Supporting the young people in your life starts with showing up.
Young people today are carrying more than they let on. Stress, anxiety, and feelings of hopelessness are affecting youth across the country — and in many cases, a trusted adult is the most powerful resource a young person has.
Big Brothers Big Sisters has always believed that meaningful relationships change lives. That belief extends to mental health. Whether you're a mentor, a parent, or a caring adult in a young person's life, this page is for you.
"Mental health challenges in children, adolescents, and young adults are real and widespread. Even before the pandemic, an alarming number of young people struggled with feelings of helplessness, depression, and thoughts of suicide — and rates have increased over the past decade. The COVID-19 pandemic further altered their experiences at home, school, and in the community, and the effect on their mental health has been devastating. The future wellbeing of our country depends on how we support and invest in the next generation."
— U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy, December 2021
Young people in BBBS programs report meaningful improvements in how they feel about themselves, their futures, and their place in the world.
of Littles feel a strong sense of belonging among their peers
say they're doing better in school because of their Big
say their Big helped them feel better about themselves
feel confident they'll achieve their goals
In December 2021, the U.S. Surgeon General issued an advisory highlighting the urgent need to address the nation’s youth mental health crisis.
The Advisory describes the COVID 19 Pandemic’s unprecedented impact on the mental health of America’s young people, as well as the mental health challenges that existed long before the pandemic. The Advisory provides recommendations for individuals, families and community organizations like Big Brothers Big Sisters to improve the mental health of children, youth and young adults. Read the full report.
Up to 1 in 5 children ages 3 to 17 in the U.S. having a mental, emotional, developmental, or behavioral disorder
From 2009 to 2019, the share of high school students who reported persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness increased by 40%, to more than 1 in 3 students
Suicidal behaviors among high school students also increased during the decade preceding COVID
In a report released in March, 2023, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control released its report providing research from its Youth Risk Behavior Survey (2011-2021).
Team: Changing Minds is a national network of mental health responders dedicated to helping young people, and especially young men, connect to support. We activate the trusted peers and adults in young people’s lives, who are active in pastimes they love (like video games, mentoring, and sports) – ensuring help is just a click, call, or connection away.
Big Brothers Big Sisters partnered with Futures Without Violence and National Council for Mental Wellbeing to address the nation’s youth mental health crisis. To learn more about this initiative, contact your local BBBS agency or visit teamchangingminds.org.
Sign up to receive periodic email updates, information about youth mental health, and additional learning opportunities from Team: Changing Minds.
Are you a caring adult who is ready to learn more about the signs a young person experiencing a mental health challenge may exhibit?
The Mental Health Champion Challenge is a free 5-day learning resource about actionable steps you can take to help.
Text BIG to 741741 to text confidentially with a compassionate, trained Crisis Counselor. Confidential support 24/7, for free.
Whether you're supporting a young person, navigating a difficult moment yourself, or looking to learn more — these trusted resources are here to help.
