Introduction
Adolescence is a challenging phase in life.
Teenagers need to adjust not only to the rapid physical changes but cope with the emotional, social and economic changes during this period as well.
How teenagers successfully negotiate the biological and external environment they live in, will determine the outcome of their lives whether positive or otherwise.
What are the common troubles among teenagers?
Common troubles or problems faced by teenagers can be classified into three main areas:
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Academic
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Coping with school, college or university life,
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Meeting up to the academic demand and performing well.
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Building relationship among peers, teachers and other school citizens.
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Social
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Coping with family life, parental expectations and responsibilities
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Building relationship and facing the challenges, ups and downs within the family and society at large.
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Health
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Coping with health problems such as those related to physical, nutritional, sexual, mental health or risky behaviours.
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Who to seek help?
When in trouble, teenagers will first seek help from those close to them such as their parents, siblings, family members or other trusting adults such as their teachers and counselors.
However, those teenagers who do not have close, confiding relationship with family members or teachers tend to seek help elsewhere either from friends, strangers (such as online “virtual friends”) or not seek help at all. This may pose potential threats if the teenagers choose the wrong person to voice out their concern.
Why seeking help is important?
Help seeking behavior is a skill that needs to be taught to children and adolescents as this provide opportunities for coping with the environment, positive growth, health and well being. It involves knowing who, where, when and how to seek help depending on the types, severity and urgency of the problems.
How to seek help?
Teenagers can seek help either face to face by visiting the trusted adults or reliable agencies that can help them or get help via phones, hotlines or emails their concern to the relevant agencies or trained personnels.
Where to seek help?
In Malaysia, there are many agencies such as government, private and NGOs that provide services and help for teenagers. The following table lists some of the main agencies that provide help for specific problems or situations faced by children and teenagers
|
No |
Agencies |
Services offered |
|
1 |
Ministry of Health |
Health services in hospitals and health clinics nationwide Stop smoking info line (8am -4 pm working days only): |
|
2 |
Ministry of Education |
Provide information, education and counseling services through the school counselors Further information available at www.moe.gov.my |
|
3 |
Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development |
Talian Nur or Childline : 15999 |
|
4 |
National Population and Family Development Board |
Cafe @ Teen centers for teens provide one stop center for counseling and health services More information available at www.lppkn.gov.my |
|
5 |
Social Welfare Department |
Homes/ Institutions for children, teenagers and disabled that need protection and rehabilitation Further information available at www.jkm.gov.my |
|
6 |
National Anti Drug Agency (Agensi Anti Dadah Kebangsaan or AADK) |
An agency under the Ministry of Internal Affairs Malaysia to provide preventive programmes as well as curative and rehabilitative services for those involved in drug addictions Further information available at www.adk.gov.my |
|
7 |
FRAHAM (NGO)
|
Sexual reproductive health education and services including family planning or contraceptive services for women, men and adolescents. Further information available at www.frham.org.my |
|
8 |
Befrienders (NGO) |
Provide emotional support on problems related to mental health, relationship, family, school concerns or jobs. Staffs are mainly volunteers who are trained and confidentiality ensured. Where appropriate callers are invited to consider seeking professional help in addition to the emotional support offered by the center. Further information available at www.befrienders.com |
|
9 |
Persatuan Pengasih Malaysia |
An NGO that provide support, treatment and rehabilitation for drug addiction. Further information at http://pengasih.org |
|
10 |
Private Sectors |
Health services provided in various private hospitals and clinics in all states, mostly located in urban areas Further information available at |
Conclusion
Teenagers need to be equipped with relevant knowledge, attitude, values and skills to solve problems, seek help and manage their problems and life challenges positively. This knowledge and skills can assist them towards a healthy and productive outcome in life, for themselves, their families and society at large.
References
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Help for parents of troubled teens: http://www.helpguide.org
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Preventing youth suicide-tips for parents and educator: http://www.naspoline.org
| Last Reviewed | : | 18 June 2015 |
| Writer | : | Dr. Nik Rubiah binti Nik Abdul Rashid |
| Accreditor | : | Dr. Wan Fadhilah binti Wan Ismail |
