Why Youth Mental Health Matters

 

By Annette Pinder

In responding to a recent U.S. Surgeon General advisory focusing on youth and mental health, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), warns that far too many young people are struggling with their mental health and unable to get the support they need. DHHS emphasizes the important role we all play in supporting youth mental health and in creating a world where young people thrive.

Horizon Health Services will focus on this very topic in an upcoming television show on Wednesday, November 20 and December 4 at 8 pm and on Saturday, November 22 and December 7 at noon on WBBZ-me-TV channels 5 and 67.

 

DHHS says mental health challenges are the leading cause of disability and poor life outcomes in young people. Additionally, in the past few years there has been a significant rise in youth mental health disorders, including depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation.

 

Dr. Vivek H. Murthy, U.S. Surgeon General also issued an advisory on youth and mental health, in which he calls for warning labels on social media. He describes current evidence that reveals the impacts of social media on the mental health of children and adolescents and outlines immediate steps we can take to mitigate the risk of harm to children and adolescents. Emphasizing the importance of protecting the mental health of minority and marginalized young people, and due to factors beyond their control that place these groups at a higher risk for mental health difficulties, Dr. Murthy addresses the challenge in a public health report.

 

In understanding the significance of these issues, reflected in their patient population, Horizon Health emphasizes that mental health is an essential part of overall health, and that fact that mental health conditions are common and treatable. Horizon also notes the increased psychological stress on youth that was exacerbated by COVID-19. Thus, the pandemic most heavily affected those most vulnerable, including youth with disabilities, racial and ethnic minorities, LBGTQ+ youth, and other marginalized individuals and communities.

 

In issuing his warnings and reports, Dr. Murthy says, “If we seize this moment, step up for our children and their families in their moment of need, and lead with inclusion, kindness, and respect, we can lay the foundation for a healthier, more resilient, and more fulfilled nation.”

 

See page 13 for details on upcoming shows, and tune in as Horizon Health mental health experts discuss this important matter this month and next. Download and read advisories at https://hhs.gov/surgeongeneral/ priorities/youth-mental-health and at

www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/sg-youth-mental-health-social-media-advisory.pdf.