 |
| Source: World Health Organization |
By Sam Piha
Childhood and adolescence are critical stages of life for mental health. This is a time when rapid growth and development take place in the brain. Children and adolescents acquire cognitive and social-emotional skills that shape their future mental health and are important for assuming adult roles in society.
The quality of the environment where children and adolescents grow up shapes their well-being and development. Early negative experiences in homes, schools, or digital spaces, such as exposure to violence, the mental illness of a parent or other caregiver, bullying and poverty, increase the risk of mental illness.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), “Mental health conditions, such as childhood epilepsy, developmental disabilities, depression, anxiety and behavioral disorders, are major causes of illness and disability among young people. Worldwide, 8% of children and 15% of adolescents experience a mental disorder, but the majority of them do not seek help or receive care. Suicide is the third leading cause of death in 15-29 year-olds. The consequences of not addressing mental health and psychosocial development for children and adolescents extend to adulthood and limit opportunities for leading fulfilling lives.” [i]
Most indicators show that youth mental health has worsened over the past decade, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the CDC (2024) 42% of high-school students reported persistent sadness or hopelessness — up from 28% in 2011. Also, 22% seriously considered suicide, nearly double the rate from a decade earlier.
“Key facts:
- Globally, one in seven 10-19 year-olds experiences a mental disorder, accounting for 15% of the global burden of disease in this age group.
- Depression, anxiety and behavioral disorders are among the leading causes of illness and disability among adolescents.
- Suicide is the third leading cause of death among those aged 15–29 years old.
- The consequences of failing to address adolescent mental health conditions extend to adulthood, impairing both physical and mental health and limiting opportunities to lead fulfilling lives as adults.” [ii]
WHY YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH IS GETTING WORSE
There are multiple, overlapping factors that help explain why youth mental health is getting worse. Below are some of the factors, as listed by Chat GPT.
- “Social media and digital pressure: constant comparison, cyberbullying, and reduced real-life connection.
- Pandemic disruption: isolation, academic loss, and family stressors intensified symptoms.
- Academic and economic pressure — fear of failure, high competition, and financial insecurity.
- Access barriers: long wait times, provider shortages, and stigma prevent treatment.
- Global instability: climate anxiety, violence, and polarization add chronic stress.” [iii]
To learn more about this topic, we developed a briefing paper entitled, How Afterschool Programs Can Address the Youth Mental Health Crisis. You can also join an upcoming webinar on this topic for free, by checking out our Eventbrite Page.
[i] World Health Organization, Improving the mental and brain health of children and adolescents
[ii] World Health Organization, Mental Health of Adolescents
[iii] Chat GPT, What factors help explain why youth mental health is getting worse?
