A battle none of us want to fight, the youth mental health crisis is an issue that continues to escalate, affecting millions of teenagers and young adults across the country. Statistics reveal that two in five high school students report persistent feelings of sadness and hopelessness. 

Even more alarming, suicide remains the second-leading cause of death among youth aged 10 to 24. Despite these staggering figures, though, most young people do not receive the help they need. 

Understanding the factors contributing to this crisis—and identifying ways to support our youth—is crucial to fostering a healthier, more resilient generation.

The Current State of Mental Health Among Youth

Today, youth mental health is in a dire state. Research confirms the growing severity of mental health struggles among young people. Currently, one in seven children and teenagers experience mental health challenges that significantly impact their daily lives. The COVID-19 pandemic fueled the fire, introducing new and unprecedented challenges for students worldwide. However, the number of youth affected by mental health disorders has been rising for years.

According to Mental Health America, more than half (56%) of youth with major depression today do not seek any form of treatment. Many struggle in silence, believing they must handle their issues independently. Others fear the stigma surrounding mental health or simply do not know where to turn for support.

Various factors uniquely contribute to the mental health struggles of today’s youth. The pressure to perform academically, maintain social relationships, and navigate personal identity can be overwhelming. Fortunately, schools, businesses, and organizations all over are making efforts to support youth mental wellness, but many teens and young adults still lack access to proper resources.

What Sparked the Youth Mental Health Crisis?

Approximately 17.1 million children struggle with psychiatric disorders like anxiety, depression, and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). But the youth mental health crisis didn’t develop overnight. Several key factors have contributed to its rise. But one of the most significant influences on youth mental health has been the COVID-19 pandemic, which left lasting emotional and psychological scars on young individuals. 

Isolation during lockdowns further intensified feelings of loneliness and disconnection. With schools and extracurricular activities suspended, students were left without their usual support systems. Many struggled with the transition to remote learning, financial insecurity at home, or the stress of returning to in-person education while still warring with the emotional weight of the pandemic.

Beyond COVID-19, societal pressures have continued to escalate. It’s no secret that social media can amplify mental health challenges by fostering unrealistic comparisons and increasing exposure to harmful content. Amid economic uncertainty, climate anxiety, and global conflicts, young individuals have a gnawing sense of dread.

Learn more about the rise of mental health problems in youth here.

Helping Our Youth: How You Can Do Your Part

While systemic changes are necessary to address the youth mental health crisis, we aren’t powerless. You can make a significant difference by supporting the mental well-being of young people. But there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Promoting wellness and tackling the youth mental health crisis requires understanding, patience, and action. 

Whether you are a parent, an educator, a clinician, or a concerned loved one, there are steps you can take today. The following strategies can be effective in helping young individuals navigate their struggles:

1. Create a Safe Space

A safe space is essential for young people to feel at ease and comfortable enough to express their thoughts and emotions. People of all ages need environments that foster trust and care, whether at home, school, or within their communities. A supportive space allows youth to share their feelings without fear of judgment or dismissal.

2. Allow Open and Honest Communication

When it comes to mental health, open communication can mean life or death. Many young individuals hesitate to seek help due to fear of being misunderstood. Providing them with access to mental health resources and reassuring them that their feelings are valid creates an environment where they feel heard and acknowledged. 

Schools and workplaces can implement mental health awareness programs to normalize discussions surrounding mental well-being. Parents can do this simply by having ongoing and open conversations about mental health at home.

3. Be Attentive

Being aware of warning signs and paying attention to struggling youth is crucial. This includes recognizing behavioral changes, withdrawal from activities, or signs of distress. By staying vigilant, adults and peers can help connect young individuals to the support they need. Small actions, such as checking in regularly and showing empathy, can have a lasting positive impact.

The Light at the End of the Tunnel

Don’t fret; there is hope. Addressing the youth mental health crisis is going to take a collective effort, but numerous resources and treatment options are available to those in need. The most crucial step is encouraging young people to seek help and reassuring them that recovery is possible.

Finding a trusted person to confide in is a great starting point for those struggling. You may also try:

• Behavioral Therapy: Therapy provides a safe space for individuals to explore their thoughts and feelings, develop coping strategies, and work toward mental wellness. Common types of therapy include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and others.
• Family Therapy: Because children and teenagers are still in significant periods of development, family can play a critical role in their recovery. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse and nationally cited studies, family therapy can strengthen and extend treatment benefits. This type of therapy allows families to reconnect and enables parents to reinforce and support their teen throughout the recovery process.
• Motivational Interviewing: A goal-oriented approach to therapy that helps individuals explore and resolve ambivalence about behavior change. It aims to strengthen personal motivation and commitment to change by encouraging self-reflection and fostering a nonjudgmental, empathetic conversation.
• Residential Treatment: When it comes to co-occurring mental and substance use disorders—or dual diagnosis—NAMI suggests that inpatient or residential rehabilitation, with supportive housing, is especially beneficial for those battling dual diagnosis, with watchful care 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The NIDA supports this, stating that residential treatment is generally recommended for youth with severe levels of substance addiction.
• Medication-Assisted Therapy: Combines the use of medications with counseling and behavioral therapies to treat substance use disorders. MAT helps individuals manage cravings and withdrawal symptoms, supporting their recovery journey while addressing the physical and psychological aspects of addiction.

These treatment methods are all viable options that can help young individuals manage their mental health effectively. By working together, we can ensure that young people receive the care, understanding, and resources they need to thrive. 

Mental health challenges should never be faced alone, and with the right support, every young person can find a path to healing and resilience. If you or someone you know needs professional support, act now and help our youth thrive later.

Turnbridge is a recognized mental health treatment provider for adolescents and young adults. Call 877-581-1793 to learn about our programs.