The Weight of Worry: Unpacking the Surge in Anxiety and Depression Among Our Youth

The statistics are alarming: 31.9% of adolescents aged 13-18 experience an anxiety disorder, whether it's Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Panic Disorder, or Social Anxiety. Additionally, 13% have encountered at least one Major Depressive Episode by age 18. Remarkably, 50% of adolescents with anxiety also meet criteria for depression, according to the National Institute of Mental Health all of these figures have been climbing dramatically over the past decades.

The rise in anxiety and depression among youth can be attributed to various factors, including the pervasive influence of social media, academic pressures, family dynamics, and economic and environmental stressors. While these challenges are prevalent in our society and not going anywhere, we have the power to protect youth from experiencing such high levels of anxiety and depression and ultimately mitigate the impact.

Research shows that anxiety often begins in childhood, with the average age of onset around 6 years old. This highlights the importance of teaching children how to manage their emotions and build resilience early on. As parents, we can start by fostering confidence through everyday problem-solving. In our well-meaning efforts to shield our children from discomfort, we often inadvertently deprive them of valuable opportunities to grow more confident and independent. Simple tasks during the preschool years like struggling to put on shoes or zip a coat—are crucial for developing self-efficacy.

Instead of stepping in to alleviate their struggles, we should allow children to navigate these challenges themselves and coach them along the way. Each small victory contributes to their independence and builds internal confidence. During these formative moments, as parents, we can model effective stress management and resilience and in doing so establish an environment that promotes a loving and supportive collaboration between parent and child. For example, if a teenager forgets to study for a test or fails to submit an assignment, rather than intervening by contacting the teacher for leniency, we should encourage them to face the consequences of their choices and as parents, step into a more coaching role to teens. This approach not only promotes learning from mistakes but also empowers them to explore solutions independently and lean on parents for guidance and support rather than to solve the problem. Although the outcome may not be what they want, every opportunity is a learning opportunity. The expectation is not perfection but rather progress towards the goal. Our parenting approach promotes a focus on a growth mindset verses a set desired outcome and shows the teen that parents will be in the trenches with the child with any problem and ultimately trust the child can handle the situation. This is the loving approach to parenting, we are allowing children at all ages to learn and grow through their mistakes in an environment that supports them through each learning opportunity that life offers them.

By teaching children to embrace challenges and learn from setbacks, we equip them with coping skills and the confidence needed to tackle life's difficulties. Cultivating a sense of self-efficacy is crucial; when young people believe they can manage challenges, they are less likely to experience anxiety. Encouraging them to face new opportunities helps drive down anxiety and boosts self-esteem. Ultimately, as parents, we play a vital role in fostering a healthy mindset for our children. By promoting independence at every appropriate stage of development, we can help them build resilience and confidence, setting them on a path to a healthier emotional future.