Intense feelings are a normal part of adolescence, but they can also be signs of mental health challenges. These challenges can impact how well children and youth function in their homes, schools and communities.
The Playbook recognizes that solutions must address the complex and nuanced experiences of diverse youth identities, communities and environments.
Mental health education
The need to educate youths about mental health and well-being is more pressing now than ever before. Educating about mental wellness promotes the idea that mental health and well-being are not synonymous with illness, and can help reduce stigma. It can also aid in fostering a sense of community and social support, and can empower young people to reach out when they are struggling.
Providing education in different formats is vital, as people learn differently. Some may learn best through in-person workshops, while others are more comfortable navigating online courses and pamphlets. Educating about mental health and wellness in these different ways ensures that more young people receive the information they need.
Several states and territories are taking action to strengthen their youth mental health systems. This Playbook is designed to highlight these examples, and inspire cross-state and cross-sector collaboration by amplifying the work being done across the country. It is the culmination of the 2022-2023 NGA Chair’s Initiative: Strengthening Youth Mental Health and outlines opportunities for Governors to take action on this important issue.
Prevention
Preventive strategies and efforts can address a variety of youth mental health issues. These may include screening to identify children with mental health conditions or risk factors, and providing them with the appropriate care. Supporting family-centered care and collaborating with school systems and child-serving agencies are also important.
It’s essential to recognize that people experiencing mental health challenges are in need of compassion and care, not stigma and judgment. This includes individuals who are racial/ethnic minorities, women, LGBTQ+ people, or have low socioeconomic status. They are more likely to experience stressors and have limited social supports, making them more vulnerable during times of crisis.
State leaders can implement a range of prevention initiatives in their communities, including providing schools with resources to screen for and intervene on mental health concerns, such as bullying, or provide trainings to help students learn how to talk about their own feelings. They can also promote healthy, safe environments in their communities and in schools, and ensure that families have access to comprehensive and affordable health care.
Treatment
Children and youth need help with coping skills, finding resources, and dealing with their emotions. They may also need to seek treatment for a mental health condition. Often, these conditions can be treated with psychotherapy and medications. Treatment is available through schools, clinics, and community-based programs.
Interventions should address adolescent-specific needs, such as gender equity and social and emotional learning, while increasing resilience to cope with stress and adversity. These programs should be based on evidence and involve the whole family. They should also include a range of delivery platforms. They should also promote community involvement and partnerships with a variety of stakeholders, including technology companies.
Pediatricians can be key in the effort to destigmatize mental health care and encourage adolescents to talk about their feelings. They can also provide families with referrals to child and adolescent mental health services. Moreover, they can promote mental wellness through activities and events such as screening movies on mental health followed by discussion.
Support
During adolescence, many young people face a range of mental health challenges that can be complicated to understand. These conditions can lead to a variety of negative consequences including substance use, high-risk sexual behaviors that increase the risk of HIV and STDs, higher levels of unintended pregnancy and even suicide.
Thankfully, youth are more open to talking about mental illness than previous generations and are leading efforts to break the stigma surrounding it. However, the stigma and lack of access to care remain major barriers for many young people.
To address these issues, the Murphy Administration launched NYC Teenspace, a free tele-mental health service that allows New York City teenagers to speak with a therapist online through phone, video and text for free. This program also aims to provide young adults with on-ramps into behavioral health careers, while helping them meet their own mental wellness needs. The program is part of the Strengthening Youth Mental Health Initiative, which has brought together experts and Governors to advance best practices and implementable solutions.