In the landscape of our modern world, there is a crisis that often goes unheard of; the mental health of the youth population. We should be shedding light on issues in this world that are often overlooked, we need to turn our attention to the critical issue of youth mental health.
Our communities are populated by beautiful bright young minds with tremendous potential, yet we face challenges that could potentially threaten our well-being. According to recent studies, the AMA states that the youth’s mental health is in crisis with mental health challenges, making it one of the most pressing public health issues in our era.
To understand more about the youths mental health situation, “in the 10 years leading up to the pandemic, feelings of persistent sadness and hopelessness– as well as suicidal thoughts and behaviors– increased by about 40% amongst young people”, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC).
One of the central challenges is the attention surrounding mental health. Too often, young people suffer in silence, fearing judgment or misunderstanding from their peers and communities. This lack of attention prevents many from seeking the help they need. A lot of high school students feel like they can’t talk about what they’re going through because they don’t want people to think they’re “crazy”, it takes a long time for students to realize it’s okay to seek help. However, more can and should be done to prioritize youth mental health. This includes increasing funding for mental health services in schools, expanding access to affordable counseling, and enhancing mental health education. Our education systems should not only focus on achievement but also on nurturing the emotional well-being of us young people.
Furthermore, it is essential to recognize the role of technology in shaping the youths mental health. The rise of social media and constant connectivity have ushered in a new era of challenges which include, cyberbullying and increased stress due to digital pressures. Social media causes more harm than it causes good, it makes us forget that everybody’s path and journey is different, which makes us want to compare our own paths to everyone’s that you see on social media. It brings a lot of jealousy and comparison to others lifestyles which has a seriously negative impact.
The importance of youth mental health cannot be overstated. The most important part of our academic systems should be to create environments where young people feel safe, supported, and empowered to seek help when they need it. I believe that putting mental health first will also lead to great and constant academic growth. When we prioritize the mental health of young people we empower them to become resilient, productive, and fulfilled individuals.
In the effort to address this critical issue, let us ensure that the voices of our youth are heard and that they receive the care and support they deserve. It is only through such dedication that elders can pave the way for a healthier and brighter future for generations to come.
