WITH Dr. Don Grant, 2022 President of the American Psychological Association, Society for Media Psychology and Technology and Chair of the American Psychological Association, Device Management and Intelligence Committee

Did you know we’re currently in the midst of a national mental health crisis for teens and young adults? Sadly, it’s true. Over the past few years, we’ve seen a dramatic increase in the number of teen suicides along with soaring rates of teenage depression, substance abuse, anxiety, eating disorders, trauma, and self-harming behaviors. Suicide is now the third-leading cause of death among 15‒24-year-olds, exceeded only by accidental deaths and homicide. A 2021 study found that 48% of young people admitted to struggling with mental health issues and more than one-third of those went untreated. A recent study conducted by the National Institute of Health indicated that for young children diagnosed with depression and anxiety, approximately half of their mental health issues were evident by age 14.

Although psychological counseling and medication are available for children as young as five years of age who have clinically diagnosed mental problems, roughly two-thirds of these children have not received treatment or proper medical intervention. Perhaps now, more than ever before, we need to be aware of the warning signs and symptoms so that vulnerable, at-risk young people can feel supported and understood and get the early intervention they may need.

If you want to learn more about how we can help young people who may be struggling with mental health issues, please listen to my interview with Dr. Don Grant, 2022 President of the American Psychological Association, Society for Media Psychology and Technology, and Chair of the American Psychological Association, Device Management, and Intelligence Committee.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

• What are some of the primary mental health disorders for teens and young adults?
• What happened in 2012 for us to see a spike in depression, anxiety, and suicide?
• What are some of the symptoms that parents and educators have to watch out for?
• What are some of the primary mental health disorders for teens and young adults?
• How to notice if your kids are suffering from what Don calls #compare and #despair.
• What to do if you notice a difference in your child’s social media.
• How can filters on social media damage a teen’s self-confidence and self-image?
• How can parents talk to their kids about online bullying?
• What is the online disinhibition effect?
• What are cyberbullying and cyber aggression?
• The three different people that can be involved in a cyber-aggressive act, whether it’s in real life or online.
• What parents need to know before they give their kids their first device.

Today’s Takeaway:

A variety of factors such as poverty, fear of global warming along with the pandemic, and excessive consumption of social media have contributed to the rise in mental health issues for young people and adults. Increased rates of low self-esteem, stress, and anxiety have left this generation far more vulnerable to incidents of bullying, fears of being ostracized, and chronic depression. Young people who experience recurring incidents of abuse or chronic neglect or witness domestic violence, or parental mental health or substance abuse problems are particularly vulnerable. The increasing number of children as young as ten years old attempting suicide is a particularly alarming statistic. There is help available but early intervention is critical. Teaching young children to modify their thoughts and behavior is far more effective at an early age. Inpatient programs may offer the best chance of success. It’s important we don’t allow shame or stigmatization to take precedence over obtaining early treatment and intervention for a young person in crisis. Remember every day is a gift and the gift we get from recognizing when a young person is struggling and getting them the help they need can make a huge difference not only in their childhood but also in their mental health as an adult as well. I’m Florine Mark and that’s “Today’s Takeaway.”

Quotes:

• “Look at your kids and their behavior. If you see a big change, then certainly investigate what’s going on.” — Don
• “We have to remember, social media is completely self-curated, we can create that store window in any way we want.” — Don
• “If anyone, and especially a teenager is posting anything on social media, what do they need? Why are they putting it out there? — Don
• “It’s the kid and adults as well. They have FOMO. They’re feeling like they’re not current. They’re feeling like they’re not relevant.” — Don
• “Cyberbullying is part of cyber aggression, and it can look a lot of different ways.” — Don
• “The first thing I tell parents is: model behavior.” — Don
• “There is no seat belt for social media.” — Don

Brought to You By:

Florine Mark

Mentioned in This Episode:

American Psychological Association