Today’s teens are more stressed than ever. It seems like teen anxiety only seems to grow with each year: college admission rates keep declining, and social media’s influence only continues to rise. Fortunately, adults have noticed, and the once heavily stigmatized topic of teen mental health has gained a lot more support and consideration. 

Following up on my previous interview two years ago, I recently had the chance to speak with FA’s school psychologist Dr. Quinland about the gradual de-stigmatization of mental health struggles in young adults. 

“I think kids are certainly feeling more stressed. With social media, I think we compare ourselves a lot more now than ever before,” says Dr. Quinland. “And when you compare yourself, you’re always going to find someone who is doing better than you.” 

Social media only continues to perpetuate the illusion of perfection. We see others who have seemingly perfect lives and wonder why ours don’t look the same.

“We don’t get to see the story behind the story…we think everyone else is doing well and we are the only ones dealing with negative feelings.”

Dr. Quinland believes that the college admissions process continues to add to the anxiety fueled by social media. 

“We live in an area where going to a top college is the norm. So you take the fear of missing out or the depression or the anxiety, and then you add that lump to it.” 

Due to the pressures of social media and applying to colleges, mental health struggles in teens have gained greater attention and importance. Dr Quinland believes that adults have become more aware of and responsive to teen anxiety and depression. 

“I think kids who would suffer in silence before, now don’t feel like they have to suffer in silence…that they can talk about their struggles. College counselor centers are flooded with kids. Adults are more willing to listen. You also see apps like Headspace and Calm that are flourishing, which help to normalize that kids are struggling.”

Dr. Quinland believes that there is definitely still room for improvement in terms of providing help to young adults struggling with their mental health, specifically in high schools. 

“We need more clinicians available in high schools across the country,” urges Dr. Quinland. “Not all high schoolers can afford to seek private professional help. There’s a great need out there that is under served.”

“Kids are worried. But if we can foster greater openness and communication in our high schools, kids can get better.”