Youth Mental Health: Anxiety, Depression, and the Key Role of Families
Youth mental health is one of the issues that most concerns parents, educators, and healthcare professionals today.
In many families, there is still fear, confusion, or silence around this topic.
However, understanding what young people are going through is key to being able to support them.
During a community conversation about mental health on La Mega in Lawrence, Dr. María Ferreras explained why this topic deserves more attention and dialogue within families.
Dr. Ferreras has extensive experience in this field. She is a PhD, LMHC, and CEO/Founder of Ferreras Counseling & Wellness Center.
According to recent data from the World Health Organization, one in seven young people between the ages of 10 and 19 lives with a mental health disorder.
Depression, anxiety, and behavioral disorders are among the most common conditions.
But behind the statistics, there is something even more important: the stories of young people who need to be heard.
A Difficult Stage for Many Young People
Adolescence is a stage of emotional, social, and biological changes.
For many young people, it can be a time of confusion or pressure.
As Dr. Ferreras explains:
“It is a difficult age, a difficult stage, but unfortunately many young people, due to immaturity, lack of capacity, and often peer pressure, negative environments, end up getting into trouble.”
When they do not receive proper support or guidance, some young people may face situations such as:
- Social pressure
- School-related problems
- Substance use
- School dropout
- Legal issues
- Emotional isolation
In diverse communities, the impact can be greater due to factors such as social inequality, family stress, or lack of access to mental health services.
Watch the full interview and hear her guidance and reflections directly:
What Can Cause Depression in a Young Person?
Depression in adolescents does not have a single cause. It can develop due to multiple factors that affect emotional health.
Dr. Ferreras explains it clearly:
“One cause may be a lack of dopamine and serotonin.”
These chemicals help regulate emotions.
When there is an imbalance, symptoms such as deep sadness, anxiety, or lack of motivation may appear.
Other contributing factors may include:
- Chronic stress
- Social pressure
- Family problems
- Bullying
- Poverty or economic instability
- Hormonal changes
- Traumatic experiences
Dr. Ferreras also mentions another important phenomenon:
“Sometimes they are transgenerational traumas, meaning they come from mom and dad.”
This means that difficult experiences from previous generations can influence how stress is experienced and managed within the family.
The Impact of Technology and Isolation
Today, many young people spend a large portion of their time on social media or digital devices.
While technology has benefits, it can also contribute to emotional isolation.
As Dr. Ferreras warns:
“Young people today are addicted to many forms of media, and that can also cause certain conditions, because one of the main effects is that young people isolate themselves.”
When family communication decreases, young people may feel alone or misunderstood.
She highlights something that concerns many parents:
“When there is no communication between parents and children, a young person who is not fully developed or mature can be easily influenced or led astray.”
For this reason, communication within the family remains one of the most important factors in protecting mental health.
Denial Can Make the Problem Worse
One of the biggest obstacles to seeking help is denial.
In some families, there is still a belief that talking about mental health is a sign of weakness or shame.
Dr. Ferreras warns about this issue:
“The problem with mental health conditions is that when there is denial, the young person is not functioning well, everyone can see there is a problem, but the parents say no.”
She also adds something important that many families need to hear:
“All mental health conditions are treatable. People can return to a functional emotional state.”
Seeking help does not mean a person is “broken.” It means they are receiving the support they need to improve their well-being.
The Importance of Listening to Young People
One of the most powerful messages from the conversation was the role of parents and caregivers.
Dr. Ferreras highlights three essential actions for families:
- Get to know your children
“First, get to know your son or daughter.”
Talking with them about their emotions, thoughts, and dreams can strengthen the family relationship.
2. Ask how they feel
“Second, ask your child how they feel.”
Young people need to know their feelings matter.
3. Learn to listen
“And third, listen, listen.”
Listening without judgment can make the difference between a young person feeling alone and feeling supported.
A Message for Families
Talking about mental health at home can save lives.
Dr. Ferreras shares a clear message for parents and caregivers:
“When they tell you they are not feeling well or may have a mental health condition, tell them: we are going to help you. There is help.”
Mental health does not discriminate by age, culture, or economic situation.
“A mental health condition can affect anyone in the world.”
Resources for the Community
Ferreras Counseling
Ferreras Counseling is a mental health center in Massachusetts that provides therapeutic support to individuals, families, and young people.
Their services include:
- Individual and family therapy
- Support for youth and adolescents
- Parenting skills groups
- Programs to help manage emotions and thoughts
- Support for emotional healing processes
The clinic offers services in both English and Spanish, making it more accessible for the Latino community.
They also collaborate with community health education initiatives.
To learn more about available services and resources, visit the Ferreras Counseling table at MyHealthFair.com.
Talking about mental health is not a sign of weakness. It is a step toward well-being.
When families listen, support, and seek reliable information, young people have greater opportunities to grow with emotional health, confidence, and hope for the future.
