Professional information
In Israel, a recent study revealed a significant rise in youth visits to psychiatric wards, along with an increase in diagnoses of mental disabilities and suicidal distress. This alarming trend extends into the education system, highlighting the urgent need for professional intervention. However, the wait time to begin treatment is approximately six months
According to the World Health Organization, one in seven children aged 10-19 experiences depression, contributing to 13% of the mental health burden for this age group. Visits by children to psychiatric wards have increased by 19% from 2019 to 2021. Furthermore, data from the Ministry of Education reveal a 108% rise in the number of children diagnosed with a mental disability over the past two years.
“The public healthcare system is struggling to meet increasing demands”, state the study's authors. The data supports this claim: the wait time for an initial appointment ranges from two to 16 weeks, while the average wait for psychotherapy is 150 days. "These delays prevent timely intervention, often resulting in patients requiring more intensive and costly care, which is less accessible in clinics," they explain.
1 in 7 children and teenagers aged 10 to 19 report experiencing mental health difficulties. Between 2019 and 2021, there was a 19% increase in children's visits to psychiatric wards and a 13% increase in emergency room visits following suicidal experiences. Additionally, there was a 108% rise in students diagnosed with mental disabilities. 56% of parents of children aged 10 to 21 reported that their children had behavioral problems, with 73% of these parents seeking professional help. Of the children who received treatment, 47% were treated privately. The treatment provided by educational psychologists in the Ministry of Education increased by 43% in 2021, and there was a 122% increase in systemic interventions related to suicide distress. The average waiting time to start psychotherapy treatment is now 150 days.
A recent study found that an increasing number of Israeli teenagers experience daily mental distress. Conducted in collaboration with Israel's Ministries of Health and Education, the study also revealed a rise in screen addiction, which may negatively impact teenagers' well-being. Furthermore, it was noted that 23% of teenagers in Europe reported mental symptoms in 2022, compared to nearly 30% among Israeli youth. Despite these concerning statistics, the research offers an encouraging finding: fewer teenagers are experimenting with cannabis and drinking alcohol.
Encouraging creativity can enhance students' sense of belonging and affection toward school. It also promotes their participation in informal education and community activities, including volunteering, which fosters self-worth and significance. It's essential to identify students struggling to reintegrate into school settings and provide targeted intervention resources for them and their parents. Additionally, efforts must be made to curb the increasing use of addictive substances, particularly alcohol and cigarettes, including electronic cigarettes. This can be achieved through programs similar to the successful national initiative to combat alcohol abuse implemented from 2010-2016.
In Israel, as in the rest of the world, the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly disrupted the lives of children and teenagers. Preventive measures such as school closures, curfews, and social distancing have profoundly affected their daily routines and well-being. The HBSC study in Israel examined changes in risk behaviors and mental health from the pre-pandemic period (2019) to when school and community activities resumed in 2022.
In 2019, approximately 20% of teenagers reported experiencing daily psychosomatic symptoms like low mood, anxiety, or difficulty sleeping. By 2022, this figure had risen to 30%, signaling a significant increase in mental distress following the pandemic, which persisted even after schools resumed normal activities. These adolescents also expressed feelings of disconnection from their studies and a lack of approval or support, highlighting the challenges students face in readjusting to school life after extended periods of quarantine and social distancing.
The United States is currently facing a severe crisis in the mental health of teenagers. Research shows that from 2009 to 2021, the percentage of high school students reporting "persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness" increased dramatically, rising from 26% to 44%. This surge marks the highest level of teenage distress ever recorded, reflecting a profound and alarming trend in adolescent mental health.
Objective measures of anxiety and depression, including indicators like eating disorders, self-injurious behavior, and teen suicides, have seen a notable increase over the past decade. This trend is reflected in a significant rise in emergency department visits for mental health crises nationwide, including cases of suspected suicide attempts. The global prevalence of anxiety and depression has surged by 25% due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, there has been a 13% uptick in mental health conditions and substance use disorders since 2017.
Approximately 20% of children and adolescents globally are affected by mental health conditions, with suicide ranking as the second leading cause of death among 15-29-year-olds. These conditions significantly impact various aspects of life, “such as academic or professional performance, relationships with family and friends, and community involvement”.
Understanding how to manage and transform negative emotions in the face of stress is a crucial part of adolescent development. Building resilience is more vital than ever, enabling young people not only to cope but to thrive in their lives.
20% of children worldwide are diagnosed with a mental health condition.
There has been a 13% increase in mental health conditions and/or substance use over the past decade.
Since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, there has been a significant 25% increase in cases of depression and anxiety globally.
