It has been well established that teenagers today are dealing with mounting levels of stress. A 2019 study by the American Psychological Association found that almost one-third of US teens report feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or sad each day due to their workloads and other daily pressures. The visibility of social media only adds to the feeling of constantly keeping up with everyone else’s success - making it more difficult for teens to separate their own accomplishments from those of their peers and teachers.
The effects of this lack of mental health support can manifest in various forms. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), over 70% of teens seeking mental health treatment have reported feelings of suicide and other forms of self-harm. Likewise, teenage depression has increased by more than 70% since 2005, with the suicide rate among teens aged 10 to 19 increasing by nearly 34% in 2017.
While there is certainly no one-size-fits-all solution to reducing teen anxiety, there are a few steps that parents, teachers, and educators can take to ensure everyone is supported along the way. First, providing teens with access to quality mental health resources should be given higher priority in homes, schools and communities. Teens should never develop the idea that seeking therapy is a sign of weakness or shame.
The next step is to create a positive cultural shift at home and in schools. Instead of drilling the students to take tests, interviews, or awards-based projects - schools should focus on nurturing the curiosity and talent of their pupils while also focusing on their social-emotional learning needs. For instance, implementing more programs related to physical activities, mindfulness practices, and service learning opportunities can help reduce anxiety levels. In addition, creating nurse-led wellness groups can help teens discuss issues such as stress and mental health in a safe, trusting environment.
Moreover, parents should closely monitor how much time their children spend in front of screens or on homework. They should encourage healthier ways to spend their spare time such as engaging in music, sports, or any other activities that do not completely involve their devices. Parents should also talk openly about how the stress affects the lives of their children and try to find proactive solutions rather than just overlooking it.
Finally, it is crucial for friends and family members to express their support and involvement in tackling teen anxiety. People close to the young person can be a sounding board, offering advice and guidance, to help them navigate through tough times. Children need to understand that they are loved and supported, especially when they feel overwhelmed. To do this, family and friends must make sure they are present to show their unconditional love, listen actively, and use positive statements to reinforce healthy behaviors.
Fostering an open dialogue and breaking down the stigma of mental health treatment is essential in order to protect the mental health of the growing population of teenagers. As the saying goes, prevention, is better than cure. If we invest in mental health awareness and teen safety now, we will eventually see a stronger and healthier society.
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