Teenage boys are drowning in just as much of the depression and anxiety that’s been well documented in girls. Experts warn that many young men struggling with their mental health are left undetected and without the help they need.
Amidst the well-documented focus on girls’ mental health, experts are raising alarms about the hidden struggles of teenage boys. Despite facing similar levels of depression and anxiety, boys often go unnoticed and untreated, with their symptoms manifesting differently from girls.
A recent study revealed a concerning trend: while antidepressant prescriptions soared for teenage girls and women, they plummeted for young men during the pandemic. This decline in seeking medical help for mental health issues among boys has left experts puzzled and worried about the undertreatment of their conditions.
Unlike the stereotypical image of depression in girls, boys often exhibit their struggles through irritability and frustration. This atypical presentation of symptoms makes it challenging for parents and healthcare providers to identify and address mental health issues in young men, leading to a concerning gap in support and treatment.