Written by Andrew John Tucker, LCSW
Researched by Corina Evi Tucker y de la Huerta
I remember as early as March 15th 2020 realizing parents everywhere were going to have to mitigate increased screen time and decreased dynamic socialization. “Shit” I thought….”how is this going to work”? My wife and I are both clinicians and as we began to consider all the risk factors, we knew isolation, depression and anxiety were moving north up the charts in real time like a diseased worm crawling towards a host. There was going to be fallout and we were in for choppy skies. I was at Mount Sinai in the Opioid Treatment Program where “virtual” wasn’t an option and she was at a school in the Bronx. We stood almost helpless as families everywhere had tough decisions to make about decisions that were already made. We roosted – and gathered what hay we could salvage.
A lot has happened since March of 2020 – those data points have gathered and as expected, mental health among our kids declined. As we continue to survey the wreckage, time has offered up a chance to respond. But not without its brain stain.
The youth mental health crisis is reaching unprecedented levels, but a groundbreaking initiative in New York City offers a beacon of hope. The World Economic Forum’s article, “Youth Mental Health is an Escalating Crisis – But This New York City Scheme May Offer a Route Out” highlights the issue and programs that integrate mental health support into schools and community spaces, addressing a critical gap for young people.
The initiatives, led by NYC’s Department of Education, provide immediate access to mental health resources, with trained counselors placed directly in schools. This proactive approach normalizes seeking help, reduces stigma, and empowers young people to address their struggles before they escalate.
As addiction clinicians, this model is particularly inspiring. We often see how untreated mental health issues contribute to substance use disorders. Programs like these demonstrate the power of early intervention in breaking cycles and fostering resilience. It also brings us together, in revolutionary defiance against the isolation of the pandemic.
Three Practical Applications for Programs like Care Community Action and NYC Teen Space:
- Early Intervention: Collaborate with schools or youth programs to identify and address mental health challenges before they lead to substance use.
- Community Integration: Develop partnerships to bring mental health resources directly to where clients are, such as community centers or support groups.
- Normalize Support: Use this example to reduce stigma, encouraging clients and families to see mental health care as routine and accessible.
Read the full article, “Youth Mental Health is an Escalating Crisis”
If you or anyone you know might benefit from a free consultation with a Clinical Addiction Specialist, fill out the confidential form on my website www.addictiontherapynyc.com, and I will reach out to you within 12 hours.
