More than ever, teen girls are feeling depressed and hopeless, and the statistics are shocking. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s most recent report, 1 in 4 girls reported having made a suicide plan in 2021. In addition, the most recent information shows that teen girls’ sadness is double what it is for boys.

With over half of teen girls in America reporting that they feel persistently sad or hopeless, we have a mental health pandemic on our hands. Not only are more teenage girls depressed than ever before, but they have increasingly become targets of sexual assault.

While the results of the CDCP’s report are alarming, you, as a parent, can ensure that your child doesn’t fall victim to suicide, starting with taking action if they appear to be experiencing the beginnings of depression.

How to Support Teenage Girls’ Mental Health

1. Be someone they can talk to – Let your child know they can turn to you for support. They will be less likely to tell you they are struggling with mental health or have suffered sexual violence if you don’t give them opportunities to speak up.

2. Consider getting them mental health help – If your child exhibits signs of mental health difficulties, it’s time to seek help. General warning signs of a mental health crisis may include appearing tearful or withdrawn, isolating themselves, losing interest in activities, having trouble sleeping, not eating or overeating, and irritability. For more on warning signs of a mental health crisis, see: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/child-and-adolescent-mental-health

3. Encourage them to participate in activities – Teen girls may self-isolate when depressed. While everyone needs alone time, locking themselves in their rooms for hours isn’t always beneficial. Social isolation can lead to increased depression and suicide attempts. Your child needs social support outside the home, separate from their online lives.

4. Discourage excessive screen time – We often laugh at our kids for taking silly selfies or learning TikTok dances. Still, too much screen time can harm their mental health. Research demonstrates that the more time our teenagers spend online and on social media, the likelier they are to feel depressed and consider or attempt suicide. According to research, higher levels of screen time are associated with depression and a lower quality of life.

5. Spend quality time with them – Spending quality time with your kids is essential. Even though it may sound goofy, maybe try having a board game night or outings where you can do something together like ice skating, an escape room, or even indoor skydiving if you’re feeling brave! Spending too much at home and on devices detracts from the quality time essential for mental well-being.

The bottom line:

In unprecedented numbers, teenage girls are becoming depressed, even suicidal, and are increasingly the targets of sexual assault. Parents need to be a support system, encouraging their children to check in with them about their mental health.

Be aware of the warning signs of a mental health crisis, so you know when to seek support. One of the best ways to avoid a mental health crisis is to seek help for your child before they slip into depression. There is no shame in seeing a therapist. Besides reducing anxiety and depression, therapy can help teens grow, become self-sufficient and resilient, have better self-esteem, and learn new coping skills.

Tate Psychotherapy in the Heart of New York

If you are looking for therapy for your teen, Tate Psychotherapy is here to help. We are a therapy practice located in the heart of the city. We specialize in evidence-based treatments for children and adolescents. We also offer individual, group, and couples therapy for adults. We offer services to treat many mental health issues, such as eating disorders, depression, anxiety, and trauma. Get started today with a free consultation: tatepsychotherapy.com/contact

Sources:

•Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023, February 13). U.S. teen girls experiencing increased sadness and violence. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved February 23, 2023, from https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2023/p0213-yrbs.html

• Stiglic, N., & Viner, R. M. (2019). Effects of screentime on the health and well-being of children and adolescents: a systematic review of reviews. BMJ open, 9(1), e023191. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2018-023191

•Twenge, J. M., Joiner, T. E., Rogers, M. L., & Martin, G. N. (2018). Increases in Depressive Symptoms, Suicide-Related Outcomes, and Suicide Rates Among U.S. Adolescents After 2010 and Links to Increased New Media Screen Time. Clinical Psychological Science, 6(1), 3–17. https://doi.org/10.1177/2167702617723376•U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (n.d.). Child and adolescent mental health. National Institute of Mental Health. Retrieved February 23, 2023, from https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/child-and-adolescent-mental-health