Mental Health

Youth Demand Increased Mental Health Support, Assessment Reveals

Clatsop County has recently completed its Youth Prevention Needs Assessment, which highlights a pressing demand among young people for enhanced mental health support. The assessment, which surveyed 65 youth participants, primarily focused on middle and high school students, aims to address prevention issues specific to this demographic.

Insights from the Assessment

The results of the assessment reveal that the youth are seeking more communication about substances and are keen to understand the reasons behind substance use. The assessment underscores the importance of starting conversations about substances at an early age to foster better understanding and potentially reduce substance use.

One of the key findings is that expanding social environments is crucial for supporting mental health among young people. This support is seen as a potential method to mitigate substance use. The assessment also found that most youth receive information about substances from social media platforms, highlighting the need for accurate and comprehensive communication in these spaces.

Social Media's Role in Youth Mental Health

The assessment indicates that social media plays a significant role in the mental health of young people, with 52% of participants reporting that it positively affects their mental well-being. Social media is noted for its ability to reduce feelings of loneliness and enhance connections, which was especially important during the COVID-19 pandemic when maintaining social connections was challenging.

Furthermore, 32% of the youth felt that social media has aided them in their identity development. This suggests that social media serves as a critical platform for self-expression and community building among young people.

LGBTQ+ Youth and Mental Health Challenges

The Trevor Project's first longitudinal study on LGBTQ+ youth provides additional context to the mental health challenges faced by this group. The study tracked 1,689 youth aged 13 to 24 and reported significant increases in anxiety and depression levels. Alarmingly, suicidal ideation among queer youth rose from 41% to 47%, with transgender and nonbinary youth reporting higher rates of suicidal thoughts.

Despite these challenges, there has been a positive trend in help-seeking behavior, with the proportion of youth seeking support from mental health professionals doubling to 64%. Support from friends has also increased from 45% to 73%, and school support for these youth has risen from 53% to 58%. However, the study found that reports of threats related to conversion therapy have doubled to 22%, with actual exposure rising from 9% to 15%.

Urgent Need for Affirmative Support

The findings underscore the urgent need for affirming mental health care and protective measures for LGBTQ+ youth. The study highlights the significant psychological harm faced by this group, compounded by legislative shifts that affect the availability and quality of support services.

Protective factors identified include supportive relationships with friends, family, and mental health professionals. It is emphasized that mental health professionals must actively oppose practices like conversion therapy, which have been shown to cause harm.

The Clatsop County Youth Prevention Needs Assessment and the Trevor Project study collectively highlight a critical demand for enhanced mental health support systems and communication strategies that cater specifically to the needs of young people. As youth continue to navigate complex social landscapes, ensuring access to supportive environments and accurate information remains a vital component of their well-being.