The Global Youth Mental Health Crisis: Causes, Solutions & Urgent Actions Needed

Mental health is key to overall well-being. For young people aged 10 to 24, it’s even more critical. However, today, we face an unprecedented mental health crisis; the aftershocks of COVID-19. The rates of depression, anxiety, and suicide among young people worldwide are rising at an alarming rate. 

Let us explore the causes, consequences, and solutions to this growing issue.  

The Rising Youth Mental Health Crisis: Key Statistics  

While youth mental health crises have always been of concern, the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated them. Some key statistics to consider include:

•  1 in 7 young people globally experience a mental health condition.  
• 19% of children in 21 countries report frequent feelings of depression.  
•  Mental health conditions account for 13% of the global disease burden among adolescents.  
•  Since COVID-19, rates of youth depression and anxiety have surged.  

Nevertheless, where does this all stem from?

Key Risk Factors for Poor Youth Mental Health 

The contributing factors to youth mental health are vast. They include (but are not limited to):

• Social Media & Digital Stress: While somewhat beneficial, excessive social media use is linked to anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation. 
• Trauma and Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs): Abuse, neglect, bullying, and family violence increase mental health risks. Economic and Social Inequities: Poverty, job insecurity, and housing instability exacerbate mental well-being issues. 
• Climate Anxiety: 59% of young people report extreme worry about climate change. 
• Lack of Access to Care: Only 6% of youth in low-income countries receive mental health treatment.  

While these statistics and trends are worrisome, remember that there’s always hope. Consider the following solutions and strategies to address this crisis and improve the mental health of our youth. 

Solutions: How to Improve Youth Mental Health  

Each and every one of us, whether as individuals, communities, or as a society as a whole, has a role to play in helping combat the youth mental health crisis. 

•       Government and Policy Actions Needed 

Governments must prioritize prevention over intervention, especially in the context of suicide, by implementing national youth mental health strategies. They can increase funding for mental health services by expanding affordable and accessible care in schools, communities, and most importantly, online. By addressing social determinants such as poverty and discrimination, policies can make a needed difference.

• Schools and Communities Must Step Up

Teachers can teach coping skills, emotional resilience, and early warning signs. This includes anti-bullying and inclusion programs, especially to protect marginalized groups such as LGBTQAI+, refugees, and Indigenous youth. Providing safe spaces, such as peer support and counseling, can also help combat stigma for youth seeking help. 

•  Technology and Innovation in Mental Health Care

Teletherapy and mental health apps expand digital mental health services by providing remote access. AI and chatbots can also offer 24/7 crisis intervention and counseling. 

•  Youth Involvement and Advocacy

Let’s engage young people in designing mental health programs and support initiatives like UNICEF’s Global Coalition for Youth Mental Health. 

Early intervention, increasing access to care, promoting resilience, and addressing social determinants can support the young generation to overcome this crisis. 

Call to Action: What You Can Do

There are several ways you can combat the youth mental health crisis:

• Advocate for better mental health policies in your community.  
• Support youth mental health nonprofits and helplines.  
• Educate yourself and others on early warning signs of mental distress.  
• Demand universal mental health coverage in healthcare systems.  

By addressing risk factors, expanding access to care, and empowering young voices, we can create a healthier future for the next generation.

Read the official Call to Action: Promoting the Mental Health of Young People Policy Statement here.