Teen Mental Health

Our recent two-time Surgeon General, Dr. Vivek Murthy, prioritized conversations around mental health and connections. He called for a national public health movement to battle the epidemic of loneliness, which has deepened across our country, and issued an advisory on the teen mental health crisis. These actions have informed Wyman’s work in recent years.

Dr. Murthy’s parting action was a prescription for America: the “triad of fulfillment” – relationships, service, and a sense of purpose – which lie at the heart of our health and happiness. More and more research links this triad to higher educational and career success, lower risks of health challenges, and stronger mental health. 

Connections and relationships are fundamental to our collective well-being. They are the path through which we learn not only about others, but about ourselves. Through service, we take actions to benefit others, and we grow along the way. Lastly, purpose is having a “life aim”, an overarching “why” for doing what we do. 

Impacts of loneliness on Teen Mental Health

We see the effects of chronic loneliness and isolation in our work with teens. Through our Teen Connection Project (TCP), teens have shared that they often feel isolated and lonely at school.

However, in TCP, they are presented with a supportive, safe environment in which they can open up and connect with each other. And they are leaning into this opportunity with enthusiasm.

TCP participants share that they are more willing to speak with their peers and feel more confident in social interactions. Additionally, teachers observe that students are speaking up, participating, and making new friends.

Teens want to connect with each other and know that they are not alone. And they want all of their peers to experience this as well.

And we want ALL teens to know that they matter. 

You are not alone activity

What Wyman is doing to support Teen Mental Health

  • We implement three proven programs and connections are an integral part of each one, especially our Teen Connection Project (TCP). One of the curriculum lessons in TCP is #YouMatter. It’s a lesson in giving and accepting gratitude, and how this can strengthen our connections with one another. Teens choose someone to whom they’d like to express gratitude, create something that allows them to do this, share it with the individual, and report back to their TCP group. Time after time, teens are amazed at the impact they’ve had. And, more importantly, they deepen an important supportive relationship.
  • Youth voice is important in all aspects of our work. We ask for teens’ opinions and feedback and use that to guide our work, ensuring that we are being responsive to their needs. Watch the video below to hear TCP teens talk about their favorite lessons.
  • We advocate with and for young people across systems that impact their education, well-being, and opportunities.

What can you do?

  • May was Mental Health Month and offered a good opportunity to check in and connect with the teens in your life. But that shouldn’t end with the month. We encourage you to spend some time connecting with the teens in your life or community. Here are some ideas:
    • Tell a teen in your life 3 things that make them special.
    • Plan time to do something they love.
    • Share a Wyman post and invite others to learn more.
  • Make an investment in Wyman and our programs. You have an opportunity to make a difference by investing in Wyman to help ensure our three proven programs are accessible to teens and providing them with the opportunities to develop healthy behaviors and relationships, build life and leadership skills, and achieve educational and career success. 
  • Advocate on behalf of the teens in your life and your community. Budget cuts to the federal Department of Health and Human Services have the potential to financially devastate proven programs supporting the well-being of children and teens throughout the country. Read this article by Wyman, Youth in Need, and Nurses for Newborns to learn more and take action.

How are you supporting teens?

Fill out the form below to let us know what you're doing! #YouMatter

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