Youth Mental Health Crisis and Policy Shifts

National Youth Risk Behavior Survey results show improvements in several teen mental-health indicators, including sadness, poor mental health, and suicidal thoughts, but levels remain concerning and below pre-pandemic wellbeing. New parent-resource research, QPR outreach, teen OCD recognition, Mental Health First Aid, and digital-intervention materials reinforce the need for mental-health literacy, crisis-response skills, referral pathways, safeguarding, culturally responsive care, and targeted support for persistent disparities. Recently reviewed Youth Mental Health First Aid material is actionable but duplicates an already shared Lillington offering.