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Supporting Youth Mental Health

An estimated 3.2 million adolescents age 12-17 in the United States had at least one major depressive episode. This number represented 13.3% of the United States adolescent population
DBSA’s 2018 Supporting Wellness survey found, 69% of respondents reported experiencing their first symptoms before the age of 17. Of that total, 27% of those respondents experienced symptoms before the age of 12.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) WISQARS Leading Causes of Death Reports, in 2017, suicide was the second leading cause of death among individuals between the ages of 10 and 34.

Supporting Youth Mental Health

Statistics such as the ones above are staggering. In our three-year strategic plan, we are committed to creating more content and resources that can help young people who are living with mood disorders and their parents and caregivers.

All peers have an origin story—when they were first diagnosed with depression or bipolar. For many of these stories, stigma, confusion, and shame cloud this new reality. For young people, the confusion can be even greater. Working through family dynamics, getting the right diagnosis, and being believed that what you’re feeling is “real” and not “just a phase” can be incredibly challenging.

The Goal

DBSA will increase its capacity to serve children, teens, and young adults living with mood disorders and their parents and caregivers

The Plan

  • Offer mental health education and wellness tools for children and teens who live with depression or bipolar
  • Provide support for young adults (ages 18-29) transitioning out of teenhood
  • Enhance support to parents and caregivers by aligning the Balanced Mind Parent Network to the Supporting Youth Mental Health initiative

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