Calling All Members of The Tortured Poets Department: The Rise of Mental Health Concerns in Young People (Part 2)

In the first segment of our series, we identified factors that have impacted the mental health of young people. Next, we will discuss hinderances to mental health support for our youth.

As previously mentioned, Taylor Swift’s lyrics are captivating and relatable. Her words seem to clarify complicated emotions and illuminate otherwise obscure innerworkings for many of her fans. In addition to this unique ability to connect listeners with their inner selves, the community that has been created through a shared appreciation of the Taylor ethos has provided many with something they deeply crave-connection with others.

Still, many of our young people still feel a disconnect from themselves and from the world. As stated in the first segment of our series, they are trying to navigate through this era which has brought with it struggles never experienced by previous generations. As such, many of their mental health needs and the methods with which they attempt to access support, are novel.

“I’m so depressed, I act like it’s my birthday every day. ”

-Taylor Swift, I Can Do it with a Broken Heart

The main resources that have been used to control this mental health crisis, unfortunately, seem to be double-edged swords. The agents that elicit the uptick in mental health issues are also the agents that are being used as the “miracle move-on drug.” Such systems include misuse of social media platforms, overuse of technology and gaming platforms, misapplications of mental and behavioral health outlets, and misinformation provided by nonprofessionals, to name a few.

While the need for mental and emotional support has risen, barriers have kept many from seeking the support that they need. These barriers include…

• Stigmas around mental health struggles, including worries about how one may be perceived by others.
• Mistrust of the system.
• Internal pressure to be self-reliant.
• Denial.
• Lack of appropriate, comprehensive, and accessible mental healthcare services.

Still, our young people press on. Some attempt to mask their mental health needs, some do not. Some seek validation and support through multiple modes of connection, some turn inwards. In many cases, the depths of their desire for help goes unnoticed. So, the question becomes:

What can we do?

We will address this question in the final segment of our TTPD and mental health series.

Check back next week for Facing the Mental Health Crisis (Part 3).