A quick and accessible guide packed with information on teen mental health problems and how to approach them.

The introduction offers an overview with statistics showing how serious the crisis is: With a 60% jump in the suicide rate for people ages 10 to 24 from 2009 to 2018, mental health issues are clearly escalating among young people, a situation further exacerbated by the pandemic as shown by a dramatic rise in teen mental health crises in 2020 and 2021. Economically and socially marginalized groups are described as particularly vulnerable. Over the course of four subsequent chapters, “Recognizing Anxiety,” “Get Grounded, Stay Connected,” “Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle,” and “Healing Anxiety,” this volume addresses possible causes and offers useful suggestions. Each chapter starts with a real-life example from a young person, such as Charlotte, who felt an overwhelming need to clean; Kerry, who struggled with panic attacks; and Katy, whose experiences as a mixed-race person in an all-White small town led to social anxiety. The author describes numerous specific techniques to try when negative feelings are overwhelming as well as general wellness advice. The book closes with a discussion of accepting anxiety and what that means to different people; seeking professional help through therapy or medication is normalized. Color photographs show racially diverse young people in a variety of everyday situations. Text boxes highlight additional helpful information.

Useful for research purposes or as self-help for those struggling with mental health issues. (source notes, organizations and websites, further research, index, picture credits) (Nonfiction. 12-18)

A timely read for teens and those who work with, live with, or love them. Young people experiencing “persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness” has increased from 26 percent in 2009 to 44 percent in 2021. Those statistics are disheartening but not surprising. The COVID-19 pandemic has had an effect on all those who have experienced it and is reflected in the higher rate of sadness and hopelessness. Diggs includes facts, personal anecdotes, and real-life examples of those experiencing anxiety and how to manage that, worry, and stress. Coping skills include yoga, meditation, spending time with loved ones, and deep breathing. Diggs explains how a healthy lifestyle can positively affect our body’s response to stress, worry, and anxiety. The book also includes further resources and references. VERDICT A good choice for middle schoolers that could also serve as a talking point for teachers and parents.