New York City teens have been facing a record high mental health crisis, according to information presented from New York City Comptroller Brad Lander’s report from Dec. 2025.
The report indicates that 40% of teens in New York City Public Schools felt sadness or hopelessness, especially those in underfunded and understaffed schools.
Mental health awareness is important to understand, especially with teenagers. At the teenage age, that’s when the most emotions and feelings start to form. As teenagers are constantly changing and going through different things, they are often the most vulnerable.
The rising statistics showcase that teens are undergoing mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and more. But, there are many reasons why these numbers are rising. One of the biggest factors that contribute to mental health crises against teens is balancing academic stress and personal life.
School work and academic stress such as grades can be overwhelming for teens. This, combined with the everyday personal issues that many face, can contribute to anxiety and stress. For those teens who are hard on themselves or push themselves for a better future and college and career path, it can be overwhelming.
Another big factor playing into the teen mental health crises is social media. Teens are constantly on big platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat, where it can be both an enjoyable and toxic place to be. For example, teens end up constantly comparing themselves to influencers they look up to, yearning for their lifestyle and success. This can lower teens’ self-esteem. Social media can also drive teens to do things they never thought they would end up doing, including dangerous activities and trends.
Access to mental health support for many teens can be challenging to find. In New York City, with such a large population, finding someone to talk to such as a therapist or a counselor can be hard when so many professionals take limited insurance providers or are booked. In schools, not everyone has someone in the building who is qualified or who they can turn to. In addition, for schools who do have counselors and staff for this specific reason, their caseloads can be overwhelmingly slammed.
Teens also have a hard time opening up due to embarrassment and shame. When they do not receive the right help or support, it can lead to self-harming activities and bad coping mechanisms entirely. In some cases, teens even undergo suicidal thoughts and tendencies, if left without any help or support.
It’s important for schools to offer more resources for teens, especially those who may be showing signs of mental health struggles. In addition, schools can help families find support outside of the building for private practice sessions or even community centers in students’ neighborhoods who offer counseling and support.
Schools can also create a comfortable environment where students won’t feel bad or ashamed for feeling what they’re feeling. With many resources, it can be easier for teens to get the help that they need.
New York City is a place filled with many people from all over the world; different backgrounds, cultures, ethnicity. But, everyone struggles with at least something. It is important to look into the wellbeing of the teens and youth across the city. If this crisis continues to be ignored, it will just grow into a bigger problem in the future.
