The Adolescent Mental Health Crisis

In the years following the pandemic, many people are struggling with their mental health, but according to a recent report from the CDC, teens are faring the worst. There are many driving forces behind the current mental health crisis. Social media makes the current generation feel pressured to be a certain way and achieve certain things in life. They do not yet have a filter to understand that what is portrayed online and through social media is not always real. The good news is that there appears to be less stigma around teens reaching out for mental health services than in previous decades. “Our clinicians often report that their new clients were encouraged to start therapy by their peers. This, in addition to schools focusing on mindfulness strategies and coping skills and more celebrities opening up about their use of therapy, continue to decrease the stigma around mental health,” says Melissa Baker, Director of Integrated Health for the JFCS Glendale Healthcare Center.

Telling the difference between normal teen angst and signs of anxiety or depression

All people experience anxiety and depression. When it becomes chronic, it’s no longer temporary and gets worse over time. To a parent, teen anxiety could look like perfectionism, a sudden drop in grades, or changes in behavior. Behavioral health experts say listening is the best way to recognize normal angst and when it may be more. Teens often come right out and tell adults they’re not doing well.

What steps should parents take if they’re worried that their teen might be experiencing depression or suicidal thoughts?

If there is an urgent concern about someone thinking about suicide, call the Suicide Hotline at 988. If you believe someone is an active danger to themselves, call 911. If there is no immediate concern, talk to your teen about their feelings and don’t dismiss them. Monitor their social media, medications, and safely store (lock up) items they could use to harm themselves, such as firearms, medications, chemicals, and alcohol. Contact a local mental health professional for assessments and support services and follow through with any appointments.

What else can parents do to help a young person’s mental health?

According to Rachel Wahle, JFCS Director of Case Management and Health Navigation Services, the best thing parents can do for their child’s mental health is to talk to them and ask questions. “Encourage them to tell you how they’re feeling and really listen to them. We tend to want to fix problems for our kids, but that can make them feel like we aren’t listening or taking them seriously. Instead, offer to talk through and brainstorm ways they can move forward. Work together to come up with options and possible solutions. This will increase their ability to analyze and problem-solve independently as an adult, instead of relying on others to be the fixer.”

Submitted by Jewish Family & Children’s Service. For more information about medical, behavioral and counseling services for adolescents, visit https://www.jfcsaz.org/.