PARENTS AND CHILDREN TOGETHER (PACT) FOR A HEALTHY MIND.

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and poor mental health are key causes of morbidity and mortality around the world. Since the majority of NCD risk factors emerge during childhood and adolescence, this time period is critical for promoting a healthy future. Suicide is a leading cause of death among adolescents, emphasising the importance of collaboration between parents and children. Depression is a common mental health problem in adolescence, with serious consequences for overall well-being. Boys are more likely than girls to develop depression before puberty, but this trend reverses during adolescence, with females experiencing depression at nearly twice the rate of males. Depression in adolescents is linked to academic difficulties, substance abuse, and other negative outcomes. It also has a negative impact on social functioning and can have long-term consequences. Previously, depression was thought to be an adult disorder. However, new research has shed light on its development across the lifespan. The prevalence of depression varies by gender, with female depression increasing significantly during adolescence. Substance use, dieting, coping strategies, and sleep are all risk factors for depression that adolescents can change. Depressive symptoms in children and adolescents are predicted by parental mental health problems, while self-efficacy, a positive family climate, and social support act as protective factors. Family functioning is also linked to the onset of various adolescent difficulties. Maladaptive psychological profiles and disordered eating behaviours are two manifestations of depressive experiences in adolescents. Child maltreatment is a major public health issue that has been linked to negative mental health outcomes in children and adolescents, such as depression and suicide attempts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]