Adolescence: Should We Care?

Adolescence is defined by WHO as a period in human growth and development that occurs after childhood and before adulthood from ages 10 to 19 years. It is one of the critical transitions in the life span which is characterized by a great pace in growth and change which is second only to that of infancy. Adolescence marks the developmental transition from childhood to adulthood, a time when many important social, economic, biological, and demographic events set the stage for adult life. The current study is a cross sectional study which was carried among Urban,Rural and Tribal High schools of Mysuru,India revealed urban high schools participants had higher anxiety disorders, mood disorders, ADHD and Suicidality seen more among rural participants which used MINIKID Screening and diagnostic tool . To assess the coping skills Tobin 32 item scale was used which revealed Tribal school participants had better coping skills which means higher scores in problem focused engagement, Emotionfocused engagement and engagement. Mental health being neglected part in routine school health services needs special sessions at schools as its easy place to address this huge human resource of a country.