Colorado Youth for a Change’s Post

Since 2010, we’ve seen dramatic increases in rates of mental health disorders among our kids. And yet, we’ve also, in that time, been focusing on better treatment and improving the social determinants of health, like early childhood education, addressing child hunger, offering extra support to children in school, and making some strides with regard to community safety and stable housing. So why are there decreasing rates of mental health in children? Read the article below to learn what researchers are uncovering 👇 #mentalhealthmondays

The challenges for our young people and their mental health can sometimes feel monumental. Thanks so much to the Tradeoffs team for their focus on some innovative and effective solutions. I loved being a part of this episode. https://lnkd.in/gWXacKJU

Mental health matters — at every age. Today, inseparable's Hopeful Futures Campaign is launching its state legislative guide for school-based mental health. This guide will equip policymakers across the U.S. with policy recommendations needed to meaningfully support students’ #MentalHealth during a critical time of development. Better mental health support means better, brighter futures — #ForEveryChild. Learn more about the guide at hopefulfutures.us.

In the face of rising mental health disorders among children, the pressures they face daily must be reassessed. From grappling with the realities of climate change to navigating the complex world of social media, kids are dealing with new forms of stress. Furthermore, societal issues such as high incarceration rates, opioid addictions, and economic instability can't be overlooked. They need stability, reassurance, and models of competent, compassionate behaviour. https://lnkd.in/eMgK9bNq #childrensmentalhealth #childrenswellbeing #UK #childrencare #childrenswellbeing #learningresults #childrensmentalhealth #childrensservices #socialcare #socialcarejobs #socialcarerecruitment #children #wellness #wellbeing #childrensmentalhealthmatters #society

I am delighted to share with you the details of my first launched project with Economist Impact, titled "The US youth mental health crisis demands a community response." This project has been a result of the collaborative efforts of an exceptional research team consisting of Kati, Alcir, Mateus, and Charlotte. I cannot express enough gratitude and appreciation for their dedication and expertise throughout this journey. Our project aims to shed light on the pressing issue of mental health among American youth. It is no secret that the mental well-being of our young generation is at risk, and it is high time we address this crisis collectively as a community. Through extensive research and analysis, we have uncovered alarming statistics and trends that demand urgent action. The potential impact of this project is immense. By raising awareness, fostering discussions, and advocating for change, we can pave the way for a brighter and healthier future for our youth. It is crucial that we come together, share our experiences, and explore innovative solutions to tackle this crisis head-on. I invite you all to join the conversation and contribute your insights, ideas, and experiences. Let us work hand in hand to create a supportive and nurturing environment for the young minds of America. Together, we can make a difference and ensure a better tomorrow for our youth. #YouthMentalHealth #CommunityResponse #EconomistImpact

According to the CDC, 37% of Gen Z teens feel persistently sad or hopeless. As a society, we must prioritize mental health education and resources to address these alarming trends. By fostering open conversations, providing access to counseling services, and promoting positive coping strategies, we can help empower Gen Z to navigate the challenges of adolescence and build resilience for the future. Together, we can work toward creating a healthier and more supportive environment for the next generation. #MentalHealth #Education #Resources #GenZ #Resilience

Insightful piece from First Focus on Children on addressing the youth mental health crisis through youth peer support. We must always remember to actively listen to those with lived expertise for solutions that are healing centered, culturally relevant, and trauma responsive. Peer support is transformational! https://lnkd.in/ebaeptQB

Listening to Our Youth: Bridging the Gap in Mental Health Conversations Recent statistics from Mental Health America reveal a staggering reality: 60% of youth with major depression do not receive any treatment. This statistic is not just a number—it's a reflection of the silent struggles many young people face, often exacerbated by the very responses meant to guide them. I remember being around 11 or 12 years old, feeling engulfed by what I now recognize were serious feelings of depression. In seeking support, I approached a trusted adult, only to be dismissed with a question that still echoes in my memory: "You’re not depressed. What could you possibly have to be depressed about?" That moment taught me a harsh lesson—that my feelings were inappropriate to share, possibly invalid, leading to years of confusion and shame. This experience is far from unique. Across America, young individuals are struggling with mental health issues, often in silence, because the spaces they inhabit do not foster open conversations. The response I received, and that many others continue to receive, highlights a critical gap in our approach to mental health support for our youth. We must do better. Listening is the first step towards understanding. We must create environments—be it at home, schools, or within our communities—where our children feel seen and heard, where their feelings are validated, not minimized. Encouraging open and honest communication about mental health can dismantle the stigma and pave the way for effective support and treatment. As first responders, parents, educators, and community members, we have a collective responsibility to advocate for and implement changes that prioritize mental health awareness and support from a young age. It’s about building a future where no child feels the need to silence their struggles, and every child has access to the care and support they need. Let's commit to listening to our youth, to fostering open dialogues, and to creating a society where mental health is treated with the urgency and care it deserves. #mentalhealthawareness #youthmentalhealth #listen #endthestigma SolutionPoint , LLC

#youthmentalhealth advocates! Need a quick weekend read?  Harvard Graduate School of Education put out a report this month that reported twice the rates of anxiety and depression as teens. They identified several drivers of these emotional challenges, including a lack of meaning and purpose. The report, On Edge: Understanding and Preventing Young Adults' Mental Health Challenges, is based on a nationally representative survey of young adults (ages 18 – 25), teens, and parents conducted in December 2022. Thirty-six percent (36%) of young adults who responded to the survey reported anxiety compared to 18% of teens; 29% of young adults said depression compared to 15% of teens. The number one challenge? A lack of meaning, purpose, and direction: Nearly 3 in 5 young adults (58%) reported lacking "meaning or purpose" in their lives in the previous month. Half of young adults said that their mental health was negatively influenced by "not knowing what to do with my life. This is on track with what I am hearing in my therapy office. Teens and young adults will tell me that the paths their parents and generations before them were on do not apply to them, given the world's socioeconomic and political climate. So, if they're not choosing the conventional path, they must forge one on their own--into the unknown. Most believe that seeking better career counseling services at an earlier age, creating mentorship programs, volunteering, and getting involved in community relationships are foundational ways to make life meaningful. I can hear my younger clients so painfully aware of their time on this earth--after all, they grew up in an era where gun violence was common in schools. I can hear my younger clients wanting to make the most of every second of their time and creating pressure to impact a climate and economy that feels overwhelmingly unruly. All while being bombarded by social media reminders of what's happening in the world--and comparing themselves to others' highlight reels. There's obviously more too it, but I understand entirely why young folks are feeling listless and searching for meaning. What do you all think? What are you seeing in your practice? What strategies do you have to offer? And if you're a young person and mental health advocate, I want to hear your voice in the comments! #mentalhealth https://lnkd.in/eq9Qd3Dc