Shifting the Tides: CSAS Focuses on Teenage Mental Health.

The Colombo School of Arts and Sciences (CSAS) has taken a proactive step towards addressing the growing concerns surrounding teenage mental health by organising a panel discussion and a parental workshop. These initiatives aim to equip parents with the knowledge and tools to support their children during the complex and often challenging adolescent years.

The World Health Organisation’s latest statistics paint a stark picture: 4.4% of 10–14-year-olds and 5.5% of 15-19-year-olds globally experience anxiety disorders, while depression affects 1.4% and 3.5% of these age groups, respectively. These alarming figures underscore the urgent need for open discussions and practical solutions to address the mental health struggles of teenagers. CSAS’s efforts to clear doubts, confront taboos, and dispel myths have sparked meaningful conversations, enabling parents to better navigate their children’s mental health in an ever-evolving world.

Weathering the Storm: A Thought-Provoking Panel Discussion

The first event, a panel discussion titled, “Weathering the Storm,” was held on the 1^st of November 2024 and tackled pressing topics such as adolescent depression, suicidal thoughts, hormonal changes, peer pressure, parenting, and education. The distinguished panel included:

• Dr. Prabha Vidyatilake, Senior Registrar of Child, and Adolescent Psychiatry at Colombo North Teaching Hospital
• Dr. Santushi Amarasuriya, Head of the Department of Medical Humanities, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo
• Ranil Thilakaratne, Chief Operating Officer of Lanka Lifeline
• Shaleeka Jayalath, Principal of CSAS International School

The session was moderated by Dinali Dandeniya, a Corporate Trainer and Life Coach. Key topics discussed included:

1. Recognising early signs of depression in teenagers that parents and teachers should monitor.
2. Steps families can take when suspecting a teenager is struggling with depression or suicidal thoughts.
3. Common stress triggers in today’s digital age and how they differ from previous generations.
4. The interplay between biological or hormonal changes and environmental factors like home and school life.
5. Policies and programs schools can implement to raise awareness and support teenage mental health.

The event drew parents and industry professionals alike, offering invaluable insights into this critical issue. For those who missed the discussion, the full session is available on the CSAS Facebook page.

Shifting the Tide: An Interactive Workshop for Parents

Building on the success of the panel discussion, CSAS hosted a follow-up workshop, “Shifting the Tide,” on the 19^th of November. This hands-on session engaged parents directly, allowing them to share their experiences and challenges in raising teenagers. Facilitated by Shaleeka Jayalath, Ranil Thilakaratne, and Dinali Dandeniya, the workshop focused on:

• Strengthening connections between parents and children.
• Recognising anxiety in teenagers while prioritising parents’ mental well-being.
• Practical strategies for opening and maintaining effective communication with teenagers, overcoming generational differences and family dynamics.

Participants praised the program’s transparent and impactful approach. One attendee remarked, “The programme itself brought out hardcore facts and emotions in a very candid, transparent manner. Parenting is an effort that could bring out great rewards if the information brought out by the programme could really be put into practice. We actually need programmes like this.”

Looking Ahead

Encouraged by the positive feedback, CSAS International School plans to hold a dedicated workshop for teenagers in January 2025. This event aims to address the mental health needs of adolescents directly and provide them with the tools to manage their emotional well-being effectively. For more information about upcoming events on teenage mental health at CSAS, please contact 077 430 3204. Through initiatives like these, CSAS continues to lead the way in fostering a supportive environment for teenagers and their families, ensuring that mental health remains a priority in education and beyond.