The World Health Organization is highlighting mental health adversities among young people in honor of World Mental Health Day, which is Oct. 10.
Here are five things to know:
1. Half of all mental health illnesses appear by age 14, but many cases go undetected and untreated, according to the WHO. Suicide is also the second leading cause of death among people ages 15 to 29.
2. The WHO cited lifestyle changes, such as going off to college, and increased technology use as stressors that can exacerbate existing mental health issues in young people.
3. Many adolescents live in areas affected by natural disasters and epidemics, which also makes them more vulnerable to mental distress and illness.
4. The WHO seeks to highlight mental distress and illness issues for the public to better understand their warning signs and symptoms, while bringing in government involvement to improve health and educational efforts.
5. The organization hosted a meeting in the U.K. Oct. 10 for healthcare leaders and researchers to discuss ways to improve governmental investment in mental health and boost treatment interventions, according STAT's Morning Rounds e-newsletter released Oct. 10.