In my two decades as a pediatrician, I’ve witnessed many changes in children’s health. But nothing has been quite as striking—or as urgent—as what we’ve seen with youth mental health since the COVID-19 pandemic. Anxiety, depression, and eating disorder symptoms have become increasingly prevalent and severe among children and adolescents, prompting the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, and the Children’s Hospital Association to declare a National State of Emergency in Children’s Mental Health in 2021. And while things are slowly improving, we are not “back to normal.”
Why This Matters to Your Family
Mental health isn’t separate from physical health—it’s intricately connected to everything else happening in your child’s life. Healthy dietary patterns are associated with lower levels of depression and improved mental health, while physical activity has been shown to reduce depressive symptoms and may even serve as an effective treatment for some children and adolescents. In fact, supervised exercise programs have been associated with significant reductions in depression symptoms among young people.
The flip side is equally important: depression and childhood obesity often coexist and show a bidirectional relationship, meaning each can contribute to the other. High social media use is linked to higher rates of anxiety and depression, poorer sleep quality, and lower self-esteem, while poor sleep itself is associated with mood disorders and worsened mental health.
What You Can Do at Home
The good news is that there are concrete steps you can take as a family:
Recognize that mental health is an essential part of overall health. Just as you wouldn’t ignore a persistent cough or fever, don’t dismiss changes in your child’s mood, sleep patterns, or behavior.
Help your children recognize, manage, and learn from difficult emotions. This starts early—even preschoolers benefit from building emotional literacy by learning words for their feelings. As children grow, continue these conversations in age-appropriate ways.
Model healthy habits. Children whose caregivers demonstrate positive behaviors around nutrition, physical activity, sleep, and screen use are more likely to adopt these behaviors themselves. Your actions speak louder than your words.
Create structure around the basics:
– Encourage regular family mealtimes when possible
– Ensure adequate sleep (8-10 hours for adolescents, 9-12 hours for school-age children)
– Limit screen time, especially within an hour of bedtime
– Encourage at least 60 minutes of physical activity daily for school-age children and teens
When to Seek Help
At well visits, we now routinely screen children ages 8 and older for anxiety disorders, and adolescents 12 and older for major depressive disorder and suicide risk. But you don’t need to wait for a well-child visit if you’re concerned. Depression is a treatable medical illness—much like asthma or diabetes—and early intervention makes a difference.
Trust your instincts. If you notice persistent changes in your child’s mood, sleep, appetite, social interactions, or academic performance, reach out to your pediatrician. We’re here to help connect you with appropriate mental health resources and support.
You’re Not Alone
Parenting during these times comes with unique challenges. Many parents tell me they want guidance on communication with their teens, conflict management, and navigating topics like mental health, sex, and substance use. These are normal concerns, and most parents are interested in receiving this kind of support through their pediatrician.
Remember: seeking help for your child’s mental health is a sign of strength, not weakness. Together, we can support your child’s emotional well-being and help them thrive.
After 20 years as a pediatrician in the Bay Area, I can tell you this: the families who do best are those who communicate openly, maintain healthy routines, and aren’t afraid to ask for help when they need it.
If you have concerns about your child’s mental health, please don’t hesitate to contact your pediatrician. We’re here to support your entire family.
Trusted Resources for Families
If you’d like to learn more about supporting your child’s mental health, the following resources provide reliable, evidence-based information:
Websites and Organizations:
– American Academy of Pediatrics HealthyChildren.org – Offers comprehensive information on child development, mental health, and parenting strategies, including “10 Things Parents Can Do to Prevent Suicide”
– National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) – Provides support and education for family members and caregivers navigating mental health challenges
– American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) – Offers specific guidance on teen suicide prevention and what parents should know
– Seize the Awkward – Helps parents and friends start conversations about mental health with young people
– Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – Provides information on childhood depression and mental health
– Suicide Prevention Resource Center – Offers comprehensive resources on suicide prevention, supported by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
Crisis Support:
– 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline – Call or text 988 for immediate support, available 24/7
– Crisis Text Line – Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a crisis counselor
These resources can help you better understand your child’s mental health needs and provide practical strategies for supporting their well-being at home.
Sky Pittson, MD, March, 2026
Read Also: 12 Tips for Teaching Children Gratitude
Take the first step towards improving your child’s health with pediatric integrative medicine. Call The Village Doctor at (650) 851-4747 or Contact us to learn more about the practice.
