Teens in southeast Michigan are carrying more than just backpacks and books to school—they are also carrying the weight of economic hardship, exposure to adversity, discrimination, family responsibilities, and social pressures. In 2024, researchers in Detroit and 2026 in Flint gathered insights from school staff and community members about the mental health challenges faced by local teens. These concerns were echoed repeatedly in focus groups and advisory meetings, highlighting a growing need for attention and support. A pediatric psychologist and researcher who has worked with Michigan youth for over a decade emphasized that teens today face mental health challenges that are often overlooked by adults. These include depression, anxiety, trauma, and exhaustion. School personnel, who are often on the front lines, reported that students seemed physically and mentally worn down. They also noted rising concerns about substance use, fights, and suicidal thoughts, which many participants linked to unaddressed mental health issues and the need for better coping strategies. National data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also reflects these concerns. In 2023, the CDC surveyed over 20,000 U.S. high school students and found that nearly 4 in 10 experienced persistent sadness and hopelessness, with young women and LGBTQ+ teens facing higher risks. While Black teens were less likely to report poor mental health, they were more likely to report suicide attempts than white teens. These disparities often stem from everyday stressors such as housing instability, financial strain, and family responsibilities. In both Detroit and Flint, community leaders and educators are working to address these challenges. In Flint, a weekend in August 2026 saw six shootings, including two fatalities, highlighting ongoing concerns about youth gun violence. Efforts such as the Community Safety Collaborative Dashboard aim to prevent such incidents. Meanwhile, parents and educators expressed feeling overwhelmed and under-resourced, which aligns with national trends showing high levels of stress and burnout among caregivers and teachers. Teens, parents, and community members are calling for more inclusive and effective mental health support. They emphasize the importance of involving young people in creating solutions, as they often know best what barriers prevent them from seeking help. Teens may avoid mental health care due to fear of being misunderstood or lacking the language to express their emotions. Safe spaces—where teens feel seen, understood, and affirmed—are essential to building trust and encouraging help-seeking behavior. To address these needs, researchers are developing a model that trains school staff to recognize and support students’ mental health concerns while connecting them to additional resources. In Detroit, access to mental health care remains a challenge, with residents citing a lack of services, qualified professionals, and facilities. In Flint, teens have expressed a desire for programs that offer food, fun, mentorship, and social connection—without judgment or pressure. They want to be heard and supported in spaces that celebrate their strengths rather than focusing on their struggles.