It’s no secret that we have a mental health crisis on our hands. The evidence of anxiety and depression—particularly among Gen Z—is everywhere: higher rates of self-reported loneliness, surges in emergency room visits related to self-harm and suicidal ideation, and the increased use of social media as an escape from everyday life. A 2023 Harvard survey found that two in five Gen Z young adults ages 18–25 “feel like they don’t matter to others.” That means that 44 percent of that age group is experiencing a deep sense of disconnection. And they’re not the only ones. Based on U.S. data from 2022–2023, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that 11 percent of children ages 3–17 had current, diagnosed anxiety, and 40 percent of high school students experienced persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness. The survey also reported that 20 percent of high school students seriously considered attempting suicide, and 16 percent had made a plan.  

The Roots of the Crisis
If you’re like me, you read those numbers and your heart sank. How do we have this many young people hurting so badly that they feel they have no other options? The truth is, it’s not just one thing. Today’s generation is facing a myriad of problems. Take social media, for example. While it is a great way to connect with others and have fun, there are many dark sides to it, including:

    • The pressure to live a “perfect” life. Constant exposure to others’ (often edited) lives can make people feel like they’re falling short. 
    • Cyberbullying. Online harassment often looks like someone “joking” nowadays. People comment thoughtlessly and hurt others’ feelings just to get some likes.
    • Doomscrolling and access to too much information. I miss the days when my Instagram feed was just people I followed. Now, thanks to AI algorithms, it’s a constant stream of influencers I’ve never heard of, political news, trends you “have” to hop on, and scare-tactic reporting.

Another factor contributing to the staggering rates of mental health issues is the long-lasting effects that the pandemic had on our lives. Sure, we’re not stuck inside for months on end anymore, but the disruptions it caused are still being felt. Many young people experienced prolonged social isolation, missing out on crucial milestones like graduations, sports seasons, and time with friends. These losses have left lasting feelings of loneliness and disconnection. At the same time, remote learning created academic gaps and increased stress, with some students struggling to catch up or stay motivated. The uncertainty and fear that marked those years also heightened anxiety about the future, worries that continue to linger as kids and teens navigate a world that suddenly feels less predictable and safe.

It’s Not as Simple as Just Getting Help
Despite the growing need, many young people face serious barriers to accessing mental health care. Wait times for therapists and counselors can stretch for months, and insurance coverage is often limited or confusing. For families in rural or underserved areas, finding specialized care for children and teens is even harder. According to Mental Health America, 65 percent of rural counties in the U.S. have no practicing psychiatrist, and nearly half lack any mental health professionals at all. This shortage means that young people in these areas face longer travel distances to seek care, fewer treatment options, and often, greater stigma within tight-knit communities.

Suburban communities, while often better equipped with mental health providers than rural areas, face their own challenges. Suburban areas can experience a shortage of specialized mental health professionals trained to work with children and teens, and families may struggle with affordability, as insurance coverage gaps and high out-of-pocket costs make therapy inaccessible for many. There can also be a culture of privacy and stigma around mental health that discourages seeking help, leading some young people to suffer in silence. 

Starting the Conversation
It’s crucial to talk about mental health with your children. Open, honest conversations about feelings can lay a foundation of support that will stay with them their entire lives. Starting these conversations may feel uncomfortable, especially if your family isn’t used to these types of discussions. Here’s how to approach it with kids at different stages of development:

Young Kids (Ages 3–7)
Keep it simple and use language they understand. You might say things like, “Sometimes our feelings get really big and confusing, and that’s okay.” Use stories, books, or drawings to help them express how they’re feeling. Reassure them that all feelings are okay, and they can always talk to you about anything.

Elementary and Middle School-Aged Kids (Ages 8–12)
At this age, kids can understand more about emotions and mental health but may still find it hard to talk about. Encourage them by asking open-ended questions like, “What makes you happy or worried?” Validate their feelings and let them know it’s normal to feel sad, angry, or anxious sometimes. Share your own experiences in simple terms to normalize mental health discussions. 

Teens (Ages 13–18)
Teens are developing their independence and may be reluctant to open up. Be patient and create a judgment-free space where they feel safe sharing. Respect their privacy while gently encouraging professional help if needed.

The mental health challenges facing today’s young people are complex and often overwhelming, but families have a powerful role to play. Keep your discussions supportive, honest, and respectful of their feelings. Talking about mental health with your kids sets them up to be emotionally healthy adults who know they can always come to you for help.