In honor of Youth Mental Health Awareness Month, we want to shed light on this ever-growing crisis.
Our previous article, "The Silent Epidemic," touched on depressive disorders among the youth population, which often lead to hospitalizations, dropouts, and grade repetition.
From the article:
“Among children and adolescents in the U.S., depressive disorders stand out as the most common cause of hospitalization for those under age 18. High school students with significant symptoms of depression are more than twice as likely to drop out compared to their peers. Similarly, students aged 6-17 with mental, emotional, or behavioral concerns face a threefold increased likelihood of grade repetition. Fostering mental health awareness and support within educational institutions can pave the way for a resilient future generation.”
Suicide is now the second leading cause of death for youth and young adults aged 10-24 years old. Suicide rates have increased in this population over the past 20 years, alongside suicide attempts and self-harm. These statistics are especially relevant for those with additional risk factors. The rate of LGBTQ+ high schoolers who attempt suicide (26.3%) is five times higher than heterosexual students (5.2%). Race and ethnicity also play a role in suicide risk. Non-Hispanic American Indian and Alaska Native people experienced increased suicide rates over the past few years (26%) alongside non-Hispanic Black (19.2%) people.
Youth experiencing mental health symptoms do not deserve to suffer in silence. Here are some resources available to support young people’s mental health:
For Young People:
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline - Call. Text. Chat. (988lifeline.org)
- Mental Health Resource Center | The Jed Foundation
- Mindfulness for Teens
For Parents:
- How to Talk to Your Child About Their Mental Health | NAMI: National Alliance on Mental Illness
- Finding Mental Health Care for Your Child | NAMI: National Alliance on Mental Illness
- Getting Your Child Mental Health Support and Accommodations in School | NAMI: National Alliance on Mental Illness
LGBTQ+ Youth:
Eating Disorders:
BIPOC Youth:
These resources aim to provide support and guidance for those who may be struggling with their mental health. Remember, reaching out for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. You are not alone.
