Children and teens are facing mounting challenges when it comes to their mental health. Depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation are more common than ever before, and suicide is the second-leading cause of death in children and young adults ages 10 to 24.
LISTEN NOW: How to know if your child is facing mental health challenges
A shocking 17 million U.S. kids have a mental health disorder by age 18. And three of five teen girls feel persistently sad or hopeless. "In fact, one in five children and adolescents have a diagnosable mental health condition," said Dr. Stephen Soffer, a leading psychologist from the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.
Mental health challenges in kids are incredibly common, but the trouble is differentiating between typical child development and potential mental health disorders can be complex.
“One of the challenges that we, parents, and teachers have is determining what is part of typical child development and what is something that might be a part of a disorder and need help,” Soffer said.
He advised parents to watch for any signs that might interfere with their child's day-to-day functioning or cause them distress. Regarding anxiety, a prevalent issue among youths, Soffer clarified that while anxiety is a normal human experience, its manifestation in children can vary greatly.
“Anxiety in children and teens can present as emotional distress, observable fear, or even avoidance of things they typically enjoy,” he said, emphasizing that extreme cases could lead to more serious, visible outbursts due to overwhelming fear.
The psychologist stresses the importance of open communication between parents and children about mental health. “Many times, children are suffering in silence,” Soffer said, “No one asks them about how they're feeling or how they're doing.”
He suggested that parents approach their children honestly if they notice something amiss, listen without criticism and foster an environment where their children can feel safe discussing their feelings.
Understanding when to seek professional help is crucial. Dr. Soffer points out that visible stress, changes in behavior like withdrawal or decline in school performance, and expressions of not wanting to live should all be taken seriously as indicators that professional help might be needed.
For those seeking guidance, Dr. Soffer recommended starting with the child’s primary care doctor who can provide referrals to mental health specialists if necessary. Moreover, he highlighted several resources for parents seeking more information, including the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.
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Audacy's I’m Listening initiative aims to encourage those who are dealing with mental health issues to understand they are not alone. If you or anyone you know is struggling with depression or anxiety, know that someone is always there. Additionally, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 988. Find a full list of additional resources here.