News

Re-evaluate your family unit: Mental health specialists

March 29, 2019 7:28 am

The youngest patient admitted to the Saint Giles hospital for succumbing to the effects of substance abuse is around 14-years-old.

This is very concerning because at this age, children should be spending their time at school instead of getting families worried about getting rehabilitated.

St Giles hospital Acting Superintendent Dr Kiran Gaikward is stressing that it all goes back to square one – the family unit.

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He says one of the factors seen to be contributing to the increase in young people succumbing to the effects of drugs is due to a weak family structure.

“Every family should have family time. They should spend some hours with their children and find out what their kids are doing so it’s time to check their mobile phones, see what the kids are doing. It’s okay to go to their rooms and have a look there.”

He says parents must re-look at their roles and closely monitor their children’s whereabouts and activities.

“Boredom is another factor where teens can’t tolerate being alone, have trouble keeping themselves occupied and they start creating excitement to be engaged in substance abuse. Another factor is instant gratification because once you use drug you will immediately feel very happy.”

Mental health specialist Dr Sitiveni Yanuyanutawa also supports this call for the family unit to be strengthened.