Among youth, depression ranks as the most common mental illness. According to the World Health Organization, more than 150 million people a year experience depression and its effects cost the U.S. economy over $50 billion per year. While it’s hard to pinpoint the causes of depression, the rise in youth mental illness is an alarming trend. In New York City alone, one in five youth aged three to 17 reported symptoms of depression. The problem is far more widespread than many realize, and there are ways to prevent it and support youth in recovery.
First, it’s critical for adolescents to develop protective relationships early on in life. While building these relationships is a crucial step, it is also necessary for schools and parents to take proactive steps to protect their students’ mental health. Research has shown that adolescents who feel depressed or suicidal tend to do it more frequently than non-depressed youth, lesbian, gay, and bisexual students. Also, a higher percentage of students reported suicidal ideation in 2019 than in the previous year.
In addition to counseling, there are several online resources aimed at youth. The BC Children’s Hospital’s Foundry, for example, offers resources and services aimed at fostering positive social development. The Foundry app connects teens with peer support groups and virtual counseling appointments. For teens, the website includes information on topics from substance abuse to bullying, including self-check-ins and tips for navigating difficult situations. The author’s article also discusses the importance of social support in the life of a teenager.
The NIMH’s website provides a wealth of resources geared toward helping teens manage their mental health. The page contains information in English and Spanish on various mental health concerns. It also contains resources for families and educators. The site includes information on specific disorders, health insurance, and self-harm. Further, it includes a forum for teens who want to share their experiences. So, if you’re looking for resources to help your child, consider visiting the Youth Mental Health Project website.
Suicide is one of the most devastating and threatening conditions of young people. It affects adolescents from all backgrounds, races, and socioeconomic classes. However, older adolescents (15-19 years) are especially at risk. Suicide continues to rank as the second leading cause of death among young people. Untreated mental health conditions can interfere with adolescence and limit a child’s opportunities for a fulfilling life. And if they’re not addressed, they could affect their health into adulthood.
The WHO has a number of programs and strategies aimed at addressing the health needs of adolescents. The HAT Initiative, for example, promotes mental health by preventing self-harm and the harmful use of alcohol and drugs. It also aims to increase youth’s social networks. Its goals are based on the needs of young people in the community and the most vulnerable individuals. There are several key issues to consider when developing a mental health promotion programme.
The COVID pandemic led to significant changes to the provision of youth mental health care. Telehealth was adapted as a response to the need to limit infection risk and social distancing. Mental health services staff responded to a survey online that included open and closed questions. The survey findings were analyzed, with the outcomes of the telehealth project considered, as well as the implications for service delivery. It’s possible that virtual services could be the solution to many issues faced by families.
Improving youth mental health starts early. In addition to addressing the immediate causes of mental health issues, early intervention can help delay the onset of symptoms and reduce the severity of mental illnesses. Early intervention is vital, since the most effective way to promote children’s mental health is to build their strengths and protect them from harm. By providing the necessary tools and resources, youth can reach their full potential. And while the stigma is a significant barrier, there are ways to prevent the stigma and its symptoms.
While there are many factors that may contribute to mental health problems in adolescents, some of the most common are anxiety, depression, and attention deficit disorders. The DSM-V includes criteria for diagnosis, and the Committee Opinion emphasizes early recognition and treatment. Substance abuse and eating disorders also fall under the mental health spectrum. An adequate discussion of these disorders outside of this document is not possible here. However, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists has developed documents to address these issues.