PORTLAND, Maine — Each day, students of all ages are learning who they want to be, who they don’t want to be, and how to process the world around them. They’re also learning how to navigate their mental health.
Data collected by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show the number of adolescents reporting poor mental health is increasing. In 2021, more than 42 percent of students felt persistently sad or hopeless, and more than 22 percent of students seriously considered attempting suicide.
Dana Anderson is the executive director of Valo Maine, a nonprofit with a mission to nurture young people with a sense of belonging, connection, and tools. She said the focus now, more than ever, is to get students talking about mental health.
“When I think about this mental health crisis and the causes I think of the pandemic, isolation, I think of social media and the addiction to phones. I think of the climate crisis and all the other news that they're bombarded with that previous generations because of not having phones have not had to deal with,” Anderson said. “There’s a lot they are taking in.”
Libby Wright is the associate director of youth education with NAMI Maine. Wright said to be on the lookout for the warning signs if you suspect your child is struggling with their mental health.
“I typically talk about focusing on four categories: moods, thoughts, behaviors, and appearance.” Wright said.
She suggests parents pay attention to things like poor hygiene and changes in friend groups, their mood or appearance. They should also be on the look for things that change in their routine. Libby said knowing when it’s time to get your child professional help can look different for everyone.
“It can be difficult,” Wright said.
Wright recommends parents start those conversations early. She said it could be as simple as checking in and asking how they are.
“That young person knowing that they can go to you and talk to you is crucial in this,” Wright said. “We know our children best, and you get that gut feeling when you know something is off.”