Demand for mental health resources and support is growing. The Boys Town National Hotline received more than 79,000 calls in 2024 alone, and nearly half of those were directly related to mental health struggles.
Experts at Boys Town said this is more than a national issue, it's a local one as well, and as the demand grows, so is the intensity in the mental health battles many youth are experiencing.
Crissy Stoller, clinical therapist and assistant director of the chemical use program at Boys Town Behavioral Health Clinic, said they've also seen young people be more open in admitting when they're struggling.
"There has been a shift in the last few years of their willingness to communicate how they're feeling," Stoller said.
Stoller also said early intervention is critical.
"For instance, if a child is anxious and they are avoiding whatever the thing is that they're anxious about, let's just say that, and so avoidance becomes the thing they use to not have to feel uncomfortable," Stoller said. "The longer that gets ingrained in the longer they do that, the harder it is to shift. That can turn into bigger problems down the road as an adult. The earlier you show them that they have that ability, the easier it is for them to build confidence and, you know, to not get into those long-term, pervasive avoidant behaviors."
Stoller said it can start with a conversation between a parent and child.
"At a time where there's just some downtime, I would encourage them to just go up to their child and say, hey, you know, I've noticed a couple things changing right now. I just want to make sure you're OK," Stoller said. "You can tell me if you're not. Have you been feeling OK? So, just a very neutral, open-ended question, not accusing them of anything going on, but just. I'm here for you if you need something. The child might not say anything then, but at least it'll be in the back of their head. Hey, my parents are noticing something's different, and if they want to talk to them, they will."
Another option is reaching out the Boys Town National Hotline or downloading the free app, "Your Life Your Voice."
"I've had clients put that one on their phone and it has been very helpful to them," Stoller said.
Users can track how they're feeling in a mood journal, which can help identify triggers, develop a safety plan, or even start a chat with trained professionals ready to help at any time.
"Unfortunately, big emotions happen not at the most convenient times," Stoller said. "And so, if their parents are sleeping or, they don't have access to who are their normal support system would, having a 24/7, option gives them a beat to take a minute before they do anything that they might later regret."
No personal information from the app is tracked or stored and users can remain anonymous. No wifi is needed to operate the app either.
To learn more, click here.
