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In partnership with San Diego State University Graduate School of Public Health, Tumblr is hosting Scholars of Change, an op-ed series dedicated to featuring the voices of academic experts on the issues most impacting our communities. 

Promoting Adolescent Mental Health

Adolescence lays the foundation for a life of emotional and physical health, as well as the ability to work productively and form positive relationships. Yet adolescents face profound risks that threaten their path to a healthy adulthood, including untreated mental health issues. For instance, it has been estimated that 1 out of every 4 to 5 adolescents in the United States has a mental disorder that causes significant impairment in functioning, and half of first depression episodes occur during adolescence. Mental health issues such as depression are associated with school and relationship problems, substance use, and suicide risk.

Trauma exposure is a powerful risk factor for adolescent mental health issues. Forty-six million children in the U.S., over 60%, were estimated to have experienced violence, abuse, and crime in 2012 alone. Traumas such as neighborhood violence, family conflict, housing instability, and other adversities linked to poverty disproportionately affect youth in low-income communities. For instance, more than 85% of youth from disadvantaged urban communities reported witnessing violence, and as many as 69% have reported direct victimization. Trauma exposure, especially if it continues over time, can cause difficulties with emotion regulation and stress management, increasing risk for academic and social problems and for mental health issues like depression, anxiety, and traumatic stress.

Adolescents are resilient, but they need positive connections to thrive. Positive connections with family, school, and work can help buffer adolescents from mental health problems. These connections can foster adolescents’ personal interests, passions, and goals and give them hope for the future. Unfortunately, many young people in the U.S. grow up without these positive connections. A staggering 4.9 million U.S. young people aged 16-24 are disconnected from both school and work. These young people, who are more likely than “connected youth” to be poor and of minority race or ethnicity, frequently do not have a voice in our society. They deserve our attention and support to reach their potential.

Want to take Action? Here are some initiatives and organizations that help promote adolescent mental health.

-The Bloomberg American Health Initiative at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health: http://www.jhsph.edu/about/bloomberg-american-health-initiative/information/index.html

–The Center for Adolescent Health at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health:

http://www.jhsph.edu/research/centers-and-institutes/center-for-adolescent-health/

–Healthy Teen Network

http://www.healthyteennetwork.org/

Dr. Mmari and  Dr. Mendelson