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According to the 2022 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSUDH), cases of adolescent depression are rising. Recently, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) released the results of the 2022 NSDUH. According to the data, among adolescents aged 12 to 17 in 2022, 19.5% (or 4.8 million youngsters) had a major depressive episode (MDE) in the past year. As a Youth and Family Services healthcare provider, Tarzana Treatment Centers (TTC) regards such findings as highly significant. Indeed, our clinical staff views the annual report as a benchmark for understanding national behavioral health.

Annually, the National Survey on Drug Use and Health offers a comprehensive look at behavioral health findings nationwide, including adolescent depression and mental health issues. Beyond drug use, the NSDUH provides extensive mental health data.

According to Xavier Beccera, the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), “The National Survey on Drug Use and Health provides an annual snapshot of behavioral health nationwide. This data informs knowledge, policy, and action, and drives our shared commitment across government, healthcare, industry, and community to offer resources and services to those in need.”

Adolescent Depression Rates Increasing Nationwide

To understand the findings, it is essential to ask why adolescent depression cases are rising across the country. First, post-pandemic, youth continue to struggle with reintegration into everyday life, finding social situations more challenging than before. Second, with the wave of legalization in so many states, youth have easier access to marijuana. Marijuana use often leads to depression and behavioral issues. Third, isolation and loneliness seem to be more common problems for youth post-pandemic. More importantly, both issues are significant triggers for depression in adolescents and teenagers.

Moreover, what is fascinating about the findings is that the increase in depression rates is the same among nearly all genders, races, ethnicities, income levels, and education groups. Thus, the problem is macrocosmic, pointing to more significant systemic issues. However, such systemic issues do not matter when your child suffers from adolescent depression. Indeed, what is essential is accessing the help they need to recover fully.

Tarzana Treatment Centers Helps Youth in Crisis

Accredited by The Joint Commission, TTC offers a full continuum of youth mental health treatment services. Focused on meeting the needs of youth, the clinical staff possesses a proven record of helping youth recover from adolescent depression. Our evidence-based services help youth live healthy and productive lives by providing professional guidance and support. Indeed, watching youth recover and come back from adolescent depression is remarkable.

However, TTC also believes that early interventions are a critical part of the process. Given the risk of self-harm and suicide in cases of adolescent depression, it is always better to take the safe route. Please do not let your child become another statistic. If your family needs help, please contact us today.