A growing mental health crisis is gripping today’s youth, with young women and girls suffering the most, according to a new survey conducted by Hidden Strength, a free mental health support app designed for teenagers and young adults.
The survey, which polled over 1,000 individuals aged 14 to 24 across the United States and United Kingdom, revealed staggering results: 81.4% of girls reported struggling with their mental health, compared to 69.8% of boys. While mental health concerns are on the rise among all young people, the data suggests that girls are facing unique and often more severe challenges.
Experts say the findings are part of a broader trend of worsening emotional well-being among young women, driven by a combination of social, cultural, and digital factors. From the pressures of perfectionism amplified by social media to the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, the mental load carried by today’s girls is heavier than ever.
One potential contributor to the crisis is the rise of social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube. While these platforms can provide community and support, they are also linked to harmful comparisons, body image issues, and exposure to unrealistic standards. Many young users report spending hours scrolling through curated content, often leaving them feeling inadequate or anxious.
“Social media can be a very useful way to find people who are going through similar experiences as you, which creates a sense of community. This helps people who feel isolated and alone. However, the social media of today needs more checks and balances. There needs to be an alternative for young people to go that allows them to get professional help when they need it,” shares Linsey Lunny, CEO of Hidden Strength. “What those platforms have in common is that everyday people are voicing their problems. There are also creators who are mental health professionals who are building a following on apps like TikTok.”
“This creates an environment similar to a support group of people who are struggling and those who can provide insight or explanations, along with members of the community who can voice support in comment sections or DMs.”
Psychologists warn that girls are especially vulnerable to internalizing stress and emotional pain. Unlike boys, who may exhibit their distress through aggression or risk-taking behavior, girls often turn their pain inward—leading to higher rates of anxiety, depression, eating disorders, and self-harm.
Adding to the concern is the lack of access to adequate mental health resources. Despite the growing need, many teens—especially girls—face barriers to care, such as long waitlists, high costs, or fear of being judged. The stigma around mental health still lingers, discouraging some from seeking help until their condition worsens.
Hidden Strength was launched to address this gap, offering professional mental health support directly through a mobile app. It aims to meet teens where they are—on their phones—and provide a safe space for them to access guidance, content, and connection without stigma.
Lunny explains, “It’s clear that young people and adults alike are visiting platforms like TikTok or Youtube to get answers and support for their mental health.”
Beyond digital solutions, experts say the root causes of this crisis demand systemic change—better mental health education in schools, more accessible care, and a societal shift toward empowering girls rather than pressuring them.
While the numbers paint a grim picture, advocates hope the data will serve as a wake-up call.
“We need to be asking ourselves as parents and as members of the community how we can help make technology a useful and beneficial tool for people to use, especially the younger members of our society who are learning to navigate the physical world as well as the digital one. Shying away or telling them to avoid social media won’t help, we need to provide them with educational tools and resources that can be safe havens for them,” states Lunny.