Presently, the United States is undergoing an issue with teenage mental health. Anxiety and depression are on the rise among America’s adolescents.

Regardless of whether they personally experience these conditions or not, the percentage of American high school students who report “constant feelings of sadness or hopelessness” increased from 26% to 44% between 2009 and 2021.

As reported by researchers, this is the greatest degree of teenage sadness ever documented.

Numerous factors can contribute to teenagers’ depression and anxiety. Genetics, trauma, environment, brain differences, and pessimistic thought patterns are just a few of these factors.

Sophomore Cameron Houde expresses their experiences when their anxiety heightens.

“I personally feel anxious when I’m put in social situations, I’m not comfortable in, especially within school.”

Cameron also gives some examples of the mentioned social situations.

“Whether it’s simply presenting a project or having to talk with new people it’s always nerve wracking for me.”

Teens, more than ever, require adult guidance to make sense of the emotional and physical changes they are undergoing. When adolescent depression impairs their ability to function on a daily basis, it may indicate a severe emotional or mental disorder that requires treatment.

There are numerous evidence-based medications and treatment models available to treat mental health conditions in adolescents. Selecting the optimal treatment regimen and post-therapeutic support is critical to recovery. The optimal course of treatment will vary from adolescent to adolescent. Even those with the same diagnosis will have varying symptoms, needs, and treatment goals.