It’s been a tumultuous handful of years for all as our world has been rocked by a pandemic, social division, and cultural disruptions. While the widespread challenges have forever changed life as we know it, it’s not just the adults that are struggling to navigate the extensive impacts.
LISTEN NOW: Keeping mental health in focus for kids with 'Mental Health America'
Mental Health America (MHA) President/CEO, Schroder Stribling, recently joined Audacy host Matt Leon to detail the crisis our youth is experiencing as a result of today’s climate and how we can help set them up for success.
“Everything is telling us that we have a crisis in youth mental health,” Stribling stated before sharing recent results from MHA’s research. “We’ve got 1 in 10 youth experiencing major depression and more than half of those are not getting treatment. More than half of the youth that took the test for depression were having thoughts of suicide more than half the day, at the height this summer it was 10,000+ youth/ day.”
Citing the pandemic as a large source of struggles for youth, Stribling was quick to highlight other widely-responsible factors including social media and climate change.
“We really need to sound the alarm because this is about the health and well-being on the next generation,” she said. “We are in an absolute toxic stew for youth. This is a unique set of things that are challenging. There are things that youth today is contending with that we have not experienced before — unique things like social media, like climate climate change — which is big for them as well…. We have to consider it all.”
Overall, the above can all impact the next generation’s ability to see hope for the future, which is something Stribling says is crucial for individuals of any age.
“There are many things that feel like they are existentially threatening to our you about their future,” she explained. “You still need to have some hope for the future and this is where I think there’s such a pain point for youth right now.”
Helping the next generation see their potential and tend to their mental health is one thing adults can do to help, and according to Stribling, can be communicated in many simple ways.
“All the research tells us that one strong, positive relationship with one trusted adult in a child’s life makes an enormous difference in their mental health outcomes and mental health well being over the long haul,” she shared. Safe and supportive environments, mental health literacy for those working with kids, open conversations and judgment-free zones are all examples Stribling gave for establishing that relationship with youth and being there for them.
“If we intervene early, there’s a better chance for a better outcome.”
To hear more about Stripling's take on the current mental health crisis surrounding youth and how you can help, check out her full interview in partnership with Audacy’s I’m Listening platform above.
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.