Some changes in the brain during this critical phase of development actually help support resilience and mental health over the long term. Despite the stresses and challenges that come with adolescence, most teens go https://alaskapublic.org/news/2022-01-25/at-this-mental-health-drop-in-center-in-fairbanks-members-say-you-can-just-be-you on to become healthy adults. Many teens do not get enough sleep, making it harder to pay attention, control impulses, and do well at school. Because the teen brain is still developing, teens may respond to stress differently than adults.
There is a critical need for proactive measures in addressing the youth mental health crisis. It’s important for young people to be able to build trusting relationships in addition to having mental health education and support in school. The youth mental health crisis in the United States has been on a steady rise since 2003. As we’ve explored, there’s a vast array of mental health resources available to young adults. These programs, often run by young adults for young adults, offer a fresh perspective on mental health support.
In 2022, the prevalence of cannabis use among adolescents was higher than that of adults globally (5.5 per cent compared with 4.4 per cent, respectively) (4). Risk factors for suicide are multifaceted, and include harmful use of alcohol, abuse in childhood, stigma against help-seeking, barriers to accessing care and access to means of suicide. Suicide is the third leading cause of death in older adolescents and young adults (15–29 years) (2). The more risk factors adolescents are exposed to, the greater the potential impact on their mental health. Adolescence is a crucial period for developing social and emotional habits important for mental well-being. Adolescents with mental health conditions are particularly vulnerable to social exclusion, discrimination, stigma (affecting readiness to seek help), educational difficulties, risk-taking behaviours, physical ill-health and human rights violations.
We empower parents and professionals to be the best support they can be to the young people in their lives. Check out our most recently updated guides and advice for young people, parents and carers. Whether you’re a young person trying to talk to an older person about your mental health, or a parent or carer wanting to start those conversations, our guides are here to help. Help us reach our mission our goal that no child or young person has to face a mental health problem alone. We want children and young people to discover how getting to know who they are can help them build resilience, grow and develop. The theme for 2025 was Know Yourself, Grow Yourself, with the aim to equip and empower children and young people across the UK to embrace self-awareness and explore what it means to them.
Learn where to get immediate support when you need someone to talk to now. Explore ways to support a young person and get emotional and practical support for yourself, too. Learn how to talk with and support everyone in a family when one member is struggling. Find support options, understand your rights, and take steps toward better mental health.
Laxmikant Shetgaonkar, born and brought up in Goa, a coastal state in India. His films portray Goa and its social fabric. Apart from national and international awards he ensured his film reaches the remotest corners of Goa, bringing in a cinema movement in this tiny state. (Read complete profile)