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How a good peer group can help reduce mental health risks
Did you know the people you are surrounded with directly affect your mental health? Here are a few things to keep in mind.
Mental, physical, emotional and psychological changes in adolescence can increase the exposure to mental health disorders. In the formation of a youngster’s mind, his peers have a great influence. Increased social interaction with peer groups can exert a negative or positive influence and helps shape his character.
A desire to conform to peers, explore sexual identity and increased exploitation of social media and technology are some of the factors that directly affect stress and anxiety in youngsters. Other important determinants for mental health are the quality of home and relationship with parents and neighbours.
If mental health conditions start to show their symptoms, adolescents tend to be vulnerable to exclude themselves from social groups and are extensively sensitive to stigma, discrimination, educational difficulties and human rights violations.
Dr Kedar Tilwe, Consultant Psychiatrist, Department of Mental Health and Behavioural Sciences, Fortis Health Care, sheds light on how having a good support system can help decrease the risk of mental health disorders in a child.
“Peer groups are usually formed from people who share our experiences and hence make us feel understood, valued and accepted. The same groups also have a huge influence on our attitudes and behaviour patterns. So they directly affect our perception of problem behaviours, cry for help and support system in case of an illness,” he says.
Bringing the disadvantages into focus, Tilwe says, “Peer pressure is one of the major contributors to precipitation of substance use disorders such as alcohol and tobacco use.”
“On the other hand, active participation in support groups has been shown to be of a huge help in maintaining abstinence,” he says, adding, “Presence of a positive peer influence also emboldens a person suffering from depression or anxiety to seek professional help sooner; ensuring that their 'plea for help' is answered.”
Surround yourself with positive people. The role of peers is a critical factor in not only influencing their development but also helpful in their recovery.
