Dear John,

Did you know it’s Mental Health Awareness Month? I see this month as a call to shore up the systems and services that address youth mental health. It’s also a reminder to all of us that we need to respond early to youth mental health challenges before a crisis occurs.

1 in 5 youth have or will experience mental illness in their lifetimes, according to the CDC. And 50% of youth mental health challenges show up by age 14. It can take 10+ years to access help and even longer for boys and male-identified youth.

This is why it’s so important for our work that we reach young people early. 

​​​​Since 2022, FUTURES has partnered with the National Council for Mental Wellbeing, Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, and Founding Investor Harry’s, in Team: Changing Minds. The project educates trusted adults to identify, understand, and respond to young people’s mental health challenges and connect them to support as needed.

What have we learned? We can often support a teen's mental wellbeing through straightforward, everyday gestures. Research shows that young people (and adults, too!) are much more likely to get help when someone they know and trust reaches out. Checking in with and affirming youth makes all the difference.

How Can You Help?

Asking questions shows you’re listening and that you’re someone who is there when times may be hard. If there are specific changes you’ve noticed, mention them. For example, “You’ve been less talkative lately. Is there anything you’d like to talk about?”
If you’re a mandatory reporter like a teacher, be sure to tell the youth that you may be required to inform others of the conversation if you think they’re in danger. But just remember, every disclosure of pain and challenge doesn’t require a report. Please refer to your state guidelines for more information or reach out to me if you have questions.

It’s OK not to have all the answers. Engage others you work with and/or experts in the field like school counselors and pediatricians to supplement your support. The youth you care about deserve a constellation of adults like you that care about them.

If you or someone you know needs help, call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by just dialing 988.

Access free training on supporting young people’s mental wellbeing on our website and read our latest blog.

We can all play a role in responding to our youth mental health crisis.

In Solidarity,

Brian O’Connor
Vice President, Public Education Campaigns & Programs