Addressing the mental health crisis among children and adolescents
From a video by ThinQ
Erica Komisar, psychoanalyst, parent coach and author, works to alleviate pain from individuals who suffer from depression, anxiety, eating and other compulsive disorders.
In a talk at ThinQ, she pinpoints two things that are causing kids to break down; how we’re raising our children and what we’re exposing them to. She asks marketplace, church, and community leaders to create nurturing spaces that cultivate genuine connection and personal growth for the next generation. Here is a summary:
Children and teenagers today are facing a pretty serious mental health crisis. This is influenced by a mix of biological, social, and environmental factors. To tackle this issue, we need to understand their developmental needs and the challenges posed by modern societal practices.
First off, children are born neurologically fragile. They rely heavily on their mothers for emotional regulation and safety during the first three years of life. This period is super critical for their future mental health. If there's a lack of paid leave and parents have to rely on day-care, it can lead to attachment disorders and behavioural issues. It's like the foundation of a house – if it's shaky, the whole structure is at risk.
But it doesn't stop there. The physical and emotional presence of parents is essential not just from zero to three years but also during adolescence, which spans from nine to 25 years. This is when significant brain development and pruning occur. So, parents being around during these years is crucial.
Now, let's talk about play. Kids under six need play-based education that focuses on social and emotional development rather than early cognitive skills like reading and writing. Forcing academic learning too early can cause stress and symptoms that resemble ADHD. It's like trying to make a cake rise before it's ready – it just doesn't work.
Extended family and communities play a big role too. They support children's mental health, but their decline due to societal mobility and changing lifestyles negatively impacts children’s well-being. It's like losing the safety net that catches you when you fall.
Parental mental health is another biggie. Mentally healthy, empathetic, and self-aware parents who take responsibility for their children's mental health issues are crucial for fostering resilience. It's like having a strong captain steering the ship through stormy seas.
Technology and social media also have a huge impact. Adolescents' brains react more intensely to stimulation from social media and technology, making them more vulnerable to addiction, self-consciousness, and comparison culture. This, in turn, exacerbates mental health problems. It's like adding fuel to a fire that's already burning.
Lastly, the psychoactive component (THC) in marijuana has significantly increased over the years. This dramatic increase in potency has led to more severe mental health effects on users, especially teenagers.
So, what can leaders do about all this?
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Advocate for paid parental leave: talk about the importance of and advocate for taking at least a year of paid parental leave, with an additional two years of part-time and flexible work options.
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Promote positive images of mothering: There is a need to promote and value the role of mothering both at home and in the workplace. This can help change the current societal perception that devalues and deprioritizes mothering, encouraging more young people to have and care for children.
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Support play-based education: Advocate for play-based education for children under six years old. This approach focuses on social and emotional development rather than early cognitive skills, reducing stress and preventing symptoms resembling ADHD.
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Regulate Marijuana and Social Media: There should be stricter regulations on marijuana, especially given the high THC levels in modern products that can cause psychotic events in teenagers. Additionally, regulating social media access for those under 16 can help mitigate the negative impact on adolescents' mental health.
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Provide Community Services: support the provision of affordable or free 'mental health' services within communities. This includes mothers' groups, fathers' groups, home visitors, parent education classes, hotlines for parents and kids, youth groups, and after-school playtime and mentoring.
These recommendations aim to create a supportive environment for children and adolescents, addressing the root causes of the mental health crisis and fostering resilience and well-being.
Watch the 11 min talk here.
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From a video by ThinQ, 05/11/2025