Rates of anxiety and depression among teens have risen dramatically, with major depressive disorder doubling between 2009 and 2019 — and that was before the added challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.
But recognizing the growing mental health crisis is only the first step.
“Parents can help lower kids’ risks of developing mental health issues by turning awareness into action,” said Sina Safahieh, M.D., a double board certified child, adolescent and adult psychiatrist and medical director of the ASPIRE program at Hoag Hospital Newport Beach and the Sun Family Campus in Irvine. “Encouraging exercise, eating a balanced diet, sleeping better and spending less time on devices go a long way to protecting teen and adolescent mental health.”
Dr. Safahieh recommends actions that parents can take to help their children today, including:
Identify Dangers
Awareness: Some dangers are well known, such as addiction to illicit drugs or alcohol. Less obvious is gaming, evidence now suggests that hours spent battling demons online translate into growing depression and aggression.
Action: “In the U.S. 5 million gamers spend more than 40 hours per week playing games – it’s like a full-time job, but instead of getting paid, these gamers are paying with their mental health,” Dr. Safahieh said. “If your child is addicted to gaming, the best thing you can do for them is help them quit. Put limits on their gaming and help them connect to professional help.”
Build Guardrails
Awareness: Another danger that requires guardrails is social media use. A Pew poll found that 40% of teens reported that social media was having a negative effect on their lives. Some studies by social media companies themselves have found that the bombardment of images and messaging has worsened suicidal thoughts and negatively affects existing eating disorders.
Action: “Creating a central hub, away from bedrooms, where devices can be stored for the night can help limit exposure to social media,” Dr. Safahieh said. “Putting the phone down at least one hour before bed has also been found to promote better sleep. This can be a game-changer, as a John Hopkins study found that poor sleep can have a 31% reduction in a person’s positive mood the next day.”
Build Community
Awareness: Studies have found a correlation between strong social connections and lower risk of depression. But in this age of digital connectivity, social isolation and loneliness are also at an all-time high. How can that be? Because people are wired to be together – in person.
Action: “Schedule no-device times with your kids. That means you, too, must put your phone in your pocket,” Dr. Safahieh said. “As a family, take the time to go for a walk around the neighborhood and get to know your neighbors or get involved in organizations that resonate with your family. The time getting to know other people – and reconnecting with each other – can play a significant role in your mental health, too.”
Help Your Teen Find Resources
Awareness: The teen brain is still developing, and yet major responsibilities loom large: driving, jobs and college applications to name a few. Unfortunately, 63% of people ages 12-17 in California with major depression or other primary mental health disorder reportedly do not receive any mental health treatment.
Action: “Access is an issue nationwide,” Dr. Safahieh said. “Parents can advocate for their teens by working with schools, their pediatrician and their insurance company to tap into mental health resources such as therapists, support groups and proven programs that can make a difference, such as ASPIRE.”
Just as we take proactive steps to support our physical health, it’s time we apply that same mindset to mental health. Parents, educators, and mental health professionals all play a role in turning awareness into meaningful action — creating a supportive environment where young people can thrive.
