Mental health is a longstanding concern for adolescent and young adult populations, with suicide being a leading cause of death in both age groups. Social distancing, school closures, job losses, and other burdens imposed by COVID-19 has further pushed mental health into the spotlight.
Provided below are data and resources on mental health for adolescent and young adult populations.
Mental Health Resources
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The CDC published a vital statistics report on adolescent and young adult suicide rates before COVID-19, covering deaths reported between 2000 – 2018.
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A CDC Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report featuring data from June, 2020 where 25.5% of adolescents reported having seriously considered suicide in the past 30-days.
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The CDC has created a webpage specifically to support adolescent and young adult health during the COVID-19 pandemic, including numerous resources for mental health care and crisis mitigation.
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The CDC has also developed a list of parental resources on caring for the social, emotional, and mental well being of adolescents and young adults during the pandemic.
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The State Adolescent Health Resource Center (SAHRC) provides technical assistance to state-level health coordinators and helps to support The National Network of State Adolescent Health Coordinators, who’s website features a mental health page with resources for adolescents and young adults, as well as the healthcare professionals serving them. COVID-specific webinars are also available on their event archives page.
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The Society for Adolescent Health and Medicine is hosting a Virtual Chat Series on navigating the impacts of COVID-19.
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The National Alliance on Mental Illness has compiled a resource guide for patients and providers.
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The National Institute of Mental Health provides a database of shareable resources for coping with COVID-19.
Clinical Mental Health Resources
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The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has several resources for clinicians, including a mental health webinar series as well as a family mental health webinar.
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The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s COVID-19 page provides guidance and tools for a range of issues and systems, such as outpatient settings, addiction treatment programs, and telemedicine.
Mental Health in Student Populations
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Young Invincibles has released a report on addressing mental health stigma and access to care for college-based young adults, including a focus on individuals of color.
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The America Council on Education, with partner assistance, has prepared a guide on mental health in higher education during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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The Children’s Safety Network provides numerous resources for managing the COVID-19 pandemic, including health, mental & suicide prevention, and substance misuse for parents, educators, and students.
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The National Center for School Mental Health provides wellness and mental health resources, including crisis response, stress management, and self-care for students and families.
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The School Based Health Alliance has a series of webinars developed to address student health challenges during COVID-19, including numerous specific to mental health.
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The Steve Fund has published a report on promoting the mental health and emotional well-being of young adults of color in higher education during COVID-19.
Other Notable Resources
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Child Trends has published a brief outlining a National Agenda for Children’s Mental Health.
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CityMatch has compiled an extensive list of COVID-19 materials, including a section specific to mental health.
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The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry offers a fact sheet for parents on screen-time during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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The Education Development Center has compiled a list of resources for parents and teachers during COVID-19, including those specific to mental health and suicide prevention.
