America’s youth are not OK. The growing mental health crisis among young people has led to the declaration of a national emergency and the U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisories on protecting youth mental health and social media and youth mental health, all within the last three years.
While overall mental health among children and adolescents has been worsening for more than a decade, the decline has accelerated in recent years. From 2018 through 2022, the number of young people with a mental health diagnosis increased by 28%, and the number of young people with at least two mental health diagnoses increased by 48%. In addition, more than 16% of youth (ages 12 to 17) reported suffering from at least one major depressive episode in 2023, up from approximately 12% in 2018, according to the Mental Health Association.
Today’s teens face a unique set of challenges that can affect their mental health. From navigating the complexities of social media to concerns over climate change, cultural wars and a highly polarized political environment, the landscape differs vastly from what previous generations experienced. Therefore, we must provide teens and adolescents with safe and supportive environments in which they can express themselves openly and honestly.
Open communication and the willingness to discuss problems and issues can positively impact a family’s mental health, according to MD Live’s recent Family Behavioral Health Report. However, among survey respondents, teens were about twice as likely as adults to say they wished their families talked more openly about the core topics that teens face.
Families that start conversations on sensitive topics within families create an environment of acceptance where mental health issues can be openly discussed. Talking candidly with teens is an essential step in understanding and addressing any problems they may be dealing with. Still, it may be time to seek professional help if you sense more serious issues.
Is it time to see a professional?
Recognizing when a teen’s struggles require professional intervention can be difficult for a parent to assess, but it is vital to their well-being. Half of all mental health conditions appear before the age of 14, and 75% begin before age 24. Remaining undiagnosed or receiving ineffective care can result in poorer health outcomes or even death. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), suicide is the second-leading cause of death in children ages 10 to 14 and the third-leading cause of death for 15- to 24-year-olds.
Discerning differences between typical teenage changes and behavioral red flags indicating something more serious can be challenging. There are no simple tests to determine if teens are experiencing a mental health problem, but evaluation and diagnosis by a licensed behavioral health professional can be constructive. These signs may signal it is time to seek professional help:
- Difficulty sleeping: The inability to fall or stay asleep can add stress.
- Persistent withdrawal and seclusion: Withdrawing from social situations with friends and family – people with whom they are comfortable.
- Extreme sensitivity to rejection: An intense reaction to rejection or failure, including prolonged sadness or aggression, can indicate underlying issues.
- Sudden changes in behavior: Drastic changes in behavior or personality, such as not wanting to participate in activities they once enjoyed, such as sports, the arts or socializing with friends.
- Decline in academic and overall performance: A noticeable drop in grades or school performance can be linked to mental health issues or small tasks becoming significant challenges.
While any one of the above signs would be concerning to parents, two or more are cause for considering professional counseling. If you’re a parent wondering if you’re overreacting, ask someone close to your child who can be objective, such as a teacher, coach, or close relative. Seeking their opinion can help clarify the situation and provide support as you share your concerns with your teen and discuss professional assistance. However, trust your instincts – a parent’s intuition is a powerful guide to taking action.
Early intervention, resources and tools
As a professional psychotherapist, I emphasize that early intervention in youth mental health is crucial for promoting long-term well-being. Utilizing available resources and tools allows parents, educators, and health care professionals to address and manage mental health challenges. Proactive measures and timely support improve outcomes significantly, fostering resilience and healthy development in young people.
Yet, new research from the Evernorth Research Institute shows that 1 in 5 youths diagnosed with mental health issues in 2022 did not have a follow-up visit within three months, and nearly 40% received no treatment within six months. In addition, the research found that parents describe navigating the mental health system for their children as overwhelming. More than half (55%) of working parents experienced challenges in obtaining behavioral health care for their children, while 36% cited barriers to receiving counseling or therapy services for their children.
The good news is that government grant programs are helping to improve mental health services in schools, particularly in rural areas where behavioral health resources are scarce. In addition, employers are seeing the overall benefits of strengthening parental support and enhancing family behavioral health plan offerings.
With the increasing integration of technology into everyday life, digital health resources have become particularly important. Mental health counseling delivered on digital platforms – computers, tablets, or smartphones – enables teenagers to receive one-on-one support from licensed professionals anytime and anywhere. It stands to reason that obtaining behavioral health support virtually can be more appealing to teens who are digital natives or may feel a stigma around seeking help.
Similarly, virtual family therapy enables families to participate in sessions from different locations, removing logistical barriers and making it easier to manage busy schedules.
Digital health coaching apps can provide support and guidance on managing stress and anxiety, improving communication skills, and practicing healthy physical and emotional habits in between sessions with a mental health professional.
The mental health of our teens extends beyond family issues – it is a community concern. By recognizing when to seek professional help, ensuring access to comprehensive care, and leveraging community resources, we can significantly improve the lives of our young people. Many employers are enhancing their mental health offerings within health plans. Always check your insurance to take advantage of all available resources.