Your Parenting Mojo - Respectful, research-based parenting ideas to help kids thrive

247: The Anxious Generation Review (Part 1): Is There Really a Mental Health Crisis in the U.S.?

12 snips
Jun 30, 2025
Is there really a mental health crisis among today's youth or have we misinterpreted the data? The podcast takes a critical look at how mental health statistics, particularly around teen anxiety and depression, may be inflated due to changes in diagnostic practices. It explores the impact of smartphones and social media while questioning if they are the main culprits for rising mental health issues. The discussion also dives into the complexities of suicide rates across diverse communities, emphasizing the need for a nuanced understanding of youth mental health.
Ask episode
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
INSIGHT

Mental Health Crisis Overstated

  • The dramatic decline in teens' mental health since 2010 may be overstated due to changes in diagnosis and data collection.
  • Real struggles exist, but the "crisis" narrative could distract from understanding true causes.
INSIGHT

Data Changes Inflate Mental Health Numbers

  • Changes in screening and diagnostic coding around 2011 and 2015 increased recorded depression and self-harm cases.
  • Broader health coverage from the Affordable Care Act also led more teens to be diagnosed and reported.
INSIGHT

Higher Male Suicide Rates Overlooked

  • Female teen suicide rates rose sharply but remain far below male rates, who generally use less social media.
  • Focusing solely on girls' social media ignores higher risks in boys and older men.
Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode
Get the app