Memorandum

 High depression rates amongst the teenagers of New York

Almost four years post-pandemic, depression rates among teenagers in New York City remain alarmingly high. Prioritizing mental health is essential for helping young people navigate the challenges of adolescence and preparing them for adulthood.


According to this article, “two in five (40.0%) New Yorkers between the ages of 18 and 34 reported poor mental health”. Additionally, with the onset of video games and social media, children and teens are choosing to spend less time outdoors. This decline in outdoor activity is detrimental, as exposure to nature and social interactions fosters emotional well-being, builds social skills, and enhances personal development. The lack of such experiences may contribute significantly to the rising mental health issues faced by our youth. 


We can address this issue by first focusing on neighborhoods, as they provide the most immediate connection to the outside world for individuals. Increasing a strong sense of community within neighborhoods will urge teens to go outside more. To do this, I propose implementing accessible “third places”, or community-based spaces, within as many neighborhoods as possible, which encourage outdoor activities and social engagement among teenagers and others. Organizing neighborhood events, such as block parties, and creating accessible spaces—like parks and gardens—can help foster a sense of belonging and connection. While this approach may require additional funding, it could lead to greater community involvement, personal fulfillment and improved mental health outcomes for our youth.


I urge you to consider these proposals as an important step towards improving mental health among teenagers in our city. Please feel free to reach out to me at ontora.deychoudhury53@citymail.cuny.edu. Thank you for your attention to this important issue; I look forward to discussing with you.


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