Mental Health Crisis in Schools, Overdiagnosis Debate, and Social Media Impact on Youth | April 29, 2026

A wide-ranging discussion on the state of mental health in America—particularly among students—drives this episode of Your News Talk America with Jake Smith. The panel examines whether the United States is facing a true mental health crisis or a broader cultural and social shift in how emotional distress is defined and treated.Carolyn D. Gorman of the Manhattan Institute and Alvin Louie, President of Courage Is a Habit, explore concerns about the medicalization of normal human emotions, the rise in depression diagnoses, and the growing role of schools in shaping mental health narratives. The conversation also addresses the influence of social media, school counseling frameworks, and the expanding reach of mental health services.Key themes include overdiagnosis, youth mental health trends, education policy, and the intersection of culture, medicine, and public institutions. The discussion raises critical questions about whether current approaches are helping—or contributing to—the challenges facing young people today.  FEATURED GUESTSRobert H. Bork Jr. – President, Antitrust Education ProjectCarolyn D. Gorman – Fellow, Manhattan Institute (mental health policy and societal impact)Alvin Louie – President, Courage Is a HabitColonel Wesley Martin (U.S. Army, Ret.) – National security analyst and retired Army officerJeffrey Lord – Contributing Editor, The American SpectatorYour News Talk America with Jake SmithBroadcast weekdays on The Talk of Delmarva (92.7 and 98.5) and streaming online at WGMD.com and RealNewsTalk.com.Listen live, participate, and become a program Patriot by visiting:RealNewsTalk.com from 9 - Noon EasternFollow the latest national conversations, interviews, and commentary from voices shaping America’s political landscape.Produced by DTD MEDIA. © 2026 DTD MEDIA, All Rights Reserved.Interactive Radio - Join DIAL — Ask Questions & Chat LiveGo to RealNewsTalk.com on your phone or computer.Tap the blue "Join DIAL" button near the top of the page.Register with a quick display name Type your question or comment and send. The host and the rest of the audience see it live.Best experienced live, weekdays 9 a.m. to noon Eastern.