The 2024 National Survey of Children’s Health found an increase in mental health conditions among children, with anxiety leading the pack.
Richard Crislip is the vice president of behavioral health with Optum-Arizona. He echoes what the research is showing, but is clear to point out: This is not just a “kid problem.”
"I always look at kids as the barometers of just greater adult society. One of the interesting developmental challenges of a child is that they really are at the mercy of the adults in their life, whether they be parents, teachers, people in the community," said Crislip.
And many adults are also struggling. Almost a third will experience an anxiety disorder at some point during their lives.
"You have to humble yourself a little bit. Especially for parents, and it's always the advice I used to give to parents: Your children aren't independent of you. It's not your fault. It's not like that kind of thing. But live by the notion that children barely listen to us, but they never fail to mimic us," Crislip said.
Crislip also recommends checking in with kids, asking questions about their day and looking for nonverbal cues like irritability or changes in appetite
