Emerging Mental Health Crisis Trends in Youth and Emerging Adults: A Case Study in CSBMG’s C&A & EA Programs

By: Erica Stokes

In the first three months of the 2024 school year, the Children and Adolescents (C&A) and Emerging Adults (EA) mental health programs at CSBMG saw a significant rise in crisis presentations and hospitalizations. This period, marked by heightened crisis activity, offers a valuable opportunity to explore the relationship between the return to school and an increase in mental health crises among youth and young adults. According to data from CSBMG, 176 contacts were made with individuals assessed for crisis over a three-month period, signaling a marked uptick in demand for crisis intervention and inpatient care.

Trend Breakdown

The data reveals a worrying trend in the mental health of children and adolescents during the start of the 2024 school year. Specifically, in the months of September, October, and November 2024, 176 total crisis contacts were made, with 58, 59, and 59 crises occurring in each respective month. The data reveals the following hospitalization rates for these months:

• September 2024: 58 crises, 15 hospitalized (26% hospitalization rate)
• October 2024: 59 crises, 14 hospitalized (24% hospitalization rate)
• November 2024: 59 crises, 18 hospitalized (31% hospitalization rate)

This pattern indicates a consistent number of crises month to month, with the hospitalization rate increasing toward the end of the three-month period, potentially signaling a worsening of crises or more severe cases requiring inpatient care.

Analysis of Crisis Peaks

The surge in mental health crises coincides with the beginning of the school year is a known period of stress for many students. Transitioning back into school routines, managing academic pressures, dealing with social dynamics, and facing uncertainties related to personal or family circumstances can significantly contribute to the rise in crisis incidents (Ginsburg et al., 2014). Additionally, the onset of fall and winter may also exacerbate mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety, as seasonal changes affect mood and behavior, particularly in younger populations (Parker et al., 2016).

A study by Harten et al. (2018) suggests that seasonal transitions, particularly the return to school, create additional stressors that can increase the risk of mental health crises among youth. The increased pressure to meet academic expectations, combined with environmental changes, can contribute to emotional disregulation and elevated mental health symptoms, leading to more frequent hospitalizations (Friedman et al., 2019).

Intervention Strategies and Supports

Given the increasing trend in mental health crises among youth and emerging adults, targeted interventions are critical. CSBMG is actively working toward addressing the rise in substance abuse among youth, a concerning co-occurring issue that exacerbates mental health challenges. As part of the intervention plan, CSBMG is in the planning stage of establishing a youth substance abuse peer group. This initiative is aimed at providing specialized support for adolescents struggling with substance use disorders (SUDs). Our Emerging Adult Program is a collaboration with Stephanie Kucero, CSBMG’s Addictive Disease Clinical Coordinator with expertise in substance abuse, to address the growing number of youth with substance abuse diagnoses (CSBMG, 2024).

In addition to substance abuse-focused interventions, CSBMG emphasizes the importance of family involvement in the treatment process. Family support plays a crucial role in addressing youth mental health crises, and CSBMG is continuing to hold family nights at both the SOAR Clubhouse and The Den. November 2024, SOAR hosted a family Thanksgiving meal, promoting family bonding and providing a supportive environment for recovery. Furthermore, the organization includes Certified Peer Specialist-Parent (CPS-P) and Certified Peer Specialist-Youth (CPS-Y) services to better support individuals and families. These services, led by Rebecca Penney and Desmond Jackson, respectively, offer tailored support to both parents and youth, aiming to strengthen the recovery process and reduce crisis occurrences (CSBMG, 2024).

These comprehensive strategies, including family involvement, targeted outreach for substance abuse, and peer support services, are essential for addressing the complex and escalating mental health challenges faced by youth and emerging adults. By providing a multi-faceted approach, CSBMG hopes to mitigate the impact of crises and hospitalizations, offering young individuals the tools and support needed to navigate their mental health journeys.

Conclusion

The rise in mental health crises among children, adolescents, and emerging adults, as reflected in the recent internal data from CSBMG, highlights the critical need for targeted, multi-level interventions. By focusing on both mental health and substance abuse concerns, along with the involvement of families and peer support systems, CSBMG is taking crucial steps to address these challenges. As mental health trends continue to shift, ongoing research and adaptive strategies will be key to supporting this vulnerable population and preventing further crisis escalation.

References

CSBMG. (2024, December 10). Internal report on youth mental health crises and interventions.

Friedman, A., Ameen, M., & Zidan, M. (2019). The role of academic pressure and school-related stress in adolescent mental health crises. Journal of School Psychology, 50(4), 501-510.

Ginsburg, G. S., Silverman, W. K., & DeVore, C. H. (2014). Anxiety disorders in children and adolescents. Handbook of Child and Adolescent Anxiety Disorders, 37-49.

Harten, N., Blanchard, J., & McGuire, T. (2018). Seasonal variations in youth mental health: Implications for crisis intervention. Journal of Child & Adolescent Psychiatric Nursing, 31(2), 61-67.

Parker, G., Fletcher, K., & Tully, R. (2016). Seasonal variations in mood and behavior: Implications for adolescents. Journal of Clinical Child & Adolescent Psychology, 45(1), 91-101.