Affinity Health, a leading provider of high-quality health cover, is marking National Youth Month by encouraging families, teachers, caregivers, and young people to prioritise youth mental health. This is particularly crucial as emotional, academic, social, and online pressures continue to increase.
Mental health is not only an adult concern. The teenage and young adult years are a key time for emotional and social growth, but they can also be challenging. Many young people experience anxiety, depression, and behavioural issues, and suicide remains one of the leading causes of death among those aged 15 to 29. This is why awareness, early support, and open conversations are more important than ever.

Youth Mental Health: Signs And Support

Affinity Health, a leading provider of high-quality health cover, is marking National Youth Month by encouraging families, teachers, caregivers, and young people to prioritise youth mental health. This is particularly crucial as emotional, academic, social, and online pressures continue to increase.
Mental health is not only an adult concern. The teenage and young adult years are a key time for emotional and social growth, but they can also be challenging. Many young people experience anxiety, depression, and behavioural issues, and suicide remains one of the leading causes of death among those aged 15 to 29. This is why awareness, early support, and open conversations are more important than ever.
“According to the World Health Organization (WHO), one in seven adolescents globally lives with a mental health condition, with anxiety and depression among the most common,” says Murray Hewlett, CEO of Affinity Health.
“These challenges are more common than many people think, and they often develop quietly. That is why recognising the signs early and making support accessible can make such a difference.”

Why It Matters

Young people today are growing up in a fast-moving world with constant pressure. They are expected to perform well at school, manage friendships, fit in socially, and make decisions about their future while still figuring out who they are.
For many, this is made harder by bullying, cyberbullying, financial stress at home, grief, trauma, and loneliness. Social media can offer connection, but it also brings comparison, pressure, and the need to appear “okay” all the time.
One of the biggest challenges is that many young people struggling with their mental health do not ask for help. Fear of judgment, stigma, and not knowing where to turn often keep them silent.

Warning Signs

Mental health struggles in young people do not always appear obvious. Instead of speaking up, many show signs through changes in behaviour, mood, and daily habits.
This can include becoming withdrawn, irritable, tearful, or unusually angry. A young person may lose interest in activities they once enjoyed, avoid friends or family, or show a drop in school performance.
Physical symptoms can also appear, such as changes in sleep, appetite, frequent headaches, or ongoing fatigue. Some may experience anxiety, panic, or a sense of hopelessness.
Of course, not every difficult week means something serious. The concern is when these feelings last, worsen, or begin to affect everyday life.

When to Act

Some signs should never be brushed off. If a young person talks about self-harm, suicide, wanting to disappear, or feeling as if they don’t matter, it’s important to take it seriously.
Big changes in behaviour can also be a warning sign. Pulling away from everyone, acting out of character, or taking unusual risks can point to something deeper. A comment such as “everyone would be better off without me” can carry significant weight and should be taken seriously.
It might feel uncomfortable, but calmly asking simple, direct questions can really help. It certainly doesn’t make things worse; in many cases, it gives them the chance to open up and be heard, finally.

How to Support

Supporting a young person often starts with something simple: being there and really listening. When they feel safe and not judged, they are far more likely to open up.
What’s more, you don’t need to have all the answers. Sometimes, just asking gentle questions can make it easier for them to talk:

• “You haven’t seemed like yourself lately.”
• “Do you want to talk about what’s been on your mind?”
• “What can I do to help?”

Small, everyday habits also play a role. Getting enough sleep, staying active, eating properly, taking breaks from screens, and spending time with the right people can all support better mental health.
At the same time, it’s important to recognise when extra help is needed. Speaking to a GP or mental health professional early on can make a real difference and help prevent things from getting worse.

The Bottom Line

Youth mental health requires attention, understanding, and action. The earlier the signs are recognised, the better the chances of recovery and long-term wellbeing. No young person should feel they have to struggle in silence, and no family should feel they have to handle it alone.
Families can make the most of their Affinity Health plan by using the unlimited telehealth benefit to speak to a healthcare professional for advice and support when it’s needed, along with access to 24/7 GP consultations, managed visits to a Medical Society, and a wide network of healthcare providers, making it easier to get help when it matters most.

About Affinity Health

Affinity Health is South Africa’s leading health cover provider, offering you a range of options at affordable rates, including access to the widest national provider network. We understand the importance of having medical insurance that meets your needs, budget, and lifestyle. Our healthcare products are designed to protect you and your family when it matters the most. We strive to give our clients peace of mind and the highest standard of service. For more information, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.