Five years ago, Children’s Hospital Colorado made a bold move, declaring a state of emergency for youth mental health—the first of its kind in the U.S. Emergency rooms were flooded with children in crisis. Schools faced challenges supporting students struggling with anxiety and isolation, especially during the pandemic. Families found themselves lost in a complicated system while searching for help that often felt out of reach.
Fast forward to today, and while some things have improved, the youth mental health crisis persists. A recent report from the Colorado Health Institute shows that the percentage of adolescents aged 12 to 17 reporting poor mental health dropped from 23% in 2023 to 12% in 2025. Yet, rising concerns remain. Over the last decade, rates of poor mental health among school-age children have spiked, and suicide is still a major cause of death for young people in Colorado. Alarmingly, even younger kids under 12 are facing increasing mental health challenges.
Why is this happening? The reasons are complicated. One clear factor is social media. Teens typically spend almost four hours a day on these platforms. Around 25% say social media makes them feel worse about their lives, and nearly two-thirds encounter hate-related content regularly. This constant exposure can worsen their mental health.
Adding to the problem, Colorado is experiencing a shortage of mental health workers. There’s a projected need for about 4,400 more mental health providers in the state. When kids do seek help, finding a qualified expert can be a daunting task.
To tackle these issues, Children’s Hospital Colorado and Healthier Colorado have initiated Mind Our Future Colorado, aimed at prioritizing child and youth mental health in the upcoming gubernatorial election. Supported by around 70 healthcare organizations and community advocates, this initiative seeks to bring awareness and demand action.
As part of their efforts, these organizations have produced a policy playbook outlining strategies to improve child mental health. Their focus includes:
Supporting Families: Strengthening mental health foundations from an early age; integrating services in community settings; and ensuring the right workforce is available.
Improving Coordination: Simplifying bureaucratic processes, enhancing accountability, and exploring creative funding through public-private partnerships.
Empowering Youth: Regulating social media to protect young users, limiting phone usage in schools, and pushing social media companies to invest in mental health solutions.
The stakes are high. The mental health crisis impacts not just young people but also affects classrooms, workplaces, and entire communities. A struggling child can mean a parent missing work, a teacher facing burnout, and hospitals overwhelmed with cases that prevention could have addressed.
Investing in youth mental health can lead to healthier communities, reduce pressure on public systems, and help children thrive. Colorado has compassionate, resilient young people ready to make a difference. By electing leaders committed to mental health reforms, real change is possible.
The urgency is clear. If we don’t act now, we risk losing a generation to issues we have the power to address. Colorado has a unique opportunity to become a leader in supporting young people’s mental health. It’s time to move from a state of emergency to a state of opportunity, where every child can thrive.
For more insight into youth mental health challenges and potential solutions, see the CDC’s resources on mental health.
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