In the United States, adolescent mental health has become a growing concern for adults across the board. The World Health Organization notes that one in seven adolescents experiences a mental disorder, with depression, anxiety, and behavioral problems being among the most common. In the United States, these conditions are facilitated by social media pressures, academic competition, and the long-term effects of prolonged isolation (Abrams). To address the growing problem, understanding what has caused this increase as these challenges not only affect the mental well-being of adolescents but also their quality of life. The increase in mental health problems among adolescents in the United States has been caused by a combination of social stressors, genetics, and the greater recognition and reporting of mental illness. 

Social and environmental conditions have been named as a major contributor to the increase in adolescent mental health problems. According to the American Psychological Association, mental health challenges among adolescents have grown in connection with “school pressures, social media use, and the lingering effects of the pandemic” (Abrams). Youth mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression have become more common in recent years, and psychologists have observed that excessive screen time, academic expectations, and pandemic-related disruptions are the most significant contributing stressors. The COVID-19 pandemic caused a large-scale interruption in education, peer interaction, and access to care (Abrams). Even after quarantine restrictions were lifted, many adolescents continued to experience social and emotional difficulties. Although awareness of mental health has increased, so have reports of distress and the demand for psychological services, suggesting that social changes have intensified emotional strain on young people. Many psychologists treating adolescents have experienced a rise in demand for therapy appointments, indicating both growing distress and a greater willingness to seek help (Abrams). Because increased academic and social pressures have increased due to constant online engagement, adolescents are often exposed to unrealistic standards and negative social comparisons. Psychologists note that digital environments may heighten self-consciousness and anxiety, especially among teenagers who are navigating their identity and peer relationships. Modern social environments have had unique psychological pressures on adolescents compared to the past. Furthermore, the World Health Organization, or WHO, states that “one in seven adolescents ages 10-19 experiences a mental disorder,” with depression, anxiety, and behavioral conditions being the most common (“Mental Health of Adolescents”). The WHO identifies stress, violence, poverty, and lack of access to mental healthcare as key environmental factors that affect adolescents globally. These findings provide insight as to how social and economic pressures, exposure to violence, and insufficient support systems can all contribute to worsening mental health outcomes. The WHO emphasizes that these problems can affect academic performance, relationships, and long-term well-being if not addressed through early intervention and prevention. The WHO reports that suicide is currently the fifth leading cause of death among adolescents, highlighting the severe impact of untreated mental illnesses. Prevention strategies such as safe school environments, family support, and accessible healthcare can reduce risk and improve long-term outcomes.

Biological and genetic influences are well-known contributors to mental health disorders in adolescents. Mental illnesses result from “a combination of genetic and environmental factors,” causing changes in brain chemistry, exposure to toxins or trauma before birth, and chronic stress (Mayo Clinic). Individuals with a family history of mental illness have an increased risk of developing similar conditions, and an imbalance in neurotransmitters, the brain’s chemical messengers, can disrupt communication between nerve cells and lead to symptoms of depression or anxiety. Prolonged stress, traumatic experiences, and certain brain chemistry patterns are scientifically linked to mental health disorders. As a result, chronic exposure to stress can alter the brain’s response to emotions by altering the brain’s structure over a long period of time and increase the likelihood of developing long-term conditions (Mental Health America). While external stressors play a role in the development of mental health disorders, underlying biological factors influence how an individual responds to those challenges. These biological and genetic vulnerabilities can make predisposed adolescents more susceptible to developing mental health conditions, especially when exposed to environmental stressors. The rise in mental health issues in the United States not only reflects the changes in society, but also how biological predispositions interact with stressors. 

Improved awareness, diagnosis, and reporting of mental illnesses have also contributed to the increase of adolescent mental health issues in the United States. A study found how “reduced stigma and improved diagnostic tools” have contributed to a higher number of reported mental health cases (Kartalova-O’Doherty and Doherty). As a result of the greater understanding of mental illness, more individuals have recognized and sought help for their symptoms. Public awareness campaigns and increased access to mental health care have encouraged more adolescents to talk about their mental health and seek treatment. With the increased awareness of mental health issues, many schools and communities have implemented initiatives to make mental health care more accessible and to train educators to recognize early warning signs in students (Abrams). This improvement in mental illness identification, warning signs, and accessible crisis lines have all contributed to higher recorded rates of mental illness. 

The increase in adolescent mental health problems in the United States is the result of overlapping social, biological, and cultural factors. Social media pressures, academic expectations, and the lasting effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have intensified the stress for today’s youth. At the same time, biological vulnerabilities and brain chemistry imbalances have made some adolescents more susceptible to these challenges. Furthermore, growing awareness and improved diagnostic practices have led to higher reported rates of mental illness, allowing a more accurate understanding of how many adolescents face mental health issues. By understanding the interaction between these causes, society can better respond to the crisis through prevention, education, and early intervention. As research continues to advance the understanding of mental health issues, improving adolescent mental health in the United States requires not only medical solutions but also social and cultural change.

Works Cited 

Abrams, Zara. Kids’ Mental Health Is in Crisis. Here’s What Psychologists Are Doing to Help, American Psychological Association, 1 Jan. 2023, 

www.apa.org/monitor/2023/01/trends-improving-youth-mental-health. 

Kartalova-O’Doherty, Yulia, and Donna Tedstone Doherty. “Recovering from Recurrent Mental Health Problems: Giving up and Fighting to Get Better.” National Center for Biotechnology Information, U.S. National Library of Medicine, Feb. 2010, pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2839479/. 

“Mental Health of Adolescents.” World Health Organization, World Health Organization, 1 Sept. 2025, www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/adolescent-mental-health. 

“Mental Illness.” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 13 Dec. 2022, 

www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/mental-illness/symptoms-causes/syc-20374968. 

“The Science Behind Mental Illness and Recovery.” Mental Health America, mhanational.org/resources/the-science-behind-mental-illness-and-recovery/. 

This Article was edited by Amaan Musani.