Latest news with #youthMentalHealth
Associated Press
30-06-2025
- Health
- Associated Press
Political Division at Home Fuels Surging Youth Anxiety, According to Data from National Youth Mental Health Tracker
As 60% of Young People Report Worrying About U.S. Politics, Report Reveals that Family Divisions on the Issue are Eroding Youth Mental Health 'The influence isn't coming from social media or elected officials, it's coming from the dinner table.'— Dr. Sema Sgaier, CEO of Surgo Health. WASHINGTON DC, DC, UNITED STATES, June 30, 2025 / / -- A new report from Surgo Health identifies that household political dynamics is a critical and underrecognized driver of emotional strain among young Americans. Drawing on nationally representative data from its Youth Mental Health Tracker—developed in partnership with Pivotal and SHOWTIME/MTV Entertainment Studios—Surgo Health finds that political division within families is increasingly impacting how youth feel, behave, and relate to others. Contrary to prevailing assumptions, the primary vector is not traditional media or social platforms. It's parents and peers. 'The influence isn't coming from social media or elected officials, it's coming from the dinner table,' said Dr. Sema Sgaier, CEO of Surgo Health. 'This data signals a fundamental shift: young people are internalizing political conflict through close relationships, not headlines.' Key Insights 1. Political anxiety is now a baseline reality. 60% of youth report worrying about U.S. politics. Rates spike among girls (71%) and LGBTQ+ youth (79%). Youth who oppose the current administration are 1.8x more likely to report recent mental health challenges. 2. Political division is damaging personal relationships. 1 in 5 youth say political arguments have disrupted family or peer dynamics. Nearly 50% report anxiety when discussing politics in school or at work. 3. Parents and Caregivers are the top political reference point—and emotional proxy. 65% of youth report parents and caregivers as their most cited political source. Youth who feel heard by their caregivers are 1.4x more likely to report a strong sense of meaning in life. Those who feel dismissed are nearly 2x more likely to report hopelessness. Implications for Civic and Mental Health Stakeholders Surgo Health's findings suggest that the nation's polarization is not only eroding political discourse, it's reshaping emotional development and civic readiness. The data points to a new front in youth engagement: addressing the familial environments where civic identity is first formed. 'If we're serious about preparing the next generation for democratic participation, we must also account for the emotional terrain they're navigating today,' Dr. Sgaier added. 'What they're feeling now will define how they show up later.' About Surgo Health Surgo Health is a Public Benefit Corporation pioneering data and analytics to transform how the healthcare system understands people. We uncover the unseen drivers of health—people's beliefs, barriers, and behaviors—and transform that intelligence into scalable products that enable organizations to drive impact, reduce costs, and advance equity. By revealing the human side of healthcare, we're making it more personal, precise, and effective—for everyone. The Youth Mental Health Tracker (YMHT) created by Surgo Health, with support from Pivotal and SHOWTIME/MTVE Entertainment Studios, uncovers the complexities of youth mental health and wellbeing, providing actionable insights that equip communities, policymakers, and healthcare providers to foster environments where young people can truly thrive. About SHOWTIME/MTV Entertainment Studios SHOWTIME/MTV Entertainment Studios produces 120+ series annually, including some of today's biggest hits such as Yellowstone, Emily in Paris, 1923, 1883, George and Tammy, South Park, Tulsa King, The Daily Show, RuPaul's Drag Race, The Challenge and Jersey Shore, to name a few, as well as award-winning documentaries through its acclaimed MTV Documentary Films. MTV Entertainment uses its reach for social impact, spearheading broad change-driven coalitions, content and campaigns on mental health and civic engagement. Karen D Groppe SurgoHealth +1 240-855-8947 email us here Visit us on social media: LinkedIn Legal Disclaimer: EIN Presswire provides this news content 'as is' without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
Fast Company
25-06-2025
- Health
- Fast Company
What happens when politics decides if a child gets mental health care?
