The statistic that approximately 49.5% of adolescents struggle with mental health, as reported by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), paints a stark picture of the mental health challenges facing young people today. Nearly half of all adolescents are dealing with some form of mental health issue, whether it's anxiety, depression, eating disorders, self-harm, or other related struggles. This number highlights the urgent need to address adolescent mental health as a significant public health concern, and it reflects the complex and multi-layered factors that contribute to the mental well-being of today’s youth.
The Pressures Adolescents Face Today
Adolescence is already a challenging time. It’s a period of profound physical, emotional, and social development, where young people are navigating changes in their bodies, relationships, and identities. However, in recent years, the pressures on adolescents have been amplified by several factors including Social Media and Cyberbullying, Academic and Social Pressure, and Family Dynamics and Economic Stress.
The 49.5% statistic from the NIH is a call to action. The mental health of adolescents is an issue that affects nearly half of our young population, and it requires urgent attention and action. With the right support systems in place, young people can build resilience, develop healthy coping mechanisms, and go on to lead fulfilling, balanced lives. We must work collectively—families, schools, communities, and healthcare systems—to ensure that mental health is prioritized and that adolescents are equipped with the tools they need to thrive.
Our story
When my daughter started displaying some symptoms of depression and anxiety, my husband and I turned our attention to her. She didn’t seem her normal bubbly self. She cried more than normal and lashed out in anger and frustration. We made an appointment with our counselor.
Our counselor gave us a lot of tools but ultimately it came down to this: show her she is loved, she is heard, and she is valued.
The power of words from family and friends is immeasurable. The way we speak to and about each other shapes how we see ourselves and the world around us. For a young person, especially, the words they hear from the people they trust can either build them up or tear them down.
When a daughter hears affirmations of her worth, her beauty, her intelligence, and her strength from those she loves, it plants seeds of confidence that will grow throughout her life. Words of encouragement can help her face challenges with courage, knowing she’s supported and seen for who she truly is. The small, everyday expressions of love and belief can be transformative — they act as a mirror, reflecting back to her a version of herself that’s strong, capable, and worthy of every opportunity.
On the other hand, harsh words or silence can create doubts that take root in her heart. But the good news is, words have the power to heal and uplift. The encouragement of family and friends can help her rewrite any negative stories she might have been told or believed about herself.
As parents, caregivers, and mentors, we have the opportunity to use our words to affirm, encourage, and remind her of her incredible potential. Let her hear that she is enough, that she is capable, and that she deserves to take up space in this world with confidence.
By surrounding her with words of love, belief, and encouragement, we give her a foundation that will help her face the world with resilience and self-assurance. It’s a gift that can last a lifetime.
YOUR SOLUTION + What you can do to help your child
Set aside time to show your child how much you value them. Show them the things you love and admire. Let them truly feel how much you love them. Take time to do something special and out of the ordinary to mark the occasion.
Feel overwhelming? You don’t have to do this alone.
Let me help you create that situation where you both tell and show your child that they loved, heard, and valued.