MORE YOUNGSTERS GOING IN SEARCH OF “EXTREME” KICKS

Mas suggested that the current economic crisis and its associated unemployment could be reasons contributing to the deepening unease amongst young people. But he added quickly that it was not the direct cause because even before the recession began, young people were “already having a hard time of things.” “The crisis has simply made things worse,” Mas said making reference to young people on the dole queue and their struggle to become independent. Because the issues are not new, he explained, there has not been a serious upturn in the number of cases of emotional stress and depression amongst the young.

Adapting to change
The specialist said that whether it is a case of young people or adults, anxiety and depression frequently arise as a result of an inadequate ability to accept and cope with change. “The world goes its own way, leaving a trail of personal devastation in its wake,” said Mas. “Those who are most affected are those who once lived comfortably, particularly the adult population.” He went so far as to suggest that there should be education from infancy on how to respond to unforeseen, changing circumstances so that people could draw on this training should the time come in their lives to need it.