Mental health among teens is a topic that people are being forced to talk about more.
Rates of anxiety, depression and suicide-related behaviors have been rising over the past decade and data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) “indicates about 1 in 5 adolescents now has a diagnosable mental health condition.”
Many teenagers deal with stress, anxiety, depression and pressure from school, social media and relationships. Even though these problems are a common struggle in this stage of life, some teens hide what they’re going through.
CDC ata from 2023 indicates that 40% of high school students reported persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness with 20% of students seriously considered attempting suicide and 9% attempting it.
One reason mental health struggles are increasing in teens is the pressures they face. School can be really tough with homework, tests, sports and expectations to get high grades. On top of that, social media can make teens feel like they have to live up to standards. When people constantly compare themselves to others online it can make them feel like they aren’t good enough.
Another big problem is that many teens don’t feel like they have someone to talk to about their health struggles. Some are afraid of being judged or think adults won’t understand them. Others worry they might get in trouble if they admit they’re struggling. This can make teens feel isolated and alone which can make their mental health worse.
Suicide prevention starts with awareness and support for health. Schools and communities should make mental health education a bigger priority. When students learn about health they can better understand their feelings and know when to ask for help.
Teachers, parents and counselors should also create spaces where teens feel comfortable speaking honestly about their mental health. McDowell’s Senior High has been offering a Health and Wellness Speaker Series on a variety of topics in the HUB throughout the year for Juniors and Seniors. The latest one talked about Mental Health First Aid and explained how to listen for and learn to recognize the signs of mental health distress, respond with empathy and help connect someone to real support.
Friends play a real role in mental health. If some-one notices a friend struggling with their mental health, simply listening and encouraging them to talk to a trusted adult can make a big difference. No one should feel like they have to handle everything on their own, especially when it comes to emotionally heavy issues.
Mental health should be treated as seriously as physical health. Teens need support, understanding and resources to help them through times with their mental health. By talking about mental health and encouraging people to reach out for help, we can help prevent tragedies and make sure every teen knows their lives matter.
