Ongoing Mental Health Challenges Facing Adolescents
3/2/2026
Tisha Sleiter, LCSW, Aspirus Behavioral Health and EAP Counselor
World Teen Mental Wellness Day, observed March 2, highlights the continued challenges facing adolescents and their families. Behavioral health professionals at Aspirus Health say many of those challenges stem from disruptions that have shaped teens’ emotional development.
“What we’re seeing after the pandemic is that teens are still missing some of those primary milestones,” said Tisha Sleiter, LCSW, a behavioral health and Employee Assistance Program counselor with Aspirus Health. “We saw social withdrawal and teens not going to class. We’re still seeing depression and anxiety, and it’s affecting how they connect with others.”
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about one in three high school students report persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness, a key indicator of depression.
Those struggles are unfolding during a critical stage of emotional and neurological development. The prefrontal cortex, which supports emotional regulation and decision-making, continues to mature throughout the teenage years. Prolonged stress during that time can influence how young people respond to pressure and build coping skills.
At the same time, teens are navigating academic expectations, peer dynamics, and constant digital exposure. Social media can intensify comparison and reinforce unrealistic standards, adding to existing anxiety.
Because emotional distress does not always present as a crisis, early signs may be subtle. Parents and caregivers may notice:
“The best thing we can do is ask how they’re doing,” Sleiter said. “Form connection, provide space, and when they ask for help, guide them toward the support they need.”
Just as families prioritize physical health, emotional well-being deserves the same attention. Starting the conversation early and working with a primary care provider can help teens get the support they need.
Aspirus Health offers behavioral health services for adolescents and families across the region. To learn more, visit aspirus.org/mental-health-treatment-counseling or speak with a primary care provider about referral options.
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