Helping teens navigate mental health

Anxiety and depression among teens are at an all-time high, largely because of social media and technology. Before smartphones, children and teenagers used to go to school and deal with bullying and social pressures for six to eight hours a day, Monday through Friday. Now, with the advent of social media and ample access to screens, there is no break. The pressure to be liked and accepted on social media is unrelenting, 24/7, because kids are constantly connected to their phones and social media. 

In addition, serious themes like teen suicide featured in the Netflix series, “13 Reasons Why”, are being discussed often and openly between teens. In part due to the success of this series, suicide is a reality that kids are exposed to in online chat rooms, web pages, and entertainment programs. Not only are they seeing it visually depicted throughout the media environment, they are also able to look for it specifically through online searches. When information like teen suicide is presented so frequently to kids in the form of Hollywood entertainment, and they are already struggling with mental health issues, suicide attempts, suicide ideation and suicide deaths tend to increase dramatically.

"Working in the emergency department at Randall Children's Hospital, we are frequently the initial point of contact for many patients and families dealing with mental health concerns," said Gina Volonte, pediatric social worker. "Over the past few years, we have seen an increase in patients struggling with anxiety, depression and suicide ideation associated with social media and online bullying. With the increased use of electronics, teens are dealing with over-stimulation, negative online interactions and social pressure, as well as watching social programming that deals with issues they struggle to process without help from adults. Add in school stress and expectations without appropriate support, and you're dealing with a rise in teen suicide."

Unfortunately, many of these topics are either avoided or not discussed honestly by parents. Often, parents are afraid to even say the word “suicide.” With the upcoming second season of “13 Reasons Why”, there is a national push to educate, support and provide ample resources to teens and families in crisis. So, what can parent’s, caregivers, teachers or caring adults do to support and/or prevent mental health emergencies with our teens?

Talk with them about suicide. Don’t be afraid of the word “suicide” or how it affects those left behind. Be honest and listen.

Keep teens active in extracurriculars. If kids are participating in sports or after-school clubs or activities, they are not only doing things that make them feel good about themselves, they are connecting with other kids without being on social media.

Establish mutually agreed upon rules prior to buying technology. For example, what time is reasonable to turn in the cell phone at night, what social media platforms are allowed and what restrictions are put in place to keep your teen safe.

Model healthy technology use for your teens. If they see you on screens, they will be on screens.

Encourage healthy support systems and relationships. Get to know the people your teens spend time with and look for opportunities for positive role models outside of the family unit.

Be present. Whether it’s at school, a faith community, or even in your home, do things with your kids in their different environments.

Watch with them. If your teen asks to watch “13 Reasons Why” or another program with similar themes – watch the show together to provide context or have follow-up discussions to touch on major issues.

Seek therapy. Don’t be afraid to seek professional help for your teen. Be willing to attend with them and be part of the solution.

“In today's society, we need to be more open about mental health and talk to our kids," said Volonte. "If we can open the lines of communication with our teens, really listen to the issues, we can provide earlier and more comprehensive support opportunities. We won't be able to change what kids get exposed to through their friends, school, and the media, but we can make sure they have what they need to be both physically and mentally healthy."

For more information on local resources available for teens and their families, please visit Lines for Life, YouthLine, a peer-to-peer youth crisis and support service dedicated to preventing substance abuse and suicide in Oregon.

Lines for Life: 1-800-2738255 or text “273Talk” to 839863. Teens can also talk to other teens by calling 1-877-968-8491 or texting “teen2teen” to 839863.

If you or someone you know might be experiencing a behavioral or mental health crisis, dial 9-1-1 or contact the mental health crisis line in your area:

Multnomah County
503-988-4888

Clackamas County
503-655-8585

Washington County
503-291-9111

Clark County
360-696-9560
800-686-8137

Columbia County

503-397-5211 or after hours 1-800-866-1426

Marion County

503-585-4949

Crisis lines are available 24/7 and are staffed with mental health professionals that can help provide support, crisis assessment, and access to further resources. Some counties also have mobile crisis teams that can provide on-site support. Services are provided regardless of insurance or age and interpreters are available.   

Click here for information on teen mental health.

For media inquiries, contact Ashley Stanford Cone.