May is Mental Health Awareness month. It is vastly important at this time of year to address mental health in our community.
Mental Health Awareness Month has been observed since 1949 when founded by the National Association for Mental Health, now known as Mental Health America. As of early 2026, roughly one in seven teens globally are facing mental health conditions. Thirty percent of US teens report persistent poor mental health, according to the New York Center for Living. Sixty-one percent of young adults in the US experience loneliness severe enough to affect daily life. Despite these breathtaking statistics, over sixty percent of teenagers with major depression and other mental health issues receive no treatment for such.
Suicide and self-harm rates among teenagers have recently risen to critical levels. Suicide is the second leading cause of death in those aged between 10-19 years old. Approximately 9.5 percent of high schoolers report having attempted suicide over the past year. This is only what is open and confirmed, and many cases of serious mental health and critical suicidal ideation go completely undetected.
There are many factors that contribute to poor mental health. Things such as genetics, home life, and even cell phone use contribute to the status of one’s mental wellbeing. Within these attributes, there are many habits and behaviors that strongly affect how a person feels day-by-day.
Two of the biggest causes of mental health struggles and ones that most US teens face on the daily are impacts of academic pressure. According to the New York Center for Living, teens worry most about academic issues: school, grades, and college applications. These three things alone account for eighty-three percent of teen worries.
The second largest cause of poor mental health is social media. Studies found that fifty-eight percent of teens lose sleep often due to social media use, while seventy-seven percent of teens report high anxiety or depression due to what they see online.
Warning signs
There are many warning signs of teen mental health issues. You may observe behavioral changes, such as withdrawal from loved ones and activities- or even an increase in “acting out” or aggression toward themself and others. People with mental health struggles may experience physical changes; changes in appetite, loss of sleep, and restlessness are common in those who are struggling with their mental wellbeing. There may be emotional changes; hopelessness and feelings of worthlessness and sadness are often observed.
While all of these are important signs to look out for in loved ones regarding their mental health, there are times where there are no signs that somebody is struggling. Just because there are no, or few, signs there may still be a heavy struggle.
What you can do for yourself
Mental health self-care is extremely important for every single person. This process involves intentional actions to improve one’s mental health and stability. Actions such as simply sleeping for eight hours a night, eating nutritious food, and spending time outside can greatly improve one’s mental and emotional wellbeing. Mental health self-care is an individual process, and it looks different for everyone; however, there are many tactics you can use to improve your mental state.
Mental Health Self-Care Hot Tips:
- Sleep 7-8 hours per night
- Eat three nutritious meals each day
- Engaging in hobbies outside of the internet (Ex. reading books, painting, playing an instrument)
- Maintain adequate hygiene
- Avoid listening to “sad” music
- Spend an hour outside every day
- Note three positive things that happen each day
- Work out or stretch for thirty minutes each day
- Reach out to others for support
What you can do for others
If you observe the signs that a person is struggling with their mental health, there are things that you can do to support them:
- Listen to them without judgement or providing advice
- Validate their feelings
- Check in with them daily
- Encourage professional support
If you recognize the signs in someone else, it may be important to show your support for that person. However, it is also extremely important to prioritize your own mental and emotional wellbeing. Be sure to communicate boundaries within yourself and with those you are communicating with. You should never sacrifice your own health for someone else’s.
If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, please feel welcome to communicate with the Hopewell Valley Central High School counseling team or the Suicide and Crisis Hotline at 988.
Other helpful resources:
- New Jersey Suicide Prevention Hopeline: 1-855-654-6735 www.njhopeline.com
- 2nd Floor (Hotline for Youth ages 10-24 years old): 1-888-222-2228 / www.2NDFLOOR.org
- https://www.crisistextline.org/ or Crisis Text Line: 741-741
- HVRSD Confidential Tip Line: 609-737-4000 x 8477 (TIPS) or [email protected]
