Teen Girls mental State

ONE OF THE MOST ALARMING DEVELOPMENTS ACROSS THE UNITED STATES IN RECENT

YEARS HAS BEEN THE GROWING MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS

AMONG CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS.

The already dire situation is evolving 2024 already presenting a new set of challenges that Vicki Harrison, the program director at the Stanford Center for Youth Mental Health & Wellbeing, is closely monitoring and responding to.

Adolescence is a crucial time to develop coping skills to respond to stressful situations that arise – a skill not all teens and youth learn.

“It hasn’t always been normalized to talk about mental health and how to address feeling sad or worried about things,” Harrison said. “It’s not something that all of us have been taught to really understand and how to cope with. A lot of young people aren’t comfortable seeking professional services.”

U.S. teen girls are experiencing record high levels of sadness and depression.

"Often, the parent or caregiver is the one who’s bringing us concerns. 'They’re more withdrawn. They’re not participating as much. They’re isolating,'" Dr. Gary Maslow, a pediatrician, says.

"These things have been designed specifically to grab our attention. And it’s hard for adults to resist, but it’s an order of magnitude harder for a teen to resist. And that’s because their self-control toolbox isn’t as well-developed as an adults."

So how can I help? Teen girls often lack confidence and basic self-esteem. But through changing hurtful mindsets, and encouraging adjusted behaviors, we (parents included) can help your teen grow in their level of self-esteem. As a result of coaching, teenagers typically become more confident and more focused on a positive view of themselves.