding as adults.
This whirlwind of change has the potential to affect mental-health and well-being, particularly if expectations of matric results and the next steps in their adult journey are not met, placing much pressure on them and how they believe society, family or friends will perceive their outcomes.
For some this could lead to unmanaged stress, depression or in extreme cases, suicidal thoughts or even suicide.
The 2023 U-report poll by the United Nations Children’s Fund (Unicef) found that 60 per cent of children and youth felt they needed mental health support over the previous year.
In the 15-24-year-old age group – which includes graduating matrics – 70 per cent still needed help to improve their mental wellbeing. The need for support was 5 per cent higher among female respondents as males.
In the same poll, 48 per cent of young respondents said they were most anxious about the need to build their skills for future employment.
According to Life Healthcare, 9.5% of teen deaths in South Africa are due to suicide. A third of all hospital admissions for suicide attempts involve teenagers.
Ruvé Esterhuysen, a clinical psychologist based at the Life Poortview, says if not addressed, teenagers’ mental-health problems can worsen, leading to suicidal thoughts, suicide attempts and even the loss of life.
“Modern life is a stressful experience, and we all need help and support,” says Esterhuysen. “There must be no stigma around seeking that help. People who reach out to friends, family and professionals are showing responsible behaviour.”
Panic attacks and increases in unhealthy substance use are warning signs to look out for, as well as parasuicide. Parasuicide is a cry for help, also known as a suicidal gesture, where the goal is not to kill oneself.
Esterhuysen points out that 75% of all people who commit suicides give some warning of their intentions to a friend or family member.
“Matrics and school leavers are embarking on a new phase of life,” says Esterhuysen. “It’s an exciting time, but many South African youth have few employment prospects, they lack social groups, and they are still learning life skills.”
She recommends that families be proactive about managing mental health.
“We all need hobbies, and extra-mural activities. We need family and friends for support,” she says. “Loneliness affects mental health – especially for teenagers, who may find it hard to communicate with peers, and may feel ashamed about mental health due to stigma.”
Esterhuysen highlights a few teenage mental-health red flags to look out for…
- Major changes in emotions and in behaviour
- Becoming sensitive to rejection, failure or critique
- Lack of interest in activities they previously enjoyed
- Isolating in their room or avoiding contact
- Low self-esteem, self-blame, guilt or self-loathing
- Sleep disorders
- Changes in appetite
- Restlessness or slow motor movements
- Headaches, joint, or muscle pain
- Poor personal hygiene
- Worsening academic performance
- Talking about death
- Worrying social media posts
- Alcohol or drug use
- Self-harm
“For a teen matriculant about to enter further studies or the workforce, and who has expressed the pressure of this phase of life as being too much, or whose behaviour has changed, it’s important that parents and friends are aware of the signs of depression.
"Most importantly parents, family and friends should simply be there for them and show that they care. Talk, connect, and listen actively. Let them know that school results, or not landing the right job are not the only thing that matters in life.
Discuss the various future options and opportunities they have. Schedule activities that you can enjoy together.”
Unfortunately, many matriculants going straight into the workforce may struggle to secure a job straight away. The stress of this and how to navigate their financial situation may also be a big factor that contributes to mental health challenges.
Esterhuysen says parents, family and freinds should look to normalise using mental health services and be direct when they can see teens are feeling down.
For teenagers who prefer social media, Esterhuysen recommends mental health apps such as Calm, VoidPet and Finch and the Instagram account @ItsLennnie. However, they also point out that it’s useful to limit screen time.”
“Educate yourself and look after your own mental health needs,” says Esterhuysen. “Let the teens in your life know that after matric, life carries on, with all its pain and joy. We all need help from time to time, and there’s nothing wrong with that.”
For more information on Life Mental Health services, and where adolescents can find help, click here, visit the the South African Depression and Anxiety group, or call Lifeline on 0861 322 322.
‘We bring you the latest Garden Route, Hessequa, Karoo news’
