By Dr. Ori DeVera
Southwest Medical, part of Optum
As we continue to navigate through a variety of highly stressful global events in recent years, many are struggling with mental health challenges such as increased anxiety and depression.[1] Each year, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, one in five U.S. adults experience mental illness and more than one in seven U.S. youth ages six through seventeen experience a mental health disorder. [2] Additionally, suicide is the second leading cause of death among people between the ages of ten and twenty-four.
In fact, young people in the U.S. are collectively experiencing a level of distress that calls for action to ensure they feel cared for and support. Data from the CDC’s 2023 Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) shows that female students and LGBTQ+ students are experiencing higher levels of violence, signs of poor mental health, and suicidal thoughts and behaviors.[3] That’s why it’s important for parents/caregivers to create opportunities for honest and open conversations about mental and emotional health so kids can share how they’re really doing and get connected to appropriate support if they need it.
Although exploring mental health treatment options can be confusing or difficult, it is an important part of mental health care.[4] Some important messages to remember:
- You’re not alone. Millions of people in the U.S are affected by mental illness each year. By acknowledging how common mental illness is, we can better understand its impact and reduce the stigma.[5]
- Self-care such as eating well-balanced meals, setting goals and priorities, staying physically active and getting plenty of sleep are healthy ways to manage stress and increase your energy.[6]
- It’s important to practice gratitude and focus on positivity, helping you to challenge your negative and unhelpful thoughts.[7]
- Connect with others by talking to people that you trust about your concerns and how you are feeling so they can provide practical help and emotional support.[8]
- Talk to your child about mental health. Feeling connected to family and school can have a significant impact on their mental health, so communicating openly and honestly with your child provides them with a sense of connectedness.[9] Optum has created “conversation starter” cards to make it easier for parents and caregivers to start the conversation and get past one-word answers to spark meaningful family dialogue – you can find them at optumconversation.com
- If someone you know needs help, listening to them in a comfortable and non-judgmental way can be a good place to start.[10] It’s important to genuinely express your concern and avoid blaming, criticizing, minimizing or assuming things about their experience. [11] If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988, or chat 988lifeline.org to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.[12]
If you or someone you know have thoughts about suicide, seek help right away. If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 911 or go to the closest emergency room.
To talk with a trained counselor, you can call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
Individuals may need mental health support for a variety of reasons including obtaining help during a stressful time or successfully dealing with a life-long struggle with depression or another serious mental health condition. Even if you are just curious about symptoms of anxiety or depression, it’s always a good time to have discussions about mental health and do your part to break the stigma.
[1]Mental Health, Substance Use, and Suicidal Ideation During the COVID-19 Pandemic — United States, June 24–30, 2020 | MMWR (cdc.gov)
[2]Mental Health By the Numbers | NAMI: National Alliance on Mental Illness
[3]2023 Youth Risk Behavior Survey Results | Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System (YRBSS) | CDC
[4]Mental Health By the Numbers | NAMI: National Alliance on Mental Illness
[5]Mental Health By the Numbers | NAMI: National Alliance on Mental Illness
[6]Caring for Your Mental Health – National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
[7]Caring for Your Mental Health – National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
[8]Caring for Your Mental Health – National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
[9]Mental Health | Adolescent and School Health | CDC
[10]Tips For How to Help a Person with Mental Illness | NAMI: National Alliance on Mental Illness
[11]Tips For How to Help a Person with Mental Illness | NAMI: National Alliance on Mental Illness
[12]Mental Health By the Numbers | NAMI: National Alliance on Mental Illness
