By Brandon Matthews
In December 2021 the Surgeon General issued a rare public health advisory declaring a devastating mental health crisis among young people. Hospitals and doctors have also called it a national emergency citing a shortage of therapists, treatment options, and insufficient research to explain the trend. We see this played out in the lives of our young people as sadly suicide rates of those ages 14 to 24 grew 60 percent from 2007 to 2018. Suicide was the second leading cause of death for people ages 10 to 14 and 25 to 34. With such a devastating trend among our young people, what can we do to help?
One of the most beneficial tools in helping someone is early detection. Typically, the first sign of a personal struggle is a shift in mood or personality. You may notice you or your loved one becoming depressed, less motivated, or uncooperative. This can lead to behavioral changes such as disconnecting from social situations, avoiding eye contact, or making excuses for not participating in social scenarios. The signs and symptoms can often evolve from emotional to physical with weight loss or weight gain, frequent sickness, or being overly tired or lethargic. These physical and emotional indicators are a good reason to offer help or to ask help for yourself.
There are many other tools that can be helpful as well. Life can be so busy and overwhelming that we forget to do the simple things, so it’s important to prioritize self-care. Make time to go for a walk, read a book, take a nap, spend time with loved ones, or engage in an activity that brings you joy. Exercise is another beneficial element to our mental health as it releases endorphins, which are feel-good hormones that help reduce stress and anxiety. Along with exercise, a good healthy diet and plenty of rest are important as well. Lack of sleep can contribute to stress, anxiety, and depression.
Ultimately, you may want to consider professional help. There are many resources available, such as therapy, counseling, or support groups that can help you manage your symptoms and improve your overall well-being. The most important thing is to take action for yourself or for your loved ones.
Brandon Matthews is the For Tomorrow Program Director.