The Rise of Mental Health Support and Problems
Today, we see a significant increase in mental health services available to young people, yet mental health challenges among youth are also on the rise. This seems paradoxical at first glance. After all, wouldn’t the availability of more counseling and support help alleviate these issues? But let’s look closer at the complexities. Statistics from the CDC indicate that counseling among children and teens rose from 10% to almost 14% in just three years. This shift points to a growing awareness and willingness to seek help, yet it also raises a crucial question: why, despite these added resources, are mental health struggles still intensifying?
One factor may be the overwhelming complexity of today’s world. Our youth face pressures that previous generations couldn’t imagine: the relentless hum of social media, constant comparisons, and a barrage of conflicting voices about identity, purpose, and values. Children can quickly feel overwhelmed and pulled in multiple directions in this space. We often talk about the impact of this constant digital presence on the Celebrate Kids podcast. Kids today face new exposure to information and expectations, making it harder to find a stable sense of self amid the noise.
Parenting, too, has changed dramatically. Many parents today are deeply involved, hovering protectively, which can sometimes inadvertently convey that life’s challenges are best avoided. While protection is natural, it can prevent children from developing resilience—those powerful “muscles” that grow from tackling difficulties head-on. This dynamic creates kids who are well-supported yet struggle with coping, which is where we see mental health challenges surfacing despite the best intentions. Our desire to prevent pain can mean missing out on letting kids develop the resilience they need.
Another critical aspect of the increase in mental health challenges is greater openness around these issues. A generation ago, mental health struggles were often kept quiet, maybe even cloaked in a sense of shame. But as mental health awareness has expanded, we’re seeing more young people willing to seek help—a positive shift, though it also reflects the rising need for support. This cultural openness is a crucial step forward and highlights how common these struggles have become.
Now, let’s consider family stability. Robust and consistent family support is foundational for kids’ well-being. Research shows that kids thrive in stable environments with consistent love, guidance, and support. Yet, with increased family breakdowns, children often experience feelings of confusion, insecurity, and even resentment. These changes can ripple into mental health, making it more difficult for children to feel anchored. Even extended family, like grandparents, can play a critical role here, providing extra layers of love and shared values that help reinforce a child’s identity and resilience.
Faith and community, too, are potent allies in this journey. There’s immense strength in learning that vulnerability is not weakness. One of my favorite passages, 2 Corinthians 12:9-10, reminds us of the beauty in leaning on God’s strength. When kids see their parents praying or asking for guidance, it plants a seed. It shows that they’re never alone in their struggles and that they can turn to their faith and family for support. This openness to vulnerability reduces stigma and fosters a healthy view of asking for help.
The rising complexity of youth mental health isn’t about finding just one solution. It’s about giving young people tools that fit them as individuals—tools to face challenges, celebrate their unique strengths, and hold onto hope. We need to build both an awareness of their struggles and an unshakeable sense that they’re equipped and loved through it all. When mental health services are effective and accessible, family and faith form solid roots, and resilience is nurtured, we create a place where kids can thrive, not just survive. We can move toward a brighter, healthier future in this generation by embracing kids’ strengths, building resilience, and guiding them to support their families and communities.