Youth mental health is in a state of constant crisis. Whether it’s rooted in stress from school violence, the weight of academic demands, bullying, or even poverty, the American youth has seen an unsettling decrease in mental health.
In the Youth Risk Behavior Survey Data Summary & Trends Report: 2013–2023, the CDC highlights how “persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness” among youth increased across demographics over the course of ten years. According to the data, both American Indian or Alaska Native, female, and LGBTQ+ students are the most likely to report poor mental health and seriously consider suicide attempts.
NPs are the first point of contact for health concerns among many patients, so it’s critical to be prepared to address mental health concerns as they come.
For NPs looking to enhance how their practice is addressing the youth mental health crisis, here are a few strategies to consider.
Building Trust with Pediatric Patients
Techniques for fostering open, nonjudgmental dialogue with children, teens, and their families.
One of the most powerful tools at an NP’s disposal for addressing mental health is effective communication to build trust. Without trust, young patients may feel less safe in sharing their struggles due to the risk of being judged either by the health professional or even their own families. However, if the patient doesn’t share the details of their condition, the NP is limited in the care they can offer.
To build trust for pediatric patients, try these methods.
Non-Threatening Topics
Before jumping into sensitive topics, start with casual, open-ended questions, such as asking about their favorite activities. Granting them the space to talk about things they enjoy will create a more relaxed atmosphere, allowing them to feel more comfortable talking to their NP.
Validate and Normalize
Be clear with young patients that whatever they are feeling is okay and valid. There is no need for them to hide their own emotions, as that will only worsen their struggles.
It may also help them to know they are not alone. Explain how these feelings are common among others their age, so their feelings are nothing to be ashamed of.
Avoid any language that may come off as a dismissal.
Saying something like “It’s not that bad,” may seem reassuring at first, but the patient may interpret it as a statement that they are overreacting.
These are issues that the patient is likely going through for the first time and isn’t prepared to address, so their feelings must be treated with sensitivity.
Sharing as Self-Care
Recognize that while sharing these feelings is intimidating, they are crucial to the treatment process. For younger children, analogies to physical health can be helpful. Explain how accepting medicine for things like stomachaches is no different from sharing feelings with a healthcare professional.
Older children and teens may benefit from more detail and a sense of control. Show the cause-and-effect relationship between worsening mental health struggles and how that affects their home life, academics, and other relationships. Frame it with proactive solutions they can consider, allowing them a choice in the matter and catering to their growing desire for independence.
Age-Appropriate Language
Remember that the patient may not fully understand the complicated facets of mental health. Instead of using typical medical terminology, use simplifying language to ensure the patient fully understands—especially if they are younger children.
Conversations with teens can be more detailed, which can help them feel respected and not like they are being “talked down to.” They will likely be more open to explanations of why certain steps and treatments would be beneficial, granting them a sense of understanding and autonomy.
Whether they are a younger or older patient, allow them to ask questions and discuss any preferences or concerns.
Fostering Resilience for Healthier Futures
Addressing the youth mental health crisis requires an empathetic and tailored approach from NPs. By building trust through effective communication, validating emotions, and using age-appropriate strategies, NPs can create safe spaces for young patients to share their struggles and access the care they need. As the frontline of healthcare for many families, NPs play a pivotal role in fostering hope for a healthier future.
