Mental Health is not a Slogan; Young People are not Mere Subjects

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          Mental health issues among youth are increasingly concerning, with nearly 15% of global mental health disorders affecting those aged 10-19. A study on youths involved with child welfare revealed that over half exhibited signs of mental health disorders, yet only a quarter received professional treatment. Barriers such as stigma, financial constraints, and personal reasons prevent many from seeking help, leaving them isolated. Despite growing awareness, mental health remains widely misunderstood, with significant gaps in knowledge about available resources, types of disorders, and prevention methods (Eveart, 2019). While society has moved from stigmatizing mental health to promoting awareness (Druss & Goldman, 2018), there remains a lack of sustainable approaches to addressing the issue, widening the gap between those in need and available support.​

          In recent years, mental health has become a pervasive topic, yet it often functions as little more than an attention-grabbing slogan. Research shows that discussions about emotions and mental health have increased, particularly after the pandemic (Naelon, 2021). However, while awareness has grown, the overexposure of mental health issues can dilute their significance. A study comparing global media coverage of mental health before and after the 2020 lockdown showed a significant increase in media stories, which led to more accurate reporting but also risked overinterpreting milder distress as mental health disorders (Goswami, 2023). Negative portrayals in media perpetuate stigma and harmful stereotypes, further complicating youth’s ability to seek help (Zhang, 2024). Adolescents, facing natural developmental pressures, are particularly vulnerable to these misunderstandings. Despite increased discussions, many still do not access the help they need due to societal and personal barriers (Westberg et al., 2022).​

          Though numerous resources are available to support youth mental health, many young people remain unaware of them. These resources include counseling services, community programs, peer support groups, and mental health apps. However, without active outreach, youth may not discover these options until they are in crisis, limiting early intervention opportunities. Stigma remains a powerful barrier: young people often fear judgment from peers or adults, preventing them from seeking help. Cultural attitudes, especially in families or communities where mental health struggles are stigmatized, further discourage open conversations. Accessibility issues also hinder youth from utilizing available resources, particularly in rural areas or among economically disadvantaged groups. In these cases, distance and cost can make mental health services nearly inaccessible, especially for marginalized communities. Addressing the knowledge gap, reducing stigma, and improving access to care are essential for ensuring youth receive the support they need.

       Despite increased awareness, many youth lack adequate resources to manage their mental health. Academic pressure, peer stress, and the impact of social media are significant challenges. Although some youth turn to extracurricular activities or peer support groups for coping, such resources remain underutilized due to a lack of information or societal stigma. Studies show that engagement in activities like sports and group arts helps build resilience and a sense of belonging, which are crucial for mental well-being. However, these resources are often overlooked or underfunded. For youth to thrive, society must prioritize and expand these supportive activities, equipping young people with the tools they need to build resilience and maintain mental health.

        A critical barrier to youth mental health is the lack of genuine concern from adults, including caregivers, educators, and other authority figures. When adults dismiss or minimize mental health struggles, youth feel misunderstood and unsupported. Research shows that dismissive attitudes toward mental health increase feelings of isolation and may discourage youth from seeking help. Environments that fail to create safe, non-judgmental spaces for mental health discussions only exacerbate the problem. The stressors that young people face—such as academic pressure, bullying, or family struggles—are often compounded by adult indifference, leading to further emotional distress (Odgers & Jensen, 2020). School systems, in particular, frequently overlook students' mental health needs, prioritizing academic performance over emotional well-being (Patel et al., 2018). When adults fail to recognize or address these needs, youth are left without the support they need, further compounding their challenges. Creating a culture of trust, empathy, and open communication is essential to ensure that youth feel safe seeking help.

          Youth mental health is a pressing concern that requires immediate action. Adolescence is a critical developmental period, and mental health struggles can have long-term impacts. To address these issues, society must move beyond superficial awareness and adopt a more empathetic, action-oriented approach. This includes reducing stigma, providing accessible resources, and fostering supportive environments in schools, communities, and homes. Educators, caregivers, and policymakers must be trained to recognize and respond to the unique challenges youth face, ensuring they have access to appropriate care and support. We must create a culture that not only acknowledges mental health but actively works to address it with genuine concern and meaningful action. Only by prioritizing mental health can we ensure that young people have the resources and support they need to navigate their challenges and thrive.