Across the world, anxiety is gripping millions, with teenagers hit especially hard. From bustling cities to quiet towns, people are battling worry, stress, and sleepless nights. The numbers are alarming: nearly 30% of young people worldwide face anxiety disorders, and many are turning to medication for relief. But why is this happening, and what does it mean for the future?
For teenagers, life today feels like a pressure cooker. School demands, social media, and global challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic and climate change are fueling a mental health crisis. A recent study shows that 1 in 4 teens in places like England and the U.S. has a mental health condition, with anxiety and depression leading the pack. In the U.S. alone, antidepressant use among young people aged 12 to 25 has surged by 64% since 2020, especially among young women.
Sleep, or the lack of it, is a big piece of this puzzle. Teenagers need 8 to 10 hours of sleep each night, but many are getting just 6 to 7 hours. Smartphones and social media keep them up late, scrolling through feeds that spark comparison and stress. Experts say this sleep deprivation worsens anxiety, creating a vicious cycle. For example, a 14-year-old boy in Nepal, addicted to mobile games, stopped going to school and became violent when his internet was cut off. After therapy and medication, he improved, but his story is one of many.
The causes are complex. Social media, while connecting teens, also fuels feelings of inadequacy. Academic pressures, especially in places like East Asia, keep students up late studying. Trauma, like violence or family issues, affects 1 in 4 teens by age 16, sometimes leading to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Even global events, like pandemics or school shootings, add to the weight on young shoulders.
Medication is becoming a common solution, but it’s not without risks. In the U.S., nearly half of people aged 16 to 74 with mental health issues are on therapy or medication. Over-the-counter sleep aids, like melatonin, are also on the rise, but experts warn they’re not always safe for kids. “There’s little evidence to support their use in children, and they can sometimes cause more harm than good,” says Dr. Judith Owens, a sleep specialist at Boston Children’s Hospital.
What can be done? Experts call for more mental health support in schools, like counseling and peer groups, to reduce stigma and teach coping skills. Limiting screen time, especially before bed, can help teens sleep better. Parents are urged to set rules, like moving gaming devices out of bedrooms. Simple lifestyle changes, like regular exercise and healthy eating, can also ease anxiety and improve sleep.
The good news? Teens are resilient. With the right support, many overcome these challenges and grow into empathetic, strong adults. But the world needs to act fast. Expanding mental health services, rethinking school schedules, and addressing the pressures of modern life are critical steps to help today’s youth—and everyone else—find peace and rest.
