The United States is currently facing an unprecedented mental health crisis. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that one in five American adults experienced symptoms of anxiety and depression in 2023.
In particular, statistics show that youth are at the most risk. Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, which exacerbated the problems even further, the percentage of high school students struggling with suicidal thoughts and behaviors was already on the rise.
More than ever, teenagers, especially those at higher risk, like people of color and LGBTQ+ students, need support from their parents. This guide will cover everything you need to know about the teen mental health crisis and how you can help your children.
If you or somebody you love is struggling with their mental health, it’s important to get support from a qualified mental health professional. These would include psychologists, psychiatrists, or counselors with a qualification like an MA in counseling online.
What is the teen mental health crisis?
The World Health Organization reports that in the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, global prevalence of anxiety and depression increased by a massive 25%. This increase has led to what experts call the ‘mental health crisis’ or the ‘mental health pandemic’.
Research indicates that the pandemic had a multi-faceted impact on mental health. Beyond the disease itself and Long COVID, social isolation, changes in society, and lockdowns also contributed to the increased risk of developing mental health conditions.
Statistics reveal that the United States is in a national emergency when it comes to teen mental health. Data from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) reveal:
- Almost 20% of teenagers in the United States between the ages of 12 and 17 experienced major depressive episodes in 2023. This is almost 1 in 5 teenagers.
- In 2022, statistics report that approximately 13.4% of U.S. teenagers had serious thoughts of suicide.
- 3.7% of U.S. teenagers — approximately 953,000 — attempted suicide in 2022.
Statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also report that suicide is the second-leading cause of death among children aged 10 to 14 years old in the country.
What demographics are at higher risk?
Studies conducted in the United States and internationally have found that there are demographics at higher risk of the mental health crisis. This is women, the LGBTQ+ community, and people of color.
Research has found that LGBTQ+ youth, compared to heterosexual youth, report elevated rates of mood and anxiety disorders, self-harm, and suicidal ideation/behavior. They are at higher risk due to a combination of factors, including:
- Family discrimination
- Homophobia or transphobia
- Social isolation
- Rejection
- Bullying
According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), LGBTQ+ teens are six times more likely to experience symptoms of depression than the general population. In the LGBTQ+ community, there are also specific subsets that are at even higher risk.
Data has found that there are mental health disparities even among the LGBTQ+ community. Transgender teens are at even more risk, with statistics finding that transgender individuals are more likely to face discrimination, experience depression symptoms, and attempt suicide than their non-transgender counterparts.
How can bad mental health manifest?
Before delving into steps and resources for how you can help your teen, it’s important to understand what bad mental health looks like. Early detection and treatment are crucial for addressing the needs of an adolescent with a mental health (or developing) condition.
The most common mental health problems faced by teens today include:
- Emotional disorders: This is the most common among teenagers and includes anxiety disorders and depressive disorders.
- Eating disorders: Anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa are the most common types of eating disorders. Girls are more commonly impacted than boys, and it can also co-exist with other disorders, like depression and substance use disorders.
- Behavioral disorders: This type of disorder isn’t as common as other types, and is more common in younger adolescents. Behavioral disorders can increase the risk of developing other mental health conditions, like depression and substance abuse, however.
Bad mental health can also manifest through risk-taking behaviors, like substance use and/or sexual risk-taking. Data shows that young people are particularly vulnerable to developing harmful substance use patterns.
Recognizing the signs
Being able to spot the signs is the key to supporting your teen with their mental health. Common signs and symptoms to look out for include:
- Experiencing difficulties with cognitive functions.
- They’re feeling sad, empty, or worthless.
- They’ve lost interest in hobbies/activities they used to enjoy.
- Changes in appetite.
- Not wanting to be around other people.
- Frequent mood swings and shifts in energy.
- Hearing or seeing things that other people don’t.
How to help your teen
When it comes to supporting your teenager with their mental health, it requires a multi-faceted approach. First of all, you want to promote open and honest communication. Frequently remind them that it’s always safe to discuss tough issues with you.
It’s also important to realize that mental health stigma is still a problem. Many people, especially teenagers, don’t seek help because they’re afraid it’ll change how others view them. Below, we’ve outlined how you can approach a conversation with them.
- Validate their feelings and concerns
- Help your teenager feel safe and ask what they need
- Ask open-ended questions and practice active listening
- Respect their boundaries
For many LGBTQ+ youth, coming out is incredibly challenging, even if they know their parents would be supportive. So, if you suspect your teenager is part of the LGBTQ+ community, let them know they’re loved and that you support their gender/sexuality.
Finding local resources and mental health services is also critical if you suspect your teen is struggling with their emotional well-being. Do research into local counseling services and/or psychologists, and support them (if needed) by organizing the bookings and taking them to appointments.
Also read:
How to Choose the Right Therapeutic School?
5 Benefits of Residential Therapy
Image credit: Unsplash, Meg
