top of page
CrumpledPaperLime.png

Fast Facts
(& the Research Behind Them)

These are the stats we’ve shared throughout the site—all backed by real research. They're here to help you understand that what you're going through is more common than it might seem, and that support does make a difference.

For most young people, emerging mental health concerns are temporary, improving with time and support 

What it means: It’s more common than most people realize to go through changes in how you think, feel, or see the world — especially during high-stress times. ​​

​

(*References 1-5)

Early support from specialized teams like SWAY improves outcomes for young people with Emerging Mental Health Concerns

What it means: Connecting with the right kind of help—even if you’re not sure what you need yet—can make a big difference in how you feel and function day-to-day.​

​

(*Reference 14)

Emerging Mental Health Concerns are usually linked to stress, trauma, anxiety, or big life changes

What it means: These kinds of experiences are often related to stress, trauma, anxiety, or
depression and improve as you learn to cope with these feelings.

​

(*References 6-7)

Emerging Mental Health Concerns arise from a mix of factors 

What it means: Emerging mental health concerns can arise from a mix of different factors, such as your biology (e.g., genetics), how you’re feeling, and your thoughts or stressors.​

​

(*References 8-10)

10–20% of teens experience emerging mental health concerns during adolescence.

What it means: It’s more common than most people realize to go through changes in how you think, feel, or see the world — especially during high-stress times. ​​

​

(*References 1-5)

7.5% of adolescents report hearing or seeing things others don’t.

What it means: Sometimes stress, anxiety, or lack of sleep can lead to sensory changes. These experiences don’t make you “crazy. What you're going through is real & valid.

​

(*Reference 3)

Specialized programs like SWAY help young people focus on what matters to them

What it means: Programs like SWAY help young people focus on their goals and what they care about — like school, relationships, or hobbies.

 ​

(*References 11-14)

References

References

​​​​

  1. Healy, C., Brannigan, R., Dooley, N., Coughlan, H., Clarke, M., Kelleher, I., & Cannon, M. (2019). Childhood and adolescent psychotic experiences and risk of mental disorder: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Psychological medicine, 49(10), 1589-1599.
     

  2. Giocondo, J. G., Salum, G. A., Gadelha, A., Argolo, F. C., Simioni, A. R., Mari, J. J., ... & Pan, P. M. (2021). Psychotic-like experiences and common mental disorders in childhood and adolescence: bidirectional and transdiagnostic associations in a longitudinal community-based study. Schizophrenia Bulletin Open, 2(1), sgab028.
     

  3. Kelleher, I., Connor, D., Clarke, M. C., Devlin, N., Harley, M., & Cannon, M. (2012). Prevalence of psychotic symptoms in childhood and adolescence: a systematic review and meta-analysis of population-based studies. Psychological medicine, 42(9), 1857-1863.
     

  4. Salazar de Pablo, G., Woods, S. W., Drymonitou, G., de Diego, H., & Fusar-Poli, P. (2021). Prevalence of individuals at clinical high-risk of psychosis in the general population and clinical samples: systematic review and meta-analysis. Brain sciences, 11(11), 1544.
     

  5. De Pablo, G. S., Radua, J., Pereira, J., Bonoldi, I., Arienti, V., Besana, F.,... & Fusar-Poli, P. (2021). Probability of transition to psychosis in individuals at clinical high risk: an updated meta-analysis. JAMA psychiatry, 78(9), 970-978.
     

  6. Gibson, L. E., Anglin, D. M., Klugman, J. T., Reeves, L. E., Fineberg, A. M., Maxwell, S. D., ... & Ellman, L. M. (2014). Stress sensitivity mediates the relationship between traumatic life events and attenuated positive psychotic symptoms differentially by gender in a college population sample. Journal of psychiatric research, 53, 111-118.
     

  7. Van der Steen, Y., Gimpel‐Drees, J., Lataster, T., Viechtbauer, W., Simons, C. J. P., Lardinois, M., ... & Myin‐Germeys, I. (2017). Clinical high risk for psychosis: the association between momentary stress, affective and psychotic symptoms. Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica, 136(1), 63-73.
     

  8. Goulding, S. M., Holtzman, C. W., Trotman, H. D., Ryan, A. T., Macdonald, A. N., Shapiro, D. I., Brasfield, J. L., & Walker, E. F. (2013). The prodrome and clinical risk for psychotic disorders. Child and adolescent psychiatric clinics of North America, 22(4), 557–567. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chc.2013.04.00
     

  9. Bernardin, F., Gauld, C., Martin, V. P., Laprévote, V., & Dondé, C. (2023). The 68 symptoms of the clinical high risk for psychosis: Low similarity among fourteen screening questionnaires. Psychiatry research, 330, 115592. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psychres.2023.115592
     

  10. Correll, C. U., Hauser, M., Auther, A. M., & Cornblatt, B. A. (2010). Research in people with psychosis risk syndrome: a review of the current evidence and future directions. Journal of child psychology and psychiatry, and allied disciplines, 51(4), 390–431. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1469-7610.2010.02235.x
     

  11. West, M. L., Parrish, E. M., & Friedman‐Yakoobian, M. (2022). Treatment outcomes for young people at clinical high risk forpsychosis: Data from a specialized clinic. Early Intervention in Psychiatry, 16(5), 500-508.
     

  12. Friedman-Yakoobian, M. S., West, M. L., Woodberry, K. A., ’Donovan, K. E., Zimmet, S. V., Gnong-Granato, A., ... & Seidman, L. J. (2018). Development of a Boston treatment program for youth at clinical high risk for psychosis: Center for early detection, assessment, and response to risk (CEDAR). Harvard Review of Psychiatry, 26(5), 274-286.
     

  13. Hamilton, S. A., Wastler, H. M., Moe, A. M., Cowan, H. R., Lundin, N. B., Guirgis, H. H., Parris, C. J., Stearns, W. H., Manges, M. E., Holmes, A. C., Blouin, A. M., & Breitborde, N. J. K. (2024). Symptomatic and Functional Outcomes Among Individuals at High Risk for Psychosis Participating in Step-Based Care. Psychiatric services (Washington, D.C.), 75(5), 496–499. https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.ps.20230188.
     

  14. Breitborde, N. J., Guirgis, H., Stearns, W., Carpenter, K. M., Lteif, G., Pine, J. G., ... & Moe, A. M. (2020). The Ohio State University Early Psychosis Intervention Center (EPICENTER) step-based care programme for individuals at clinical high risk for psychosis: study protocol for an observational study. BMJ open, 10(1), e034031.

Need urgent support?

If you’re in crisis or need to talk to someone right away, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — it’s free, 24/7, and confidential. You matter  

SWAY BG Blue.png

Developed through a collaboration between Strong365 Lab, the clinical team at Northwell Health’s SWAY Clinic, and a dedicated Teen Advisory Panel, this guide combines trusted clinical expertise with the real perspectives of teens today to offer accessible information to teens & young adults experiencing emerging mental health concerns.

S365_Lab_Color.png
Northwell_Health_logo.svg.png
Stars_Sway_Ble.png

© 2025 Strong365 Lab and SWAY Clinic, Northwell Health. All rights reserved.

​

This guide is intended for informational and educational purposes only. It should not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, please seek immediate help from a qualified healthcare professional or call emergency services.

 

This guide may not be reproduced, distributed, or used for commercial purposes without prior written permission from Strong365 Lab and SWAY Clinic, Northwell Health. The SWAY Clinic is a program funded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).


For permission requests or more information, please contact info@strong365.org.

bottom of page