Adolescent Mental Health and Coping.

Sibongile Mofokeng welcomed Dr. Happy Setsiba to the studio to discuss adolescent mental health and coping. They highlighted how signs of a teenager in crisis are often mistaken for normal phases of adolescence, but teenagers face real struggles due to peer pressure, hormonal changes, and challenges at home. The exam season also adds stress, emphasizing the need to teach life skills and coping mechanisms. Dr. Setsiba urged caregivers and communities to be supportive and cautious, not to hurt teenagers but to help them through understanding and care. Mental health issues among South African adolescents are significant, with high rates of anxiety and depression, underscoring the need for awareness and effective support systems.