The mental health of teens and children is in crisis. About 20 million children in the United States can be diagnosed with a mental disorder. Psychologist Kimberly Hoagwood, in APA’s recent publication, states that the rates of depression and suicide have been high among kids in the U.S.
But what’s causing poor mental health outcomes among children? There could be several things since a multitude of factors shape the mental health of kids. Here, we’ll explore some major factors that have a serious impact on the mental health of children.
#1 Genetics
Your child’s genetic makeup has an impact on their mental health. Certain mental disorders like anxiety and depression are likely caused due to a combination of environment, life experiences, and genetic variations.
Disorders such as depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia tend to run in the family. Your child will be at greater risk of developing them if any of their relatives receive a diagnosis of them. Note that genetic predisposition doesn’t guarantee that your child will develop a mental disorder. But, it increases the likelihood, especially when combined with environmental stressors.
Sometimes, children don’t inherit risk genes, yet they develop mental health conditions because their genes change after birth. That process is known as de novo mutation or de novo genetic change. In simple words, de novo mutation is the term used when an individual’s gene’s DNA sequence changes for the first time without being found in prior generations.
Understanding the genetic underpinnings of mental health can help you take proactive measures to prevent mental health conditions in your children. A genetic counselor or geneticist can educate you about how genetic conditions affect your child, so visit them.
#2 Social Media
A handful of research demonstrates that social media is beneficial for teens’ mental health. Social support and social connection are the two biggest benefits of social media for teens, states Chelsea Olson, a researcher at the pediatrics department of the University of Wisconsin.
Despite its benefits, social media can have terrible effects on teens’ mental health.
In the spring of 2023, an advisory released by Vivek Murthy, the United States Surgeon General, revealed there is mounting evidence that social media is harming young people’s mental health.
A longitudinal cohort study of U.S. adolescents aged 12 to 15 disclosed that the risk of experiencing poor mental health outcomes such as anxiety and depression was double among adolescents who spend over three hours a day on social media.
Researchers of a study published by the MIT Sloan School of Management have found that access to Facebook leads to an increase in anxiety disorders by 20%. It also elevates the risk of severe depression by 7%.
Dozens of states, including New York and California, are suing Meta for harming the mental health of children by deliberately designing features on Facebook and Instagram that addict youth to its platforms. Per TorHoerman Law, the mental health effects include eating disorders, body dysmorphia, suicidal thoughts, and ideation besides depression and anxiety.
The Instagram and Facebook lawsuit states that the platform harnesses powerful and unprecedented technologies to engage, entice, and ensnare teens and youth to maximize its financial gain. States that have filed the suit seek financial damages, compensation, and a halt to Meta’s unlawful conduct.
You can mitigate these risks if you establish healthy boundaries around social media use. You must also encourage your child to communicate openly about their online experiences to make sure they are benefitting from it.
#3 Traumatic Experiences
Exposure to traumatic experiences in childhood is linked to a range of poor mental health outcomes. This includes depression, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Alarmingly, over two out of three children and adolescents in the U.S. experience trauma by the time they are 16 years old. Children who have experienced childhood trauma are more likely to develop depression and anxiety symptoms.
Children could be exposed to a number of potentially traumatic events, which include domestic violence, bullying, neglect, sudden loss of a loved one, and violence in the school or community. These experiences can trigger strong emotional and physical responses that often persist long after the event has passed. As a result, their daily lives and emotional well-being are affected for years or even decades.
Early intervention is crucial to mitigate the effects of trauma. Provide a safe and supportive environment to your children and offer timely support in case you notice signs of trauma.
To sum things up, children, like adults, are at risk of several mental health issues. Besides, genetics, social media, and exposure to trauma, bullying, poverty, or divorce can lead to mental health disorders.
Each of these factors interacts in complex ways, impacting a child’s ability to navigate challenges, form healthy relationships, and develop coping mechanisms. Addressing these influences early on can help mitigate negative outcomes and promote positive mental health trajectories.
Remember, the goal is to build a foundation where every child feels valued, supported, and equipped to navigate life’s challenges with strength and resilience.