By Dr. Tramaine Presley; Director of Child, Adolescent, and Family Services
In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, we are looking beyond the individual symptoms of child and adolescent distress. At The Family Institute at Northwestern University, we believe that relationships—past and present, however they are defined—are the center of life for everyone. As we look at the global shifts in youth mental health over the last five to six years, one truth has become undeniable: Our relationships play a most vital role in our health, our well-being, and ultimately, our communities.
The last six years have been what some would call the “perfect storm” for child/adolescent development. According to Data Statistics on Children’s Mental Health from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 2022–2023 statistics indicate anxiety affects approximately 1 in 9 children aged 3–17, with depression diagnoses reaching 4% (1 in 25). Between 2020 and 2026, there has been a "surge" in adolescent mental health. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), nearly 1 in 7 adolescents, ages 10–19, live with a diagnosed mental health disorder. According to the CDC, depression, anxiety, and behavioral disorders are among the common conditions for this age group.
The child's system
However, the most successful interventions during this period have not just focused on the child in isolation but the child’s system. We, at The Family Institute, recognize that a child’s resilience is inseparably linked to the dynamics of their household and the systems they are connected to. When we strengthen the "relational tissue" between family members and help to foster collaboration between systems, the result becomes a natural buffer against global stressors.
Parental mental health and support
The U.S. Surgeon General recently issued an advisory on Parental Mental Health and Well-being, documenting a crisis of stress among caregivers. This report validates what The Family Institute has championed for years, which is a systemic approach to treatment. At The Family Institute, we partner with parents through a service modality called Parent Coaching, regardless if their child attends our organization, to help parents and caregivers understand how their current stressors impact their current parenting practices and to find tools to strengthen their role in their child’s life.
The core pillars
The goal of Mental Health Awareness Month is not merely to broadcast information; this author believes that real change is rooted in three core pillars that move families from confusion to confidence.
First, we must reduce chronic stress by strengthening foundational connections. It is to clear the way for strengthening the family system from the inside out, ensuring that every connection is a source of stability rather than strain.
Second, we must cultivate resilience as a practiced skill rather than an innate trait, empowering individuals with the tools to navigate macro-systemic stressors and life's complexities.
Finally, we must seek clarity and professional support where exhaustion and burnout exist. In a world saturated with information, it can be difficult for parents to distinguish between a "tough phase" and a serious concern.
The “Rule of Three”
To find clarity, I recommend applying the "Rule of Three":
- Intensity: Are the emotional reactions (such as sadness or anger) significantly bigger than what is expected for their age?
- Duration: Have these behavioral shifts persisted for weeks or months?
- Interference: Most critically, is this interfering with their daily life—struggling with school, relationships, sleep, or appetite?
When these markers are present, seeking professional support is not a sign of failure, but a proactive step toward building a grounded, relationship-first environment where a child can truly thrive.
