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Before you can recognize the signs or respond with support, it helps to understand what young people today are really facing. In this first module, you’ll explore the mental, emotional, social, and systemic challenges many youth are navigating—and why they may not always speak up about it. By the end of this section, you’ll have a clearer understanding of the pressures young people carry, the risk factors that can increase vulnerability, and the protective factors that can make a difference—like you.
Being informed builds empathy—and empathy opens the door to action.
What stressors might they be facing that aren’t visible on the surface?
Suicide is the second leading cause of death for young people ages 10–24 in California.¹
Across the U.S., millions of adolescents report struggling with mental health each year.²
Risk factors like trauma, discrimination, and lack of access to healthcare can increase the likelihood of a youth mental health crisis.²
LGBTQ+ youth are at significantly higher risk—nearly 70% report persistent sadness or hopelessness, and more than 20%report a suicide attempt in the past year.³
Latino youth in California report higher levels of depressive symptoms and suicidal thoughts than other racial/ethnic groups.⁴
Mental health-related ER visits for girls ages 10–14 have nearly doubled in the past decade.⁵
Having just one trusted, supportive adult can significantly improve youth mental health outcomes.⁶
Every step builds your confidence to support the youth in your life. Move forward or back to continue the training at your own pace.
