Be Mindful: Teens and mental health
Victor Guzman
SALINAS, Calif. (KION-TV) — California recently implemented a new law requiring school districts to place the 988 mental health crisis line on ID cards for students in grades 7 through 12.
It’s a move Monterey County Behavioral Health believes will spark a conversation among teens about mental health, while also serving to let teens know about the resources available if they’re struggling with mental health issues.
According to U.S. Health and Human Services, 13% of teens are dealing with depression, 32% are suffering from anxiety disorders and last year the Jed Foundation reported more than 12% of teens shared they had serious thoughts of suicide.
Behavioral Health staff say the current generation of teens are far more open to talk about mental health than previous generations.
“Schools are talking about mental health and wellness and including mental health in that process,” says Behavioral Health Services Manager Liz Perez-Cordero. “This makes our youth more comfortable bringing up some of their challenges.”
The Monterey County Office of Education says the state’s new law about 988 combined with steps taken by local schools to address mental health issues among teens is a 1-2 punch needed after the pandemic.
Mental health issues increased during that time, including among teens.
As for 2025, Behavioral Health staff say 64 youth called the community crisis or 988 line since January.
But some hurdles exist in tackling mental health issues in teens.
Some of which has to do with the stigma of talking about mental health, plus the lack of involvement from some parents to even approach the subject.
“It’s being the empathetic ear and having the conversation and talking honestly about the stresses we’re experiencing in today’s world and being honest about it,” says Behavioral Health Services Manager Kelly Molton. “Ask the question directly ‘Are you thinking about suicide? do you want to die?’ and to not have a huge reaction when someone says yes.”
Behavioral Health staff says the lack of clinicians providing mental health services is also a prominent issue.
“We do not have enough mental health professionals. It’s something we talked about in our systems all over the place both for private and for public services,” says Perez-Cordero.
County health leaders say it’s okay to not be okay, and if you need someone to talk to, and have no one to turn to, to give them a call.
For more information on Crisis Services, visit Monterey County Behavioral Health by clicking here