Recognize Mental Problems In Teenagers, Doctors Call Behavior Change A Characteristic

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JAKARTA - Head of the Indonesian Pediatrician Association (IDAI) Youth Task Force Dr. Rodman Tarigan SpA(K), M.Kes reminded parents to be aware of behavioral changes that indicate signs of mental problems arising in their teenage children.

Dr. Rodman said that if teenagers suddenly change from someone cheerful to more closed, withdraw from school activities and friends, and often complain about physical illness for no apparent reason, it can be suspected as a change in behavior that indicates mental problems in teenagers.

"So if we find just one thing, we as parents need to realize that there is a change in the behavior of the child," said Dr. Rodman as quoted by ANTARA.

Dr. Rodman said one of the problems in school and adolescent-age children is mental and emotional health. In the data he describes, as many as 10 percent of children aged 15 to 24 years have mental and emotional disorders.

He said parents and the surrounding environment must be able to respond to changes in behavior in teenagers. Children with mental problems generally experience stress, depression, and even take negative actions such as brawls, violence to stealing.

According to him, if there is at least one sign of a striking change in behavior, the first step that must be taken is to communicate with the teenager. Give children the opportunity to talk about the feelings and experiences they experience. Parents should be good listeners and understand the problems the teenager faces.

Parents must also provide strong support and ensure that their child is not alone in dealing with their problems. In addition, parents can also introduce their children to productive and positive activities. However, Dr. Rodman does not deny that in a number of cases there are teenagers who are reluctant to talk about their problems to their parents. This can be triggered by a lack of trust or other factors that affect the relationship.

If this happens, the process of identifying the root of the problem can become more difficult and require patience. If parents feel that they are unable to handle the child's problems, seeking help from experts can be an option.

Dr. Rodman said that counseling services can be used to deal with teenagers with mental problems. The government has provided counseling services through the Youth Care Health Service (PKPR) program at the puskesmas, which is designed to provide psychological support to teenagers.

"It's already in all puskesmas and it's covered by BPJS. If it can't be resolved at the puskesmas, it will be referred to PPK hospital (health service provider) 2, there is a pediatrician, maybe also a psychologist or service from a psychiatrist," said Dr. Rodman.