The mental health of teens and adolescents has been getting worse for over a decade, and even more since the COVID-19 pandemic. Suicide and depression have risen, as have feelings of hopelessness.
Some youth are more at risk than others. These include those living in humanitarian and fragile settings; children and adolescents with chronic illness, autism or intellectual disability; and those from minority ethnic and sexual groups who face discrimination or exclusion.
Problems
One in 10 adolescents has a mental health problem that causes significant impairment. These conditions can interfere with everyday life, including school performance and social relationships. Adolescents with poor mental health are at higher risk for drug abuse, bullying and suicide. They are also more likely to have physical health problems.
Mental illness often has genetic roots. It can also be influenced by adverse childhood experiences, known as ACEs. These include childhood trauma, such as emotional or physical abuse and family dysfunction. ACEs can lead to chronic stress that affects brain development and puts young people at risk for depression, addiction, and suicide.
The COVID-19 pandemic introduced new challenges to adolescent mental health. It disrupted routines, deprived teens of social connections, and added stress to families. It is important to address the underlying causes of adolescent mental health concerns, such as poverty, lack of access to treatment services, and myths and misconceptions about mental disorders.
Treatments
The good news is that most teens with mental health disorders can recover with treatment, self-care and a supportive family and community. Pediatricians are a vital first line of defense, as they have long-term relationships with families and can help destigmatize mental health care, promoting early detection through well-child checkups that include routine screening for mental illness.
Other interventions are needed to promote resiliency, including helping youth learn to recognize their own emotions, practice healthy coping strategies and seek help when they need it. Trainings based on cognitive behavioral therapy and interpersonal psychotherapy can help, as can Internet-based tools like BRAVE for Children and Teens and MoodGYM.
Improving access to mental health services and support for caregivers are critical, along with addressing the economic barriers that prevent many from getting the care they need. More research is also needed, including studying the relationship between technology and mental health, as well as developing innovative ways to collect and analyze data to identify and respond to mental health trends quickly.
Prevention
The good news is that many of the problems associated with youth mental health can be prevented. Prevention efforts vary, but in general they involve teaching children and teens to recognize and cope with difficult emotions, promoting healthy relationships and lifestyle choices, and targeting modifiable life factors that can influence mental health (e.g., sleep, nutrition, exercise, social media and screen use).
In addition to these prevention strategies, it is important to promote a continued reduction in biases, discrimination and stigma that impact mental health. Moreover, policies can be implemented to ensure that all youths have access to comprehensive and affordable mental health care.
Certain groups of adolescents are at greater risk for developing mental health conditions, such as those living in humanitarian and fragile settings; those with disabilities, racial or ethnic minorities, and LBGTQ+ youth; and those who have experienced violence. These populations need specific support and services, including targeted mental health education and intervention programs.
Resources
The good news is that most people with mental health conditions can improve their well-being, especially when they have access to treatment, support and services. The first step is recognizing warning signs and symptoms. Everyone can help by encouraging a supportive environment and being a positive role model for young people. For example, parents should make sure their own mental and emotional health is in good shape, schools should promote caring relationships among students, and communities can reduce stigma and encourage open dialogue about youth mental health needs.
A number of organizations provide resources for youth and families to address mental health issues. For example, the Crisis Text Line provides free crisis counseling to those in need via text. The National Eating Disorders Association offers education, support and advocacy for those living with eating disorders. The organization Active Minds has a resource page specifically designed for youth that discusses different mental illnesses and how to get help.