Stock photos by Vecteezy
Statistics are showing a troubling trend with youth and their mental health.
The Center for Disease Control (CDC) reported that in 2021, suicide was the second leading cause of death for people ages 10-14 and 20-34. Highest rates were among non-Hispanic American Indian/Alaska native followed by non-Hispanic whites. Youth who identify as lesbian, gay or bisexual have a higher rate of suicidal thoughts compared to their heterosexual peers.
Reported poor mental health is trending upwards within the youth population. There is a noticeable uptick of poor mental health particularly with females and those who are part of the LGBTQ+ community. The CDC reported in 2021 that anxiety, depression and suicidal thoughts among teen girls was at its highest rate in over a decade.
Anxiety disorders are the most common disorders found in teens and depression is second. The Mental State of America report released in 2023 by Mental Health America reported 60% of youth with depression did not receive any treatment.
Substance use among adolescents is also a concern. Prevalence of use among youth was holding steady in 2022 after dropping in 2021 according to the Monitoring the Future Survey.
It also found a slight increase in narcotics like Percocet, Oxycontin and Vicodin amongst 12th graders. Unfortunately, there has been a rise in overdose deaths in ages 14-18, mostly attributed to fentanyl use.
Most of the information we have presently is based on surveys and information gathered up until 2022. It will be interesting to see what the statistics will show in the future now that we are solidly out of the pandemic and there is increasing awareness of the state of youth mental health.
Here are links to the survey’s mentioned:
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