Today’s youth face unprecedented mental health challenges, and they need our help
By Dr. Anisha Patel-Dunn, Chief Medical Officer, LifeStance Health
You don’t have to be parent to see signs that kids and teens are experiencing more stressors that are impacting their mental wellness. Changes at school, at home and in public due to the COVID-19 pandemic have turned traditional childhood on its head. With children online more than ever, the negative effects of social media use are in the news every day. This, on top of childhood challenges like making friends and fitting in, has made it more important than ever for the grownups in a child’s life to guide and support their mental health.
Recently several medical associations including the American Academy of Pediatrics declared a national state of emergency in child and teen mental health. Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, mental health emergencies increased by 24% for children (5 to 11 year old) and 31% for teens (ages 12-17).
Our own LifeStance Health data has borne this out as our services has seen a 200% increase in children (ages 17 and under) seeking mental health services since 2019, with 223% more patients in elementary aged children (between the ages of 5-10). It is especially alarming that the youngest in our society has had an even harder time understanding the changes around them.
With Anti-Bullying Awareness Week coming up, it’s time for any adult who parents, supports or mentors children to understand the signs of mental distress, share ways to safely navigate social media use, and help them find the mental health support they need.