Why Is Mental Health Awareness in Youth So Important?

Mental health in children and young adults has reached what many researchers consider a crisis level. In 2021, the American Academy of Pediatrics, American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, and Children's Hospital Association declared a national emergency in child and adolescent mental health. At Next Step Psychiatry in Lilburn, Georgia, we believe awareness is the first step toward helping young people thrive.

What Does Mental Health Awareness Mean?

Mental health awareness involves fostering an understanding of:

• What it means to have good mental health
• The stigmas that exist about mental illness
• How many people experience mental health challenges
• The potential dangers of not treating mental health conditions
• The barriers to treatment that many individuals face

The Statistics Are Concerning

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, in 2020:

• Only about 50% of youth aged 6-17 with a mental health disorder received treatment
• Among adolescents (12-17 years), 1 in 6 experienced a major depressive episode
• 3 million adolescents had serious thoughts of suicide

These numbers tell us that as a society, we're not talking enough about mental health in youth, not listening enough when there's a problem, and not helping enough young people get the treatment they need.

Talk to Young People About Mental Illness

Often the most frightening thing for a child is the unknown. It can be terrifying when you feel bad but don't understand why. Mental illness and mental health need to be discussed to make them less scary for those experiencing symptoms.

Research shows that approximately 32% of adolescents have an anxiety disorder. If these young people understood that others experience anxiety too, they might realize they're not alone. And if their peers knew that friends sometimes struggle with anxiety, they'd be better equipped to offer support.

Help Young People Identify Warning Signs

Talking more about mental health teaches children, teens, and young adults the warning signs that often appear when someone may be struggling. Learning these signs helps youth recognize them in friends or themselves and take action.

Evidence shows that suicide prevention often starts with someone paying attention. As Harvard's Dr. Claire McCarthy advises: "Pay attention, and take what you see seriously. If your child is showing signs of anxiety or depression, call your doctor. Don't put it off."

Warning Signs to Watch For

• Withdrawal from friends, family, or activities they used to enjoy
• Changes in sleep patterns (too much or too little)
• Changes in appetite or weight
• Declining school performance
• Increased irritability or angry outbursts
• Persistent sadness or crying
• Excessive worry or fear
• Talk about feeling hopeless or worthless
• Difficulty concentrating
• Talk about death or suicide

Help Young People Overcome Stigma

It's common for youth (and adults) to feel embarrassed by mental health challenges. Much of this stems from stigma suggesting that mental health is somehow less important than physical health.

Research published in BMC Psychiatry shows that:

• Young people aged 10-24 are at a critical period for prevention and treatment of mental health disorders
• Public stigma prevents people from seeking help
• Educational efforts to reduce stigma can improve help-seeking behaviors

Reducing stigma and normalizing mental health challenges increases willingness to seek treatment in the future.

Help Young People Access Treatment

Perhaps the most important way to promote youth mental health awareness is to help young people in need access mental health services. Children's mental health can change over time, and youth and their families can successfully navigate challenges from mental health conditions.

Those with persistent mental health challenges usually do very well with treatment, support from peers and professionals, and a strong family and social support network.

What Parents and Caregivers Can Do

• Create open dialogue: Let young people know it's okay to talk about their feelings
• Listen without judgment: When they do talk, listen more than you advise
• Take concerns seriously: Don't dismiss worries as "just a phase"
• Model healthy coping: Show them how you manage stress and emotions
• Know when to seek help: If symptoms persist or worsen, consult a professional
• Stay involved: Be an active presence in their life while respecting their growing need for independence

Psychiatric Care for Adolescents and Young Adults in Lilburn

At Next Step Psychiatry, we provide psychiatric evaluations and medication management for adolescents and young adults. If you're concerned about a young person's mental health, we're here to help.