Tillamook Family Counseling Center

March 2 marks World Teen Mental Wellness Day — a reminder that supporting young people’s emotional health is just as important as supporting their physical health.

Here in Oregon, thousands of youth are navigating anxiety, depression, academic pressures, and social challenges. In 2023 alone, more than 31,000 Oregon youth under 18 received Medicaid-funded mental health services, and 55,000 youth ages 12–17 are living with depression (Oregon State Fact Sheet). These numbers remind us that teen mental health challenges are not rare — they are something many families across our state, including here on the Oregon Coast, experience.

Life on the Oregon Coast changes noticeably with the seasons. During the fall and winter months, shorter days and limited sunlight can affect mood and energy levels for many people.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), sometimes called seasonal depressive disorder, is a form of depression that follows a predictable seasonal pattern. Symptoms often begin in late fall or early winter and ease as daylight returns in spring. It’s more than just feeling “down” — SAD can make everyday tasks feel heavier and harder to manage.

Group counseling brings together small groups of people who share similar experiences, challenges, or goals. Guided by trained mental health counselors, these sessions create a structured, safe space where participants can practice communication, explore patterns, and receive feedback without judgment.