Youth mental health: A local lens on a national crisis
We’re not just minds and bodies. We’re human beings. Yet there is often a distinction made between physical and behavioral health. One that includes stigma, silence, and confusion around getting help for stress, depression, anxiety, or substance use. As if these problems had nothing to do with how we feel physically. In real life, anxiety isn’t just a worry and we can’t just paint a happy face on depression. These and other issues have an impact on our health, our relationships and in our everyday lives – including our youth.
The United States is experiencing a youth mental health crisis, and Kansas City is neither immune nor a bystander. According to Health and Human Services (HHS), mental health challenges are the leading cause of disability and poor life outcomes in young people. HHS says in recent years, we’ve seen significant increases in certain mental health disorders in youth, including depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation. According to Children’s Mercy Kansas City, nearly 3,000 children underwent assessment for acute mental health needs at Children’s Mercy in 2022, and 40 to 50% of children in the Kansas City region don’t get treatment for their mental health needs.
That’s why Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City (Blue KC) is partnering with local leaders to help reduce the stigma and normalize the conversation around youth behavioral health in our communities.
Pilot program a first-of-its-kind collaboration
Earlier this year Blue KC, Children’s Mercy Kansas City, and Center School District launched a first-of-its-kind youth mental health pilot program designed to incorporate restorative practices throughout the district. Restorative practices are specific skills that promote a relational approach to conflict resolution with a focus on accountability and community building. Training, coaching, and mentoring in restorative practices is provided by RestoreED, a local organization founded by two former teachers.
Implementation encompasses:
- A train-the-trainer model to ensure restorative practices are infused throughout the district
- Sustainability beyond the three-year pilot program
- Staff buy in
A behavioral health consultation team from Children’s Mercy is embedded in the district and focused on providing organizational support to address social, emotional, and behavioral health needs.
The goals of the initiative are to proactively support the social and emotional needs of students and teachers with evidence-based behavioral health education; improve student engagement, attendance, and performance; and reduce the incidents of disruptive behavior that often lead to suspension and expulsion.
Engage kids in positive conversation
From school to sports, today’s pressures on young athletes are higher than ever. Kids have become so scared to let us down that they are losing the joy a sport can bring, with potential for lifelong impact to their mental well-being. This conversation is too important to ignore. Use the Conversation Guide, developed by Blue KC, to approach your young athlete with care and find out how they are feeling honestly.
The Conversation Guide is part of Blue KC’s larger initiative with the Kansas City Royals called Shut Out the Stigma, focused on educating parents, coaches, and guardians on the pressure kids face on and off the field.
Shut Out the Stigma offers a free, online educational course for parents and caregivers, coaches, clubs, directors, and schools involved in youth sports that further enhances the impact of the award winning documentary, Not Good Enough. This course helps stimulate healthy conversations that lead to more enjoyable experiences on and off the playing field.
Other helpful resources
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline – The 988 Lifeline provides 24/7 free and confidential support for people in distress and prevention and crisis resources.
- Know the Signs: Recognizing Mental Health Concerns in Kids and Teens
- 5 Ways to Support Your Teen’s Mental Health
- Understand Depression
- Coping with Stress
- Mindful Advocates – In a unique role exclusive to Blue KC health plans, Mindful Advocates are available 24/7 at 833-302-MIND (6463). A Mindful Advocate can offer in-the-moment support and help Blue KC members access tools, including in-person, text, online therapy, and virtual care options specific to the member’s behavioral healthcare needs.
