The reason why teens are suffering with anxiety, depression and other mental health conditions is complicated.
But what is certain, is it will take the community coming together to help teens through these challenges.
One in five teens face a significant mental health challenge. Suicide is the third-leading cause of death for teens. You can see why professionals recognize the crisis that teens face. Anxiety, depression and other mental conditions affect more than 20% of people this age.
“Rates of anxiety and depression continue to go up,” said David Ermer, MD, Clinical Vice President of Avera Behavioral Health. “The problems with depression and anxiety are much like the solutions: multi-layered. The best way to solve a problem that comes from many sources is help kids in as many ways as possible.”
Get Help for Teens
When even more help is needed, Avera Behavioral Health offers services for children and teens. Find a clinic near you.
Constant Connection Can Cause Stress
Stress is a normal part of life, but when you’re 100% connected to a group of friends, newsfeeds and other channels, it can overwhelm. The problem has many layers:
- Pandemic isolation made things worse, but the problem began before COVID-19.
- Young people today use smartphones almost constantly, which can isolate, reinforce negative input or lead to distraction.
- Whether in real life or online, especially in social media, teens can make comparisons to other teens that may lead to anxiety. “No one shows themselves cleaning the bathroom or washing the dishes on TikTok,” Ermer said. “Social media can give a misguided view of real life.”
- Kids may lose sleep, worry more and self-isolate because of social media or an overload of information.
“Today, teens are hyper-connected to information,” Ermer said. “When you combine personal worries and family worries with ones from school or work, we can see how mental health challenges rise. We have effective treatments and therapies, so there’s hope.”
Whether it happens locally or nationally, kids know about suicides or shootings and are hyper aware of how bad it can go. “We must meet kids where they are,” said Ermer. He said young people know about how problems can spiral.
Noticing Depression and Anxiety
When normal stress becomes problematic depression or anxiety, two conditions that are often intertwined, kids show signs like:
- Poor performance in school
- Withdrawal from friends and activities
- Sadness, hopelessness or a lack of enthusiasm, energy or motivation
- Anger, rage or overreactions to criticism
- Poor self-esteem, guilt or problems with authority
Time is the other factor. Every kid will go through good times and bad; but when they don’t bounce back after weeks of being down, a warning light should go on for all of us. “Some kids will deny stress or a change in mindset,” Ermer said. “They might not want to be a burden or feel guilty for explaining why down feelings are becoming too much.”
Changes in eating or sleeping patterns, especially if they last for two weeks or more, are also trouble signs.
“Kids might want to avoid bothering mom and dad about a problem,” said Ermer. “Regular dialogue is important.” Adults can show children what they do when facing stress, so they realize they’re not the only ones who might feel overpowered by lousy feelings.
Helping Teens with Anxiety and Depression
Since 6,000 suicide deaths for people ages 15–24 happen each year, a rate that’s tripled since 1960, professionals in behavioral health say it’s time for action. The weight can’t just fall to parents. It’s important for everyone to be aware that anxiety, depression and suicide are real issues for tweens and teens.
“It starts with peers, siblings and mom and dad. But schools, professionals and other adults play key roles,” Ermer said.
An approach that works is a willingness to have serious conversations.
The Role of Friends
It’s key to ask questions about suicidal thoughts and offer peer-to-peer support, Ermer said. “Kids often don’t want to ‘tell’ on a friend. They might be saving lives if they talk to a parent, or counselor about something they see or read on social media.”
The Role of Parents
Parents can model healthier behaviors and encourage their kids to talk to them – about everything. “When mom and dad get out and do things, and set the phone down or start talking, it can help,” said Ermer. “Getting involved in sports, clubs, church groups or other activities gives kids something to do other than sit in their room, looking at their phone.”
Let kids know that talking about worries or a sense of hopelessness is OK. Stigmas must be addressed every hour of every day. Ermer said that because suicide can be impulsive, removing things like firearms or medication can make a difference in saving lives.
The Role of Schools
School counselors are just a phone call away for parents and a few steps down the hall for kids, making them a key resource, along with the teachers who interact with them every day. Community partnerships can be important bridges for schools who can offer educational forums. Avera and Sioux Falls Public Schools joined efforts to create forums for families. The sessions focus on many challenges young people might face and offer clear answers to questions many moms and dads might have. It's part of Avera's effort to educate communities about suicide prevention and encourage people to ask the question: are you thinking of suicide?
The Role of Health Providers
Clinical experts screen kids for anxiety and depression when they have checkups.
“Screenings can help start conversations,” Ermer said. “Most kids are honest and glad someone asked them about how they feel,” he said. “It’s a good place to start.”
Parents and caregivers should see teachers, health professionals, coaches and other parents as allies to consult and share information with in a conscious, cohesive effort. “Success will come through action more than just empty words,” said Ermer. “Demonstrating healthy activity can be a daily, lifelong goal of all adults.”
Resources for Suicide Prevention
Get guides and tips to have conversations with someone who may be thinking about suicide. These resources are open 24/7 for immediate access:
- 988 – Call or text the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline for immediate help for you or someone you love.
- 800-691-4336 – Call this Avera Behavioral Health Urgent Care number to find behavioral health services to fit your needs, whether that’s outpatient or inpatient care.
