Recently, an Annie E. Casey Foundation (AECF) blog post highlighted nationwide mental health concerns among Generation Z, individuals born between 1997 and 2012. The post noted that about 75% of mental illnesses develop between the ages of 10 and 24. It also mentioned that 65% of people from this age group reported at least one mental wellness issue in 2021 and 2022, compared to 51% of Millennials, 29% of Gen Xers, and 14% of Boomers.
In New Jersey, approximately 8% of youth have anxiety, and five out of every thousand youths' emergency visits are for self-harm. AECF ranks New Jersey third in the nation for child health. However, the state ranks much lower in economic well-being and family and community metrics—areas not always measured as factors contributing to mental wellness.
To support youth and families experiencing mental health crises, several resources are available:
**Mobile Response & Stabilization Services**
Mobile Response and Stabilization Services (MRSS) provide on-call crisis intervention services around the clock throughout the year. Funded by the Department of Children and Families, MRSS offers immediate behavioral or emotional crisis intervention without requiring navigation through multiple systems. Youth between ages 18-21 or caregivers of younger children must dial 1-877-652-7624 to access these services through PerformCare, which conducts an initial assessment before routing calls to a local MRSS team. Services are provided within one hour either at home or over the phone. Follow-up assessments include planning for stabilization and linkage to additional services.
**988 Helpline**
The nationwide 988 helpline is funded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and administered by Vibrant Emotional Health (Vibrant). Available for individuals experiencing emotional distress or suicidal crises, trained Crisis Counselors offer confidential support around the clock.
**2NDFLOOR**
2NDFLOOR is a confidential helpline for New Jersey's youth aged between 10-24 years old. The service addresses issues such as cyberbullying, relationships, personal identity, substance use, among others. Youth can text or call 888-222-2228 or visit the organization's website to post on their message board.
**Substance Abuse & High-Risk Intervention**
Bill S4250/A5326 established legislation for community-led responses to non-violent mental health and substance abuse issues in New Jersey. Organizations like Salvation and Social Justice in Trenton; Reimagining Justice Inc., in Paterson; and Transformative Justice Initiative in Camden provide restorative healing work for those facing immediate substance abuse issues. The Newark Community Street Team’s high-risk intervention unit responds to incidents based on community referrals, addressing violence-related mental health issues with an overdose response unit available via hotline at 1-833-254-6278.
**Food Insecurity**
New Jersey ranks 26th nationally in children's economic well-being with significant percentages living in poverty or households burdened by high housing costs. Food insecurity increased from an estimated 9% in children during 2020 to nearly 10% in 2021. Hunger can adversely affect mental health by shifting focus solely on survival needs. Rutgers Against Hunger provides listings of food pantries across all counties in New Jersey.
