The most significant factor in supporting youth mental health is the presence of strong, caring relationships with adults, according to mental health experts. This connection is crucial, even if the adult isn't perfectly informed on every issue a young person may face.
"The single most powerful force for youth mental health is strong relationships with a caring adult. Full stop," said Dr. Genevieve Damour, a psychologist. "Any kid who does not have a strong relationship with at least one adult is a kid in trouble."
This perspective was shared at the Every Child Thrives Festival, where professionals discussed strategies for adult support of young people's mental well-being. It was emphasized that adults do not need to possess comprehensive knowledge of youth culture or specific terminology, such as LGBTQ+ terms and pronoun usage, to be supportive.
"The presence of a caring adult, even one who doesn’t know all of the answers, is greatly helpful," noted a therapist named Black, who primarily works with queer youth and their caregivers. The Trevor Project reports that for young queer individuals, having just one supportive adult can decrease their risk of attempting suicide by 40%. This concept is often summarized as "presence over perfection."
Damour advised that a simple yet profound approach for adults is to take teenagers seriously. Young people often feel dismissed, and when an adult shows genuine interest in their lives, that sincerity is readily perceived.
"The best way to help a young person is to listen," agreed 17-year-old Maya Shelke. "Sometimes learning to step back and just say ‘I understand’ to a young person can really make the biggest difference."
Experts also encouraged a broader understanding of mental health. Damour explained, "Mental health is not about feeling good; it’s about having feelings that fit what’s happening, and then managing those feelings well." The role of adults, she added, is to guide young people toward healthy coping strategies.
Creating a safe environment where youth feel comfortable expressing their emotions is vital. Black recalled growing up in an era where children were expected to be "seen and not heard," highlighting how the lack of open dialogue in their own childhood influences their current advocacy.
"In order to build the future that these youth deserve, we have to give them seats at the table. They have to be a part of our solution building," Black stated.
Shelke, involved with the organization Mind4Youth, is actively involving teenagers in advocacy to foster an environment where mental health is a priority. "The best way to change the culture is to have young people take part in the work: to talk to their peers and tell them that it’s OK to speak about mental health openly, and there’s nothing to be embarrassed about," she said.
For individuals in need of immediate mental health support, the national crisis hotline can be reached by calling or texting 988. In emergencies, individuals should call 911 or seek care from a local hospital or mental health provider.