In recent years, there has been a growing mental health crisis among teenagers and it has become a major public health concern.
There are several complex factors that have led to this public health emergency. Newly, more and more teenagers are expressing symptoms of anxiety disorders, depression, ADHD, and other mental health issues.
Digital influence has made a significant impact on the mental health of teenagers. While social media platforms are excellent at fostering connections between peers and creates positive social experiences, it also exposes people to cyber bullying and unrealistic body image. The constant comparison of bodies and the idea that there is one ‘ideal body type’ creates a competitive nature around appearance and leads to low self-esteem. Additionally, studies have shown that increased presence online can causes teenagers to have FOMO (fear of missing out), causing them to spend even more time surfing the internet because they are afraid to miss out on something important, even if nothing important is actually happening. Spending more time online leads to more exposure to negativity that can damage mental health.
While social media is a very big stressor for teens, it is not the only thing contributing to this influx of mental illness in young people. As kids get older there is a greater increase in academic competition. Pressure to do well on standardized tests and getting into good colleges creates a load of stress. Alongside the overall pressure to succeed in school there is the anxiety of career uncertainty that is present as well. While in highschool, students are pressured to figure out exactly what they want to do with their future while also having to consider what careers will be in demand when they are able to pursue them. Overall, more career exploration and career-based education as well as post-secondary guidance to help support students will ease this factor of stress.
Teens’ mental health is also being affected by family issues. Teenagers who don’t have parents that are supportive of their mental health are often left without the resources they need to help them get better. Additionally, teenagers often absorb the stress and tension experienced by their parents, which can have a negative impact their sense of security and well-being.
According to the CDC, rates of major depressive episodes among teenagers have risen by over 50% in the last decade. Suicide rates among young people are also on the rise, making it one of the leading causes of death among teens. Positive social support from family, friends, and schools has shown to aid in the journey against mental health struggles. Early intervention, open communication, and reducing stigma are crucial in stamping out this problem. Addressing the mental health crisis requires a multi-faceted approach; involving families, schools, and communities in providing support and making mental health resources more accessible and relatable to teens can make a significant impact.
