The Rising Mental Health Crisis in Youth: Alarming Statistics and Predictions for 2022
The mental health crisis among youth is a growing concern around the world. Young people are grappling with anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues in ever-increasing numbers. The COVID-19 pandemic has further accelerated this trend. As we head into 2022, the statistics and predictions are alarming.
Statistics
According to a study, 17% of teenagers aged 15-18 struggled with a form of mental illness. In addition, 30% of college students reported feeling overwhelmingly depressed in the past year, with 50% of those surveyed saying they had experienced overwhelming anxiety. Kids aged 11 to 13 who reported using electronic devices for more than five hours a day were twice as likely to develop attention problems.
Moreover, a new survey by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that the proportion of children and teenagers who visited emergency rooms for mental health reasons increased sharply from mid-March 2020 to October 2020, compared with the same period in 2019. Suicide attempts and suicidal ideation were reason enough for hospitalization in many of these cases.
Predictions
The coming year is not expected to bring any relief in the mental health crisis. A joint report from UNICEF and the World Health Organization (WHO) warns that over 40% of 13 to 15-year-olds globally experienced anxiety or depression in 2021. In addition, the report warns that the mental health burden will continue to grow in 2022, as children are affected by long-term implications of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The report emphasizes that the provision of online and telepsychology services has become an increasingly critical aspect of addressing the mental health crisis among young people. In contrast, some predict that access to human services will become even more limited, causing the crisis to escalate further. Dropout rates among students are expected to increase, and mental health disorders will become more prevalent, leading to potential lifelong problems.
The Role of Parents and Educators
Parents and educators can play a significant role in preventing and addressing mental health issues. They can identify the warning signs and help youth access appropriate medical and therapeutic support. Awareness of mental health problems and available resources should be a part of the curriculum. Parents should limit electronic device usage and can also encourage physical exercise, social connectivity, and outdoor activities.
In conclusion, the mental health crisis among young people is growing, and this trend shows no signs of slowing down. The COVID-19 pandemic and increased online learning has made things even worse. Therefore, it is vital to take proper steps, including engaging mental health experts, to address the issue. As parents, teachers, and caretakers, we have a responsibility to make resources available, reduce stigma around mental health, and create a conducive environment for young people to find rehabilitation from their mental health problems.
