Third annual survey on teen mental health announced
Published on March 01, 2024
City leaders, youth groups announce third annual survey on teen mental health
SAN ANTONIO (March 1, 2024) – Today, the City of San Antonio Department of Human Services’ San Antonio Youth Commission (SAYC) and the Metropolitan Health District’s Project Worth Teen Ambassadors launched the Third Annual Teen Mental Health Survey. The survey is open to San Antonio residents between the ages of 12 and 19. The survey is anonymous and will be available in English, Spanish and other languages until April 30.
Survey insights from previous years revealed that youth turn to their peers for support when struggling with a mental health challenge. In response, Project Worth Teen Ambassadors and the SAYC partnered with the Center of Health Care Services to offer Teen Mental Health First Aid training. This training taught teens how to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental health and substance abuse challenges among their friends and peers.
“I firmly believe that the Teen Mental Health Survey is essential to understand the complexities of San Antonio youth facing social and emotional challenges,” Amrutha Konduru, San Antonio Youth Commission Mental Health and Wellbeing Subcommittee Chair said. “By extracting these data from today’s youth, we are able to identify the root causes of such challenges and compile a list of relevant resources and initiatives to address this prevalent issue.”
A study published by Mental Health America in November 2023 showed that more than 1 in 10 youth in the U.S. are experiencing depression, which is severely impairing their ability to function at school, work, home, with family, or in their social life. The study also highlighted that 1 in 6 youth (ages 12-17) reported suffering from at least one major depressive episode (MDE) in the past year while 1 in 9 youth reported experiencing severe major depression.
“Mental health is so important to be able to cope and deal with life’s obstacles,” Project Worth Teen Ambassador Luke Mendez said. “The Teen Mental Health Survey allows youth to express what difficulties they may be struggling with. This is important so others can be aware and offer resources.”
The Teen Mental Health Survey is available via the community portal SASpeakUp.com.