SIGNS OF DISTRESS

A succinct overview of the mental health crisis that many adolescents are currently experiencing.

The book’s introduction explains the current struggles that many teens face due to the heightened stressors of the long-term effects of social media and the Covid-19 pandemic. Throughout the five concise chapters that follow, teenagers share their experiences with mental health distress, how they felt, and which resources (for example, therapy, talking circles, crisis hotlines, and open communication with a trusted adult) helped provide them with short- and long-term relief. Mount highlights several groups identified by public health experts as being at higher risk for mental health distress: LGBTQ+ teens, teens of color, and teenage girls. The research she cites provides value by driving home points from credible sources—the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the U.S. surgeon general, and the American Academy of Pediatrics—all supported with quantifiable data. The text includes suggested talking points, such as what to say to a friend during a tough time: “How can I support you right now?” and “Would you prefer to talk right now or could you use a distraction?” This book is incredibly valuable and in the right hands could be lifesaving. Stock photos showing racially diverse teens punctuate the text, along with sidebars that contain additional useful information.

A valuable, empathetic guide for teens who need information, whether for themselves or for peers, on mental health distress.