Chapter 1: The Reality of Teen Mental Health

Mental health is an essential aspect of overall well-being.

Anna frequently experienced emotional outbursts at her job, and the situation didn’t improve at home. Her mother, Sophie, was quite sociable, often hosting many visitors, which only added to Anna's distress. To Anna, these guests were an unwelcome distraction, disrupting the tranquility of their home.

At just 22, Anna felt trapped in a life she despised. She questioned why anyone would rush into adulthood, feeling that it offered nothing but disappointment. Her only escape was through movies and books.

Sophie, observing her daughter from afar, sensed that something was amiss. Anna, who had once been lively and engaging, now seemed like a stranger. Sophie suspected that work stress was the root of the issue, but Anna was so closed off that it was difficult to reach out for help. Even Anna’s closest friend, Emily, struggled to connect with her.

Then, one day, Sophie had a revelation: Anna might be dealing with depression. With the help of her social network, she made some calls and located a psychiatrist. Approaching Anna’s room, she said, “Sweetheart, may I come in for a moment?” “Sure,” replied Anna. “There’s somewhere I’d like us to visit.” “Where to?” Anna asked, but Sophie promised to explain on the way.

To Sophie's relief, Anna didn’t resist. She quickly grabbed a jacket and followed her mother to the garage. The drive was mostly silent, with Sophie attempting to engage Anna in conversation, but receiving only curt responses.

After an hour, they arrived at the psychiatrist’s office. The doctor, a jovial man, welcomed them with music playing softly in the background. Sophie shared her worries, and after a lengthy discussion, the psychiatrist posed various questions to Anna. Eventually, they discovered that Anna had Schizoaffective disorder, and she began her treatment immediately.

Anna's journey to mental wellness was significantly aided by Sophie's connections. But what if that support hadn’t been available?

Understanding the Problem: A Global Snapshot

Globally, one in seven individuals aged 10 to 19 suffers from a mental disorder, which constitutes 13% of the global disease burden in this age group. Depression, anxiety, and behavioral issues rank among the leading causes of illness and disability among adolescents. Alarmingly, suicide is the fourth leading cause of death for individuals aged 15 to 29.

The repercussions of neglecting adolescent mental health can extend into adulthood, negatively impacting both physical and mental health, and restricting the ability to lead fulfilling lives.

Despite the challenges, the average waiting time for mental health or substance abuse treatment is 48 days, with nearly 60% of young people suffering from major depression not receiving the necessary help. Traditional treatment methods often fall short, and staffing shortages exacerbate the issue. In response, innovative startups are emerging to ensure mental wellness for children.

Introducing Charlie Health

Charlie Health is a virtual healthcare service tailored for teens and young adults. Their unique program, known as "intensive outpatient programming," encompasses:

• Group therapy
• Individual therapy
• Family therapy

This program spans 9 to 12 weeks and addresses a range of mental health challenges, including anxiety disorders, trauma, self-harm, and substance abuse. Once registered, individuals can begin treatment within 24 hours.

Moreover, hospitals facing a shortage of mental health professionals are collaborating with Charlie Health to offer virtual therapy while patients await in-person sessions. Last year, Charlie Health served 15,000 patients, with over half being between the ages of 11 and 17. The platform is currently available in 30 states across the USA.

Other Emerging Solutions

Several other startups are also stepping up to tackle mental health issues:

• InStride Health focuses on treating pediatric anxiety and OCD through text, chat, and video support.
• Talkiatry offers telepsychiatry services for adults and has recently expanded its offerings for children in 31 states in the USA.

Government Initiatives in Ontario

During the pandemic and in the years leading up to it, the Ontario government allocated funding for training individuals to become mental health professionals. These trained individuals are equipped to assess, counsel, and make appropriate referrals, with opportunities available for licensing as psychotherapists.

The Role of the WHO

The World Health Organization (WHO) is actively developing strategies, programs, and tools to support governments in meeting the mental health needs of adolescents. Their Helping Adolescents Thrive (HAT) Initiative, a collaboration with UNICEF, aims to enhance policies and programs focused on adolescent mental health, promoting mental wellness and preventing conditions that could lead to self-harm and other risky behaviors.

The WHO has also created a module on Child and Adolescent Mental and Behavioral Disorders, which is part of the mhGAP Intervention Guide 2.0. This guide offers evidence-based clinical protocols to help assess and manage mental health conditions in non-specialized care settings. Additionally, WHO is working on scalable psychological interventions to address emotional disorders among adolescents and provide guidance on mental health services tailored for young people.

Back to Anna's Journey

Having completed her treatment, Anna is thriving at work and has ambitious plans for her future. “Mum, what would I have done without your support?” she asked gratefully. “Well, thankfully I’m here for you. But not everyone is as fortunate. We, as a society and as a government, need to do much more.”

Unlocking Affordable Mental Health Resources: Your Guide - YouTube

This video provides insights into how to access affordable mental health resources and support systems available for teens and young adults.

Navigating Teen Mental Health - YouTube

Explore strategies for addressing mental health challenges faced by adolescents and learn about available resources for support.