Modern threats to the health of adolescents became the main topic of discussion at the round table held in Astana. Its participants talked about ludomania, alcoholism, drug addiction and digital addictions that can destroy the mental health of young people, the official website of the Mayor's Office of the capital reports.
At the round table, participants discussed the consequences of addictions for the cognitive development of adolescents: they reduce concentration, worsen sleep quality, lead to depression and anxiety disorders.
Special attention was paid to Internet addiction, which disrupts the perception of reality and prevents the formation of stable social ties.
"The impact of various addictions on the mental health of adolescents is becoming more and more noticeable. Ludomania, alcoholism, drug addiction, dependence on social networks and pornography — each of these factors destroys the emotional stability and cognitive development of young people. We often see anxiety and depressive disorders, sleep disorders, decreased self-esteem and communication difficulties in adolescents with such problems. These addictions create distortions in the perception of reality and prevent the development of healthy habits and life skills. It is important to identify the first signs of dependent behavior in time and provide support to both teenagers and their families in order to help overcome addiction and restore psychological health," said Kunsaya Aripbayeva, a psychiatrist at the City Mental Health Center.
The participants noted the need for an integrated approach to supporting adolescents, the importance of interaction between educational institutions, medical organizations and the active participation of parents. Such programs should contribute to the formation of resilience in young people, the development of stress management skills and healthy habits that support emotional and social stability.

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/astana/press/news/details/877409