Since, 2020 an increase in teen depression has healthcare workers and the CDC concerned. The CDC reports in MedLine February 13, 2023, An “Alarming” rise in violence, hopelessness, sadness and suicidal ideation among teen girls. The report stated the CDC’s chief medical officer Debra Houry, MD, MPH said the data show a distressing picture. “America’s teen girls are engulfed in a growing wave of sadness, violence, and trauma.” The report adds that 30% of teen girls seriously considered attempting suicide in 2021.
In addition, Kathleen Eithier, PhD, CDC’s Director of Adolescent and school health stated about the report, “This is truly alarming, for every 10 teenage girls you know, at least one of them and probably more has been raped.”
The boys are not fairing any better experiencing sadness and hopeless at the rate of 29%, up from 21% in 2011. The report also stated that black students did not report experiencing those issues of mental health in the same numbers, but were more likely to have attempted suicide.
This is horrifying! The worst part is that we are not without resources. Let us assist you. Take action and encourage your teens to ask for help.
988 has been designated as the new three-digit dialing code that will route callers to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.