Professor Mohan Isaac from the University of Western Australia has called for programmes that spot mental health issues early in adolescents. Speaking at an event honoring P. Krishnakumar on January 24, Dr. Isaac said early detection is key because “more than 50% of all adult mental health problems start by the age of 15” and “75% of all mental health problems in adulthood would have started by the age of 18.” He quoted psychologist Granville Stanley Hall: “adolescence is a period of stress and strain, strife and storm.” During adolescence, bodies change with new voices and physical traits. Without a supportive environment, problems arise. Mood swings may start in this phase. Earlier, family and social rules helped, but these are fading now. “Even communication at home is through the mobile phone,” Dr. Isaac observed. He cited a Lancet Psychiatry expert commission report saying there are about 1.7 billion adolescents worldwide—the highest ever. Ages 12-19 make up 16% of the world’s population, with 80% living in poorer countries like India, Bangladesh, and Nepal. Mental health issues like anxiety, depression, PTSD, and ADHD have doubled in 10-15 years. The digital age and mobile phone use worsen attention spans and mental health. Meanwhile, treatment access is falling behind. Some developed countries offer mental health services till age 18, but the Lancet commission suggests expanding to ages 12-24 and creating special youth programs. Dr. Isaac praised Australia’s ‘Headspace’ project that offers counselling, meditation, and skills training for young people. He stressed the importance of building similar initiatives to tackle growing mental health challenges among youth worldwide.