As a child and adolescent psychiatrist, I've spent the past two decades treating young people and working with families in crisis. And I can tell you this: The threats to youth mental health are bigger than we think, and they're not coming from where you might expect. While the stigma around therapy and psychiatric care may be slowly receding, access to care is under siege. We're watching mental health supports erode at exactly the moment families need them most. And in the name of reform, new political efforts like the ' Make America Healthy Again' (MAHA) executive order are introducing even more barriers. To be clear, we should absolutely be thoughtful about how we deliver care and prevent misuse of medication in kids' mental health treatment. But what we cannot do is politicize or pathologize the very tools that save lives. A system in retreat We are in the middle of a youth mental health crisis. According to the CDC, suicide was the second leading cause of death for youth ages 10 to 14 in 2023, the latest CDC data available. One in five children has a diagnosable mental health condition, yet almost two-thirds receive little to no treatment at all. And when care is delayed, the consequences can be severe: school dropout, addiction, chronic illness, even early death. Yet, despite this, we're watching key supports disappear: School-based mental health programs are being defunded. These programs often catch problems early and are sometimes the only care option for underserved kids. Telehealth access is under threat, despite being a lifeline for rural families and working parents during the pandemic. Medicaid redeterminations have put millions of children at risk of losing coverage. Mental health medication access is being undermined by supply chain issues and growing skepticism around use, especially for conditions like ADHD. MAHA's emphasis on 'over-utilization' of psychiatric medication only adds to the problem. When we focus on the wrong risks, we distract from the real ones: untreated illness, suffering families, and preventable tragedies. Stigma with a new disguise I'm seeing more and more skepticism about psychiatric treatment. Questions like, 'Are we overmedicating kids?' or 'Shouldn't we be building resilience instead?' The thing is, it's not either-or. We treat diabetes with insulin and teach healthy habits. We manage asthma with inhalers and reduce environmental triggers. Mental health should be no different. Framing treatment as a failure, or something we should avoid unless we've tried everything else, only drives families deeper into shame. And for kids, that can translate into silence, hopelessness, and danger. What kids and families actually need We need a new model for mental health care—one that meets families where they are, uses the best available evidence, and doesn't leave them to figure it all out alone. Here's what that looks like: Integrated, team-based care. No one provider can do it all. Kids need therapists, psychiatric providers, and coaches who work together. Early, proactive support. The longer we wait, the worse outcomes get. Let's reach kids early, way before they actually hit a crisis. Technology that expands access, not replaces care. Telehealth and digital tools can help families overcome logistical barriers, especially when thoughtfully designed. Respect for families. Parents shouldn't feel judged for seeking care. They should be met with empathy and real options. Investment in workforce and innovation. We need to train more clinicians, pay them fairly, and support research into better treatments. How can policymakers and leaders help? So what can we actually do? First, we need to protect telehealth parity—because where a child lives shouldn't determine whether they can see a therapist. We need to fully fund school-based programs, so kids have access to care where they spend most of their time. And we have to stabilize Medicaid enrollment to prevent kids from falling through the cracks just because of paperwork. We also must raise reimbursement rates for mental health care—because when providers burn out or leave the field, families are the ones left scrambling. Finally, we need to push back on stigma—especially in the way we write and talk about mental health in policy. This isn't the time for vague language or political posturing. It's time to be clear, evidence-based, and human. Silence isn't neutral It can feel risky to speak up. But as a clinician, a mom, and a human being, I can't stay quiet while kids fall through the cracks. This isn't about left or right. It's about right and wrong. It's about whether we're willing to invest in our children's future or continue to make care harder to reach. Mental health isn't a luxury. And every child deserves the chance to feel better. Let's stop building roadblocks and start building a future grounded in compassion, care, and real support.
Fast Company
25-06-2025
- Health
- Fast Company
Politics and pediatric mental health don't mix
As a child and adolescent psychiatrist, I've spent the past two decades treating young people and working with families in crisis. And I can tell you this: The threats to youth mental health are bigger than we think, and they're not coming from where you might expect. While the stigma around therapy and psychiatric care may be slowly receding, access to care is under siege. We're watching mental health supports erode at exactly the moment families need them most. And in the name of reform, new political efforts like the ' Make America Healthy Again' (MAHA) executive order are introducing even more barriers. To be clear, we should absolutely be thoughtful about how we deliver care and prevent misuse of medication in kids' mental health treatment. But what we cannot do is politicize or pathologize the very tools that save lives. A system in retreat We are in the middle of a youth mental health crisis. According to the CDC, suicide was the second leading cause of death for youth ages 10 to 14 in 2023, the latest CDC data available. One in five children has a diagnosable mental health condition, yet almost two-thirds receive little to no treatment at all. And when care is delayed, the consequences can be severe: school dropout, addiction, chronic illness, even early death. Yet, despite this, we're watching key supports disappear: School-based mental health programs are being defunded. These programs often catch problems early and are sometimes the only care option for underserved kids. Telehealth access is under threat, despite being a lifeline for rural families and working parents during the pandemic. Medicaid redeterminations have put millions of children at risk of losing coverage. Mental health medication access is being undermined by supply chain issues and growing skepticism around use, especially for conditions like ADHD. MAHA's emphasis on 'over-utilization' of psychiatric medication only adds to the problem. When we focus on the wrong risks, we distract from the real ones: untreated illness, suffering families, and preventable tragedies. Stigma with a new disguise I'm seeing more and more skepticism about psychiatric treatment. Questions like, 'Are we overmedicating kids?' or 'Shouldn't we be building resilience instead?' The thing is, it's not either-or. We treat diabetes with insulin and teach healthy habits. We manage asthma with inhalers and reduce environmental triggers. Mental health should be no different. Framing treatment as a failure, or something we should avoid unless we've tried everything else, only drives families deeper into shame. And for kids, that can translate into silence, hopelessness, and danger. What kids and families actually need We need a new model for mental health care—one that meets families where they are, uses the best available evidence, and doesn't leave them to figure it all out alone. Here's what that looks like: Integrated, team-based care. No one provider can do it all. Kids need therapists, psychiatric providers, and coaches who work together. Early, proactive support. The longer we wait, the worse outcomes get. Let's reach kids early, way before they actually hit a crisis. Technology that expands access, not replaces care. Telehealth and digital tools can help families overcome logistical barriers, especially when thoughtfully designed. Respect for families. Parents shouldn't feel judged for seeking care. They should be met with empathy and real options. Investment in workforce and innovation. We need to train more clinicians, pay them fairly, and support research into better treatments. How can policymakers and leaders help? So what can we actually do? First, we need to protect telehealth parity—because where a child lives shouldn't determine whether they can see a therapist. We need to fully fund school-based programs, so kids have access to care where they spend most of their time. And we have to stabilize Medicaid enrollment to prevent kids from falling through the cracks just because of paperwork. We also must raise reimbursement rates for mental health care—because when providers burn out or leave the field, families are the ones left scrambling. Finally, we need to push back on stigma—especially in the way we write and talk about mental health in policy. This isn't the time for vague language or political posturing. It's time to be clear, evidence-based, and human. Silence isn't neutral It can feel risky to speak up. But as a clinician, a mom, and a human being, I can't stay quiet while kids fall through the cracks. This isn't about left or right. It's about right and wrong. It's about whether we're willing to invest in our children's future or continue to make care harder to reach. Mental health isn't a luxury. And every child deserves the chance to feel better. Let's stop building roadblocks and start building a future grounded in compassion, care, and real support.
