World Teen Mental Wellness Day
Each year on March 2nd we recognize World Teen Mental Wellness Day. The day aims to “raise greater awareness of mental health issues among teens, as well as provide education about removing stigmas surrounding preventative mental health.”
Many teenagers struggle with their mental health. It is important that as a society we increase awareness, stop the stigma, and let teens know that is okay to not be okay.
Teen Mental Health By the Numbers
- Globally, one in seven of those aged 10-19 experiences a mental disorder (WHO)
- Suicide is the fourth leading cause of death among 15-19 year-olds (WHO)
- Among adolescents aged 12-17 years in 2018-2019 (CDC):
- 15.1% had a major depressive episode
- 36.7% had persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness
- 4.1% had a substance use disorder
Warning Signs in Teens
The following consists of common warning signs of mental health conditions in teenagers:
- Depression symptoms include:
- Irritability
- Feeling guilty or worthless
- Loss of interest in once enjoyable activities
- Fatigue or lack of energy
- Feeling persistently sad, anxious, or empty
- Generalized anxiety disorder symptoms include:
- Feeling restless or on edge
- Difficulty concentrating
- Irritability
- Excessive worries
- Struggles sleeping, whether it may be not being able to fall asleep, stay asleep, or feel well-rested
- Social anxiety disorder symptoms include:
- Feeling very anxious at the thought of being around others
- Fear of humiliation or embarrassment
- Sweating or trembling around others
- Worries about being judged
- Isolating from others
Show Support
As we honor World Teen Mental Wellness Day, we encourage you to help show support. We can support teen’s mental health by:
- Spreading awareness so both teenagers and parents are more informed about mental health, and from there can get the help they need
- Helping end the stigma, as it is rooted from myths and can make teens feel reluctant to get the help they need
- Reminding teens that it is okay to not be okay, and that mental health struggles are common and help is available
Crisis Help
If you or a loved one is in a crisis, it is important to get help immediately. If in danger of suicide:
- Call 911
- Go to the nearest emergency room
- Call the toll-free, 24-hour hotline of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255); TTY: 1-800-799-4TTY (1-800-799-4889)
Finding TREATMENT AND RESOURCES
- To learn more about teen mental health, we recommend contacting your health care provider.
- To read more, the following resources are suggested:
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