The number of teens reporting depressive symptoms has risen sharply over the past decade, and the trend is particularly bad in Oregon. On this week's episode of "Straight Talk," three experts, Dr. Jen Doty, Dr. Beth Stormshak, and Dr. Ariel Williamson who are working to get ahead of the curve, came together to talk about what's driving the trend, what researchers say can be done to help, and what kids are saying they need.
Kids can develop bad tech habits as the summer winds down. Jen Doty, PhD, associate professor of counseling psychology, provides guidance on how to nurture healthy relationships with technology and kids.
"These programs vary widely: who can enroll in them, how long the programs run, the balance between English and the partner language, who teaches classes, and what the long-term goals are.", said Ilana Umansky, PhD, an associate professor at the University of Oregon.
"We're in a mental health crisis. For the past two decades, mental health issues have been escalating, particularly among youth," said John Seeley, PhD, a professor and associate dean for research in the University of Oregon College of Education. "The COVID-19 pandemic put a spotlight on students in need of additional supports, and that's the aim of the center — to help provide those additional supports."
With a new $11 million federal grant, the University of Oregon will create a national center for children’s mental health, putting the university at the forefront of national prevention efforts to improve the mental health and well-being of adolescents.
Learn more about Olivia Iverson (Oglala Sioux Tribe) MEd '20, a Sapsik'ʷałá Teacher Education and UOTeach Elementary Education program alumna, through our Alumni Spotlight series.
