The holiday season can be one of the most challenging times of the year for mental health. Amid the pressures of to-do lists and holiday shopping, it’s easy to overlook something as essential as mental well-being.
While physical health often takes center stage in conversations about overall health — through exercise, nutrition and illness prevention — mental health is equally as vital. Emotions are deeply connected to the body, influencing every organ system. Mental health can play a significant role in preventing disease and aiding recovery when illness strikes.
Mental well-being is important at every stage of life; half of all mental health conditions emerge by age 14, and in recent years, both anxiety and depression have been on the rise among children and adults alike in the U.S.
The rise in mental health concerns among children and adolescents
While each child is unique, they all share one thing in common: endless potential for growth. Unfortunately, recent years have seen a sharp rise in mental health challenges among children and adolescents.
According to a study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, rates of anxiety, depression and behavioral disorders have increased significantly in youth. Contributing factors include growing academic and social pressures, the rise of social media and cyberbullying, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which isolated many young people and disrupted their daily routines.
In Arizona, youths are facing a behavioral health crisis. Compounding the crisis is a behavioral health care system that is severely inadequate, with gaps that fragment, delay and confuse care.
Suicide is the leading cause of death for children ages 10 to 24 in Arizona, and the state has the 13th-highest suicide rate in the nation. Each day, more than seven children and teens visit the Phoenix Children’s emergency department, seeking help after expressing a desire to harm themselves or others.
This demand for care is explosive — and far exceeds the available resources. Maricopa County, home to over 1 million children, has experienced one of the largest population increases in the country. Yet nearly 90% of Arizona communities lack sufficient mental health providers, placing the state in the bottom third of the nation for access to care.
Warning signs of mental health struggles in young people
Recognizing the signs of mental health struggles in young people can be difficult, as they may not always have the words to express their feelings. However, there are certain warning signs that parents, caregivers and educators should be aware of. These include — but are not limited to — sudden changes in behavior, a decline in academic performance and physical symptoms such as those linked to anxiety and depression.
Prioritizing mental health is essential for overall well-being. Though it can be challenging, there are steps that can help improve mental health. Building strong social connections, staying active and consistent sleep are key strategies for promoting mental well-being.
One of the most important actions is fostering open communication. Creating an environment where children feel comfortable discussing their emotions — both positive and negative — helps normalize the emotional ups and downs that everyone experiences. It’s crucial for young people to understand that whatever they are feeling is valid, and that support is available to help them navigate these emotions.
The future will be bright
Fortunately, there are numerous resources available to help support children and adolescents struggling with mental health challenges. These include:
• Licensed therapists, psychiatrists and school counselors
• Helplines and hotlines, like the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-TALK) and text services like the Crisis Text Line (Text HOME to 741741) offer 24/7 support for individuals in crisis
• Mindfulness and stress-relief tools like Headspace or Calm
• Behavioral health resources in psychiatry and psychology and mental health therapy
While there are slight improvements in youth mental health from a recent CDC study, our work is far from over. This holiday season and beyond, take a moment to check in with your loved ones. Let them know you’re there for them, and don’t forget to check in with yourself, too.
At Phoenix Children’s, we’re honored to be part of the journey, supporting families’ physical and mental health. Together, we’re connected — mind and body. To learn more about the behavioral health crisis in Arizona, please visit GiveToPCH.org/planfor hope.
Editor’s note: Funda Bachini, MD is division chief of psychiatry and medical director of Phoenix Children’s inpatient psychiatric unit. Reader reactions, pro or con, are welcomed at AzOpinions@iniusa.org.
