There Are No Shortcuts to Solving the Youth Mental Health Crisis

Glen Weiner
DC Journal
July 27, 2026

I’m not alone in feeling powerless when I hear another heartbreaking story about a young person struggling with anxiety, depression or loneliness. First, ask yourself, “What happened?” Then, “What can I do about it?”

When the challenges are this serious, it is understandable that we are drawn to simple solutions. If one thing is causing the problem, then removing that one thing should fix it. That kind of thinking is appealing because it offers certainty in a moment that feels anything but.

However, parenting has taught that very few shortcuts actually work. Raising healthy, resilient kids has never depended on one decision or one rule. It comes from hundreds of small choices, caring relationships and environments that help children grow into confident adults.

That is why I have become increasingly convinced that we cannot ban our way out of the youth mental health challenge.