Mental Health Crisis: Why Are More Youth Struggling?
With reports of rising rates of anxiety, sadness, and suicide among young people, the juvenile mental health crisis has become an increasingly serious issue in recent years. Although this crisis has many causes, industry experts and data indicate that various societal, cultural, and technological variables are all playing a role.
One factor cited by experts is the pressure young people face to thrive in a world that is competitive and changing quickly. Young people are continuously exposed to messages about achievement, success, and beauty because of the growth of social media and the 24-hour news cycle. Particularly for those who believe they cannot live up to the expectations of their peers or society at large, this can result in feelings of inadequacy, anxiety, and melancholy.
The absence of sufficient supports and resources for young people's mental health is another factor. The National Association on Mental Illness (NAMI) estimates that about 50% of kids with mental health issues do not receive treatment. Insufficient funding for mental health care, especially in impoverished places, and a shortage of mental health experts both contribute to this (see https://www.nami.org/NAMI/media/NAMI-Media/Infographics/GeneralMHFacts.pdf).
Specialists have predicted a "second pandemic" of mental health problems among young people as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has aggravated the situation in youth mental health. The epidemic has interfered with learning, socializing, and daily activities, which can all lead to feelings of loneliness, worry, and despair.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report that young people's suicide rates have risen recently, especially among girls. Between 1999 and 2019, the suicide rate for girls aged 10 to 14 rose by 300%, compared to a 70% rise for boys in the same age group (see https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33663651/).
So what can be done to solve the issue of young people's mental health? A multi-faceted strategy is recommended by experts, one that involves expanding access to mental health care, lowering the stigma associated with mental illness, and promoting mental wellness through community support and education.
Dr. Victor Schwartz, Chief Medical Officer for The Jed Foundation, a non-profit organization that promotes emotional health and prevents suicide among young people, states that "addressing the youth mental health crisis will require a comprehensive approach that involves schools, families, healthcare providers, and policymakers (see https://www.jedfoundation.org/cdc-data-shows-alarming-rise-in-youth-suicide-rates-especially-among-girls/)." We must ensure that young people have access to the tools and assistance they require to deal with the difficulties of growing up in the modern world.
The crisis in young people's mental health is a complicated problem that calls for a multi-faceted treatment. We all must work toward a future where all youth have the resources and assistance they need to thrive by tackling the socioeconomic, cultural, and technical elements contributing to mental health difficulties among our youth.