Mental Health Overview

"You cannot have good health without good mental health."
- Charlotte Bryson

 
 
 
   
 

In Tennessee, over 27% of youth reported feeling so sad and hopeless for 2 or more weeks that they stopped doing some of their usual activities. The fifth edition of NPT Reports: Children’s Health Crisis looks at the mental well being of Tennessee’s youth. The program explores what it means to be mentally healthy and what it looks like when children are struggling with social, emotional and behavioral health issues. NPT also examines the root causes of mental health problems, what works in treating children and the challenges facing children and families who need help.

  
 

  • 20% of children have a mental disorder

  • More than 28% of high school students report having feelings of depression

  • Suicide is the third leading cause of death for adolescents

  • Only about 20% of youth in need of mental health services receive them

  • More than 50% of youth experiencing mental illness also suffer from a substance abuse disorder

Emotional well-being is a critical component of children’s health. One in five children nationally have diagnosable mental health problems, and these children also have a high rate of other health problems, potential alcohol and drug dependence, and can lead to problems with the juvenile justice and school systems. By fostering greater community awareness about the issues surrounding mental health, and highlighting services available to treat prospective problems, parents could potentially raise children with a positive sense of self and a healthy capacity to engage in relationships with others.