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In recent years, there has been an ever so increasing spike of depression in teens; few of which are available to the help they need. This problem can be better helped by giving more teens access to easy-to-access, non-profit programs that specialize in helping the issue.
Let’s start with the facts. Around 20% of adolescents are depressed at one point before they have reached adulthood. According to the CDC, 19% of teenagers have seriously considered the idea of suicide. Even worse, 9% of teens attempted it.
Suicide is the second-highest leading cause of death in teens (harmful accidents being the first). Considering all of this, the worst part is only 30% of teens are being treated for depression. If we get that number up, the number of suicides come down.
To “get that number up”, we need to expand already existing programs that help teens with their issues by letting them talk with certified professionals; therapy is one of the most effective treatments for depression. Considering different teens are in different circumstances, some will have harder chances at getting the help they need, as many of the teens in trouble are below the poverty line and limited financially. Therefore, these programs will need to be non-profit organizations, accessible to the general public. Some of these programs include the National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI), Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service (SAMHSA), and the American Psychological Association (APA), all of which positively affect the lives of adolescents.
Though, an increase in these organizations brings the argument that an expanse in these nonprofits comes at a literal price. Organizations like these are federally funded with taxpayer dollars. Some would think that this federal money should be used elsewhere if even used at all. But as most would agree, this is a necessary step in lowering the rates of depression and suicide of our country’s youth, further promoting a more successful future.
To bring this solution further into the public’s eye, organizations need to form more “walks” and other movements. With this, as well as promoting government funding, more of these movements will further reach and inform the teens with depression of a potential solution to their problems, giving them options some didn’t know they had.
Overall, more social programs helping and treating troubled teens, plus the brighter light being shed onto the organizations, would equal a positive, indefinite help to this country’s epidemic.
I agree with this article and think it was a great topic to talk about. The amount of kids with depression that aren’t getting treated is insane. I agree with the fact that we need to open up more programs to help these kids. The “walks” are a good idea because I think it could help these kids struggling and let them know there is something that could help them.
I agree with you. As a school and as a student, I believe we should have more outlets available for students struggling. Whether that be through the school, the students, or another organization, students would only be benefited.
I agree with your opinion that more programs to help depressed teens should be made. I also like the idea of more walks for awareness. I think that the government would fund things like this. Another idea would be to provide help to families that need help creating strong foundations. Sometimes depressed teens come from bad situations involving their families.