NEW ORLEANS – As communities across the nation recognize May as Mental Health Awareness Month, Boys Town experts are urging families to prioritize mental wellness and start conversations early to prevent emotional struggles from becoming crises.
According to the CDC, nearly 1 in 3 high school students reported poor mental health in 2023, and 57% of teen girls said they felt persistently sad or hopeless—the highest rate in a decade. Boys Town, a national leader in child and family care, is working to turn those statistics around.
Mental health continues to be one of the most pressing issues facing youth and families. In 2024 alone, the Boys Town National Hotline answered over 79,000 calls, offering a lifeline to children, teens, and caregivers in need of support. Of those, 43% were directly related to mental health.
Among the top concerns:
- Anxiety accounted for nearly 46% of all mental health-related calls
- Depression made up 16%
- Loneliness followed closely at 15%
“These are not just numbers—they’re young people reaching out, many for the first time, looking for someone to listen and help,” said the manager of the Boys Town Behavioral Health Clinic. “The earlier we provide support, the more likely we are to prevent serious mental health consequences down the road.”
Warning signs of emotional distress can include mood swings, withdrawal from family and friends, changes in eating or sleeping habits, poor school performance, or self-harm. Boys Town encourages parents to trust their instincts and reach out for help if they notice concerning behaviors.
For more than 30 years, the Boys Town National Hotline (1-800-448-3000) has been available 24/7, 365 days a year, connecting callers with trained crisis counselors. The hotline is free, confidential, and open to people of all ages. Text and online chat support are also available at YourLifeYourVoice.org, a platform built specifically for teens and young adults.
“In many cases, it’s not just the kids who need support—it’s the whole family. We are seeing more kids struggling with big emotions and fewer adults knowing what to do about it,” Executive Director of Boys Town Louisiana, Rashain Carriere-Williams added. “Mental Health Awareness Month is a great opportunity to elevate this conversation—and normalize asking for help.”
If you or someone you know is struggling, call the Boys Town National Hotline at 1-800-448-3000 or visit YourLifeYourVoice.org for text and chat options. Help is here. You are not alone.
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