Right now, adolescents and young adults are experiencing the highest levels of anxiety and depression ever reported in the U.S.
A report from the COVID States Project found that “nearly half (49%) of respondents reported symptoms of depression, with 26% reporting moderate symptoms or worse—the level at which follow-up care would typically be recommended in a clinical setting” (April 2022).
Even before the pandemic, rates of depression were climbing among young people. Many of us hoped that, with time, things would improve. But five years later, we’re still seeing too many teens and young adults struggling. So, what can parents and caregivers do to help?
The good news is that most young people do bounce back from setbacks in school, friendships, and life skills. Mistakes and challenges are part of growing up—and often lead to important learning. Still, some kids need more support, whether that’s extra time, patient parenting, or professional help. At Insight Counseling, we see many young people regain their confidence and thrive when both their current struggles and deeper concerns are addressed together.
Adolescence and young adulthood are naturally bumpy. These years are full of striving, experimenting, and sometimes clashing with parents or social expectations. What may look like defiance, secrecy, or sudden new interests is often just your child testing independence. Unfortunately, COVID interrupted those opportunities for almost two years, leaving many kids behind in social and emotional development.
For some, gentle encouragement—what we might call “nudging”—is enough. Pushing a little toward new social experiences, work, school, or everyday responsibilities like cooking or car maintenance helps them catch up. But if nudging only brings resistance, anger, or passivity, it may be time for a clearer plan that could include an assessment for anxiety or depression.
A key sign of recovery is movement forward—even if progress is messy or uneven. In contrast, getting “stuck” in inaction or avoidance is a red flag. Activity and engagement are vital for mental health, and sometimes parents do need to set firm but loving expectations: re-entering the world one step at a time, with encouragement and boundaries.
Of course, this isn’t easy. One of the hardest parts of parenting is asking your child to do something you know they need, while expecting pushback. Most people resist when reminded of things they haven’t yet achieved—even when they know it’s good for them. Anxiety often makes avoidance even stronger. That’s why persistence matters. Stay calm, clear, and consistent. Break goals into small steps with realistic timelines. And don’t hesitate to bring in professional help if needed.
If your child refuses help, a balanced approach of love and firmness can make a difference. You might say: “If you cannot return to classes or work, we see that as a sign you need professional help. We’re not angry, but we will insist you see a therapist to help you move forward.”
When to Worry
Reach out for professional help if your teen or young adult is:
- Refusing to move forward in school, work, or responsibilities
- Neglecting hygiene
- Withdrawing and isolating most of the time
- Frequently angry and hard to communicate with
- Using substances
- Mentioning (or hinting at) suicidal thoughts
If you see any of these signs, don’t wait. Helpful resources are available at rtor.org.
A Final Word
Please don’t give up. And please don’t “wait and see” if your child is showing concerning signs. Recovery is possible—and often faster than parents fear—but it usually requires a steady, loving push forward. With persistence, structure, and the right support, your teen or young adult can move toward a healthy and hopeful future.
