Children's Mental Health is still in Crisis

Research is focused on child and teen mental health, exploring why they are struggling and what can be done to help them. In the U.S., kids underage experience a mental health disorder such as depression, anxiety, or substance abuse. Yet nearly half do not receive any treatment.Children and teenagers can struggle with mental health issues just the same as adults. In the 10 years leading up to the pandemic, feelings of persistent sadness and hopelessness—as well as suicidal thoughts and behaviors—increased by about 40% among young people. Psychologists were also behind new mental health recommendations from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, a group of volunteer health professionals who evaluate evidence on various preventive health services. The task force now recommends regular anxiety screenings for youth ages 8 to 18 and regular depression screenings for adolescents ages 12 to 18. More must be done! Anxiety can trigger depression and other behavioral, physical, and mental health issues. It is especially hard if you are dealing with other personal, work, relationship, or family-related issues. Please be aware that it is okay to ask for help.