Mental Health and Youth

Topic Description

Childhood and adolescence are critical stages of life for mental health. This is a time when rapid growth and development take place in the brain, particularly in areas related to decision-making, impulse control, and emotional regulation, which can increase susceptibility to mental health disorders. Children and adolescents acquire cognitive and social-emotional skills that shape their future mental health and are important for assuming adult roles in society.

The quality of the environment where children and adolescents grow up shapes their well-being and development. Early negative experiences in homes, schools, or digital spaces, such as exposure to violence, the mental illness of a parent or other caregiver, bullying and poverty, increase the risk of mental illness.

Mental health is increasingly recognized as a major cause of illness and disability among young people, affecting their ability to lead productive lives and impacting their overall well-being. Several factors contribute to this, making mental health a critical concern for this age group.

Mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, and behavioral disorders (e.g., ADHD) are among the leading causes of illness and disability in young people. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), half of all mental health conditions start by age 14, and three-quarters by age 24 . These conditions can severely impact a young person’s ability to function in daily life, affecting their education, relationships, and future opportunities. Worldwide, 10% of children and adolescents experience a mental disorder, but the majority of them do not seek help or receive care. Suicide is the fourth leading cause of death in 15-19 year-olds. The consequences of not addressing mental health and psychosocial development for children and adolescents extend to adulthood and limit opportunities for leading fulfilling lives.

WHO supports Member States in the development and implementation of various strategies that aim to promote mental health provide comprehensive mental health care for children, adolescents and their families.

Key components of this approach are described in the Comprehensive Mental Health Action Plan 2013-2030 that emphasizes the importance of ensuring that strategies and interventions cater to the needs of youth at all stages of development. Central to this approach is the provision of mental health care services across various sectors in community-based settings that are youth-friendly and accessible, particularly in schools, communities, and primary care environments.

Additionally, a recent resolution adopted by the 77th session of the World Health Assembly, WHA 77.3 (2024), has highlighted the crucial role of mental health and psychosocial well-being in the survival, recovery, and daily functioning of those impacted by crises and the need for mental health support in humanitarian and crisis situations, ensuring that young people affected by conflict, natural disasters, and other emergencies receive the psychosocial assistance they need.

Early intervention within schools and communities is identified as crucial for addressing mental health issues among youth to mitigate the prevalence of mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, and substance abuse to promote mental health and well-being for all, to prevent and mitigate the prevalence of mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and substance abuse for those at-risk, reduce the stigma associated with mental illness

The Comprehensive Mental Health Action Plan 2013-2030 also recognizes that the social determinants of mental health, such as poverty, violence, and family instability, significantly impact youth.

Policy and advocacy are also critical components in improving mental health outcomes for youth. The promotion of mental health requires policies that prioritize the needs of young people. Governments need to be urged to allocate sufficient resources and funding for youth mental health programs. These initiatives align with the Comprehensive Mental Health Action Plan’s advocacy for the development and implementation of national policies and strategies that adhere to international human rights standards and the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

Finally, Comprehensive Mental Health Action Plan 2013-2030 stresses the importance of strengthening community and family support systems as essential for the mental health of young people. It encourages initiatives that engage families and communities in supporting youth mental health, including providing resources and training for parents, teachers, and community leaders to recognize and effectively respond to mental health issues in order to create a supportive environment for the mental health of youth.