Malay Mail
15-06-2025
- Health
- Malay Mail
Melaka killings show need for early mental health intervention in youths, says Nancy Shukri
KUCHING, June 15 — The Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development (KPWKM) is taking a more aggressive stance in tackling youth mental health issues by rolling out a series of early intervention initiatives, including mobile counselling services and local community support centres. Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said the ministry is deeply concerned about the rising incidence of mental health struggles among young people and is committed to providing accessible support through programmes that involve collaboration with parents, schools and community organisations. 'One of our key efforts is deploying counselling buses to targeted areas, making it easier for youths to access psychological support. Many are unaware that they are struggling until they are given an outlet, for example, through art therapy like drawing, which can reveal suppressed emotional distress,' she said. Speaking at a press conference after officiating the Kem Kapten Keluarga (Family Captain Camp) in Santubong here today, Nancy stressed that recent tragedies involving adolescents underscore the urgent need for early intervention. She cited a recent case in Melaka where a Form Five student allegedly killed his mother and elder brother. In addition to supporting youth, the ministry is promoting healthier family dynamics through initiatives such as 'second honeymoon' programmes for married couples and parenting awareness sessions for new parents, she said. The family camp, held in conjunction with the National Father's Day celebration, was organised by the National Population and Family Development Board (LPPKN) and attended by LPPKN chairperson Datuk Seri Rohani Abdul Karim. Nancy also urged the public to overcome stigma around mental health and to speak up or seek help when in need. 'In Sarawak, for example, there are many forms of support available for students and communities. What matters most is to talk, whether it is with a friend, a relative or someone you trust,' she said. In her speech at the event, Nancy highlighted the growing demands placed on fathers in today's fast-paced society, where emotional, intellectual and social involvement is expected alongside traditional roles. Quoting findings from the 2024 Father's Day Public Opinion Survey, she noted that nine out of ten fathers admitted that parenting today is far more challenging than in previous generations. 'The top concerns among fathers are the high cost of living at 84.4 per cent, and the struggle to maintain work-life balance, 72.9 per cent,' she added. — Bernama
South China Morning Post
15-06-2025
- General
- South China Morning Post
Is Hong Kong's culture of comparison weighing down on students?
Feel strongly about these letters, or any other aspects of the news? Share your views by emailing us your Letter to the Editor at letters@ or filling in this Google form . Submissions should not exceed 400 words, and must include your full name and address, plus a phone number for verification The recent youth survey ('Nearly 30% of Hong Kong secondary pupils thought of self-harm, suicide: study', May 12 ) should not be dismissed as trivial or viewed with contempt by adults who see the younger generation as flaky, spineless and weak. It is exactly a lack of willingness to empathise that sometimes contributes to fatal outcomes. Whenever news of a student suicide breaks, there is a lot of online and social conjecture. Experts typically respond with platitudes about complex, varied reasons, perhaps to avoid laying blame too easily. However, something in me cries out that this is unhelpful. Until a reason is identified, the problem – or should I say malaise – might simply persist. In Hong Kong, it's common to be curious about our interlocutor's profession. 'What do you do for a living?' is a seemingly innocuous question, and yet we often go on to compare ourselves with our interlocutor. If we compare favourably, have more prestigious careers or earn more, we feel superior. If we compare unfavourably, we feel inferior and bitter. Comparison is rife in our city. One moment you're on the crest of pride, the next you're drowning in inadequacy. This erodes one's self-worth. If adults themselves are caught in this relentless current of comparison, wouldn't it be easy for them to pass down the same mindset to their children, putting their emotional well-being in jeopardy? Outside schools, there are banners flaunting students' public exam triumphs. Rarely does one see schools displaying testimonials from students saying they have discovered their purpose, talent and their path because of the education they received there.
