The reasons behind the increase in youth depression and suicide are multifaceted, involving a combination of social, psychological, and environmental factors. One of the primary contributors is the increased pressure young people face in modern society. Academic performance, social acceptance, and career uncertainty often weigh heavily on adolescents and young adults, leaving them overwhelmed. This sense of pressure is further amplified by societal expectations to succeed, which can lead to feelings of inadequacy and isolation.
Another significant factor is the pervasive influence of social media. While platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat can help connect youth, they can also serve as sources of unrealistic comparisons, cyberbullying, and social isolation. Many young people report feeling left out or less than their peers due to the constant exposure to carefully curated images of others’ seemingly perfect lives. This can exacerbate feelings of loneliness and anxiety, contributing to depression.
Moreover, youth, in particular, may feel ashamed or scared to open up about their struggles, fearing judgment or misunderstanding from family, friends, or their community. This can prevent early intervention, allowing depressive symptoms to worsen over time.
But there is another side to this that is seldom mentioned and that is the impact of diet and nutrition on mood. The September 2023 issue of JAMA (Journal of the American Medical Association) carried an article which found that eating ultra-processed foods increases the risk for depression. The researchers found that the risk was particularly related to eating foods and drinking beverages containing ultra processed food and artificial sweeteners. Do any of the youth that you know ever eat ultra-processed foods, or consume drinks containing artificial sweeteners?? Actually, and sadly, there are precious few who do not. Do you think that might be a factor? According to JAMA it likely is.
The rising tide of depression and suicide among youth has severe consequences, both on an individual and societal level. Young people struggling with depression often find it difficult to perform well in school, maintain healthy relationships, or engage in extracurricular activities. This impacts their personal growth, emotional development, and long-term opportunities.
On a larger scale, the global mental health crisis is affecting education systems, healthcare infrastructure, and communities. With more youth struggling to manage their mental health, there is increased demand for counseling services, mental health professionals, and support networks. Unfortunately, many countries are ill-prepared to meet this growing demand. Limited access to mental health services, especially in low- and middle-income countries, leaves many young people without the professional support they need.
Suicide, in particular, is a devastating consequence of untreated mental health disorders. It is currently one of the leading causes of death among young people worldwide, leaving families and communities grappling with profound grief and loss.
To combat the rising rates of depression and suicide among youth, a multifaceted approach is needed. First and foremost, increasing mental health education is essential. Schools, families, and communities should foster environments where mental health discussions are normalized, and where youth feel safe seeking help. Incorporating mental health awareness programs into school curriculums can equip students with the knowledge and coping skills they need to recognize and manage their emotions effectively. And what if a major topic of such a program, was a review both for the students and their parents of the impact that diet, sleep and exercise can have on mental health, and mood. Maybe this would be of interest to them.
On Oct 11, 2012 WebMD Health New featured a review of a study out of Great Britain which found that:
“Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables seems to boost life satisfaction, mental well-being, and happiness.... Researchers analyzed the diet habits of 80,000 men and women in Britain. The more fruits and vegetables they ate, the happier they were. Those who ate seven servings daily were happiest.
“I think it’s splendid to know that fruits and vegetables are likely to be good for your mental health as well as your physical health,” says researcher Sarah Stewart-Brown, MD, professor of public health at Warwick Medical School in the U.K. “It’s not surprising, as the two are related to each other.”
Yet how many parents and children today are aware of the fact that “the two (diet and mental health) are related to each other.” In talking about modifiable risk factors, that seems to be a rather “low hanging fruit.”
Certainly, there should be a concerted effort to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health. Through awareness campaigns, media representation, and community conversations, mental health issues can be destigmatized, encouraging young people to seek support when they need it most. But in addition to social support they likely need a good dose of better nutrition as well! See our modest review of research on this topic.
The rise in depression and suicide among youth is a complex issue, but with the right interventions, this troubling trend can be reversed. By addressing the societal pressures young people face, providing greater access to mental health resources, and fostering open conversations, like what are we going to eat and drink today? We can help safeguard the mental well-being of future generations.
