🧠 In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, this episode dives into the growing youth mental health crisis. Dr. Keisha Davis is joined by Dr. Atoosa Kourosh and guest co-host Dr. Amelia Villagomez to explore youth suicidality, spiritual protective factors, processed food impact, and what signs signal when a child or teen may need help.
From personal stories to national data, the trio explores why it's not "just a phase"—and how to take meaningful steps toward prevention, resilience, and healing.
The role of ultra-processed foods and sleep deprivation in rising youth mental health concerns
The surprising spiritual protection factor in preventing adolescent depression
The latest CDC and NIH youth suicide statistics and risk factors
When to seek a therapist vs. a psychiatrist
Strategies for recognizing early signs of mental distress in kids and teens
Why spiritual alignment between parent and child matters more than previously thought
Youth suicidality rose sharply from 2007 to 2021. Suicide attempts in high schoolers increased from 6.9% to 10.1%, with Black youth at 1.57x higher risk than white peers.
Ultra-processed foods make up 67% of daily calories for American youth (NHANES 2021).
Adolescents with strong spirituality are up to 75% less likely to experience depression and 80% less likely to develop substance abuse.
Studies show suicide risk increases within 0–3 days of air pollution spikes (PM exposure).
| Role | Training & Focus | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Therapist | Talk-based support, non-MD | Ongoing emotional support, trauma recovery |
| Psychiatrist | MD, can prescribe medications | Severe mental health disorders, evaluation, medication |
AACAP Clinical Update on Behavioral Health:
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaac.2022.06.001
CDC Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS):
https://www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/data/yrbs/index.htm
NIH Study on Pollution & Suicide:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33736135/
Spirituality & Mental Health Study Summary:
"A child was 5x less likely to experience depression when sharing spirituality with their mother."
NHANES Dietary Report:
https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/nhanes/index.htm
Have a question about your child's mental health? Want to share your story? DM us or email at info@themedicalcollective.com. We're listening. 💬
Dr. Keisha Davis, M.D. (Host)
https://drkeishadavis.komi.io
https://themedicalcollective.komi.io
Dr. Atoosa Kourosh, M.D. (Co-Host)
Instagram: @holisticallergyimmunology
Website: https://www.doctoratoosa.com
Dr. Amelia Villagomez, M.D. (Guest Co-Host – Child & Adolescent Psychiatry) https://findmindful.com/
