Across the country, children and teenagers are experiencing higher levels of anxiety, depression, and stress than ever before. As a St. Louis therapist at Pearlman & Associates, I see this every day in our work with kids, teens, and families. Many parents feel confused or overwhelmed. Schools are trying to support students while navigating increasing behavioral and emotional challenges. And young people often feel pressured, misunderstood, or unsure how to cope in healthy ways.
This rise in youth mental health concerns is well-documented by organizations like the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) (https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/child-and-adolescent-mental-health
) and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) (https://www.cdc.gov/childrensmentalhealth
). The good news is that there are effective strategies, supports, and therapeutic tools that can help kids feel better and regain confidence.
Below is a deeper look at why today’s children struggle, what parents and schools can do, and how therapy and healthy coping skills can make a major difference.
Why Children and Teens Are More Anxious and Depressed Today
There is no single reason—rather, it is a combination of cultural, social, biological, and environmental factors.
- Social Media Pressure and Unrealistic Comparison
Sites like Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat create a world where kids constantly compare themselves to others. Organizations like the Child Mind Institute (https://childmind.org/topics-a-z/
) highlight how social media impacts body image, self-worth, and mood. Kids feel pressure to be perfect, look perfect, and perform perfectly. Even emotionally healthy children can develop anxiety, insecurity, and depression from the comparison trap.
-
Academic Pressure and Fear of Failure
Many students believe their future success depends on their grades, test scores, and achievements. This leads to chronic worry, burnout, and performance anxiety. Teens frequently tell me in therapy that they feel “never good enough” no matter how hard they try.
-
Overstimulation and Lack of True Downtime
Kids rarely get quiet, calm, unstructured time. Screens, activities, social media, homework, and constant notifications keep the brain “on” at all times. Without pauses and rest, anxiety becomes the default state.
-
Post-Pandemic Emotional and Social Delays
Even though daily life has moved forward, emotional development was disrupted. Many students still struggle with social skills, confidence, separation anxiety, and school avoidance.
-
Family Stress and Environmental Anxiety
Children absorb the stress of the world around them. When families experience financial strain, work pressure, illness, or emotional overload, kids often internalize that stress—even if adults think they’re shielding them.
-
Reduced Real-Life Social Interaction
Kids spend less time building face-to-face social skills. Without opportunities to practice communication, conflict resolution, and reading social cues, social anxiety becomes more common.
-
Increased Exposure to Unhealthy Coping Strategies
Vaping, alcohol, marijuana, overeating, and digital addictions provide fast emotional escape—but ultimately make anxiety, depression, and mood regulation worse. Research from SAMHSA (https://www.samhsa.gov/mental-health
) reinforces this pattern across youth populations.
What Parents Can Do to Help Their Child or Teen
Parents have more influence than they realize. You don’t need to fix every problem—your presence, empathy, and guidance are already powerful.
-
Normalize Talking About Emotions
Ask open questions like:
- “How are you really feeling today?”
- “What part of your day stressed you out?”
- “What do you need from me right now?”
Point them toward reliable emotional education resources like the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry (https://www.aacap.org/AACAP/Families_Youth/Facts_for_Families.aspx
).
-
Model Healthy Stress Responses
Show your child what healthy coping looks like by:
- Taking walks
- Practicing deep breathing
- Using mindfulness
- Taking breaks from screens
Kids learn emotional regulation from watching adults.
-
Limit Screens & Social Media in Healthy Ways
Not as punishment—but as protection.
Use structured routines, phone-free bedtime, and monitored accounts. The American Psychological Association offers helpful guidance: https://www.apa.org/topics/child-development/stress
.
-
Build Predictable Routines
Kids feel calmer when life feels consistent. Morning, after-school, and bedtime routines provide emotional safety.
- Teach Healthy Coping Skills Instead of Numbing Skills
Healthy coping:
- Journaling
- Exercise
- Music
- Talking to a trusted adult
- Creative outlets
- Breathing exercises
- Grounding techniques
Unhealthy coping:
- Vaping
- Drinking
- Drugs
- Isolation
- Overuse of screens
- Self-harm
Resources like HealthyChildren.org (https://www.healthychildren.org/English/healthy-living/emotional-wellness/Pages/Building-Resilience.aspx
) offer parent-friendly strategies.
- Validate First, Solve Later
Avoid minimizing feelings (“You’re fine,” “It’s not a big deal”).
Use validation instead:
- “I hear you.”
- “That sounds tough.”
- “I’m here with you.”
Validation builds trust and encourages openness.
-
Seek Professional Support When Needed
Children often open up more to a neutral therapist than to a parent. Therapy teaches real-world emotional and behavioral skills that last a lifetime.
For local support, parents can learn more about child therapy in St. Louis here:
https://stlmentalhealth.com/child-teen-therapy/
How Schools Can Support Anxious and Struggling Students
Schools play a major role in helping students feel safe, understood, and capable.
- Teach Emotional and Mental Health Skills
Classrooms that integrate coping skills, mindfulness, and emotional awareness help students build lifelong tools. The CDC (https://www.cdc.gov/childrensmentalhealth
) strongly supports school-based mental health programs.
- Create Trusted Adult Relationships
Kids who have even one safe adult at school experience better emotional outcomes.
- Provide Predictability and Clear Expectations
Clear routines and structures reduce anxiety and behavioral issues.
- Use Trauma-Informed Practices
Instead of reacting with punishment, trauma-informed schools respond with:
- Calm tone
- Predictable consequences
- Problem-solving
- Co-regulation
More about trauma-informed support:
https://stlmentalhealth.com/trauma-therapy/
- Expand Access to Counseling Services
School-based counseling combined with community therapy provides comprehensive support.
The Benefits of Therapy and Counseling for Children & Teens
Therapy helps kids understand their emotions, learn coping strategies, and develop confidence. At Pearlman & Associates, therapy often includes:
- A Safe Space to Talk
Therapy offers non-judgmental support where kids can share honestly.
- Understanding the Brain and Emotions
Kids learn how stress, anxiety, and the amygdala affect thoughts and behavior.
More about anxiety therapy:
https://stlmentalhealth.com/anxiety-therapy/
- Building Healthy Coping Strategies
Therapists teach grounding techniques, communication skills, mindfulness, and problem-solving.
- Improving Family Communication
Therapy often strengthens relationships at home.
Family counseling info:
https://stlmentalhealth.com/family-counseling/
- Preventing Long-Term Mental Health Struggles
Early intervention protects a child’s emotional future.
If Your Child Is Struggling, We Are Here to Help
Pearlman & Associates – St. Louis Mental Health & Counseling
📍 655 Craig Road, Suite 300, Creve Coeur, MO 63141
📞 314-942-1147
🌐 https://stlmentalhealth.com
Whether your child is dealing with anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma, or stress, our team—led by Dr. Bryan Pearlman—provides warm, effective, evidence-based support to help them thrive.
Additional Trusted Resources
NIMH – Child & Adolescent Mental Health
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/child-and-adolescent-mental-health
CDC – Children’s Mental Health
https://www.cdc.gov/childrensmentalhealth
Child Mind Institute
https://childmind.org/topics-a-z/
SAMHSA – Youth Mental Health Resources
https://www.samhsa.gov/mental-health
NAMI – Teens & Young Adults
https://www.nami.org/Your-Journey/Teens-Young-Adults
Leave a Reply