Coding for Kids
You might be surprised to learn that even in 2024, we’re still grappling with the best ways to address mental health in the United States. It’s true. This isn’t just a personal issue; it’s a societal one. Recently, the Surgeon General issued a report that brings to light the alarming state of surgeon general mental health, specifically for parents. Let’s take a look.
Table Of Contents:
- The Surgeon General’s Advisory on Protecting Youth Mental Health
- Creating Supportive Environments
- Conclusion
The Surgeon General’s Advisory on Protecting Youth Mental Health
In December of 2021, the Surgeon General issued a public health advisory titled, “Protecting Youth Mental Health.” This 53-page report sounded the alarm on what it called a “devastating mental health crisis” facing the country’s youth. This report specifically calls out the many challenges to mental health that young people face.
Social Media’s Impact On Mental Health
The Surgeon General’s Vivek Murthy advisory cites social media as a significant risk factor for mental health challenges, especially in younger demographics. While it acknowledges some positive impacts of social media, it argues more behavioral health care research needs to be conducted. The research that currently exists reveals its potentially dangerous role in body image, cyberbullying, and self-esteem, particularly among teenage girls mental health care on social media.
COVID-19 Pandemic Effects on Surgeon General Mental Health
We all lived through the pandemic, and its impacts are still felt today. The pandemic plays a significant role in addressing the Surgeon General’s Vivek Murthy mental health advisory. The report recognizes the severe and widespread impact the COVID-19 pandemic had on the youth mental health crisis.
It points to social isolation, disrupted routines, economic hardship, and grief from loss as key contributors to the rise in anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. Many experts believe that the pandemic changed how we approach youth mental health struggles moving forward.
Early Identification of Mental Health Issues
Another takeaway from the Surgeon General’s Vivek Murthy mental health advisory is that early identification of mental health problems is critical to preventing larger problems down the line. Schools can be a major part of early intervention. Unfortunately, access to mental health resources remains a significant barrier for many to support parents.
Creating Supportive Environments
This Surgeon General’s mental health report is more than doom and gloom, though. One of its major calls to action includes ways to create supportive environments for our youth, starting at home, within schools, and including communities. These community organizations can bolster our youth’s well-being.
Parental Involvement In Mental Health
It can feel overwhelming to be a parent at times. What’s important to take away from the Surgeon General’s mental health report, though, is that creating supportive and nurturing family environments is crucial to addressing this crisis. Families can play a vital role in helping young people navigate the challenges they face by fostering open communication, building strong relationships, and promoting healthy coping mechanisms.
School-Based Programs and Support
Think back to your time in high school or even junior high. Were there ample government organizations resources available if you found yourself struggling with anxiety or depression? Most likely not. However, schools can create positive, inclusive, and supportive environments by implementing school-based mental health programs, training staff to recognize and respond to mental health concerns, and promoting positive school climate resource centers.
Conclusion
The Surgeon General’s mental health advisory is eye-opening on many fronts. By acknowledging the seriousness of this crisis and embracing the multi-faceted approach to prevention, intervention, and support, it provides a framework for fostering better mental health. This starts at the ground level within our communities and homes. By supporting our children’s well-being, we aren’t just supporting them now. We’re making a brighter future possible for future generations.
