Mental health conditions often go hand-in-hand with substance use disorders

A mental health condition can affect your thinking, mood, emotions, and behavior. Some commonly known examples include anxiety, depression, and eating disorders among others. Further, the association between mental health conditions and developing a substance use disorder (SUD) has been well-documented. For example, in studies of teens with a mental health issue, rates of co-occurring SUD ranged from 61% to 88%.

The co-occurrence of mental health issues and SUDs is of particular importance for Milton’s youth. In the 2019 Community Assessment report released by The Milton Coalition, Milton high school students reporting having depression at higher rates than the state average: 29% of students reported having experienced depressive symptoms in the past year. Moreover, 45% reported prolonged anxiety in the past year. Of note, these 2019 statistics are pre-Covid. Studies have also shown elevated rates of poor mental health days in the face of the pandemic. The 2019 Community Assessment also reported concerns about youth mental health expressed by teens, parents, and adult community leaders alike.

Studies have shown that one method to addressing youth mental health issues is to create opportunities for positive social engagement through age-appropriate extracurricular activities. These activities can increase self-esteem and positive social behaviors among children and adolescents. Moreover, extracurricular activities are also a suggested strategy to increase social support systems, social skills, and relationships. Key to building supportive environments and activities where all youth can benefit from social engagement is to ensure intentionality in the areas of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Further, studies indicate that stigma serves as a major barrier to treatment and recovery from SUD and co-occurring mental health conditions. These same studies also conclude that anti-stigma education is needed for health care professionals, the community, and family members to ensure that SUD and mental health conditions are recognized as clinical conditions that can benefit from professional mental health care.

Contributed by Maile Panerio-Langer

Maile Panerio-Langer is a Milton resident, parent, and a member of The Milton Coalition. The Milton Coalition is made up of community stakeholders who are working collaboratively to prevent, reduce, and address the use of drugs and alcohol by youth, as well as promoting positive mental health among youth, in Milton. It has been a program of the Milton Health Department since 2014.

To reduce the stigma associated with substance use and mental health disorders, the Milton Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition has decided to change our name to the Milton Coalition. For more information and resources, go to our website at www.milton-coalition.org