A new survey by the CDC, teen girls in the US are experiencing record-high levels of sadness, violence, and suicide risk. Here is everything you need to know.
The rising violence, sadness, and suicide risk among teen girls
As per a new survey by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), teen girls in the country are experiencing shockingly high levels of sadness, violence, and suicide risk. As per the data, in 2021, as many as 57 percent of high school-aged girls were regularly hopeless or sad. This is an almost 60 percent rise and the highest in the last decade. In comparison, only 29 teen boys experienced this.
“Many measures were moving in the wrong direction before the pandemic. These data show the mental health crisis among young people continues,” stated Kathleen Ethier. Ethier is the director of the CDC’s division of adolescent and school health. Additionally, the report revealed a “heartbreaking” and “significant” decline in youth well-being and health.
More on the shocking report
Mental health challenges, suicide risk, and trauma from experience are rising among teenagers. Over 40 percent of teens revealed this stopped them from taking part in regular activities for a minimum of two weeks every year. “High school should be a time for trailblazing, not trauma. These data show our kids need far more support to cope, hope and thrive,” stated Dr. Debra Houry. She is the CDC’s chief medical officer and deputy director for program and science.
As per another study, 30 percent of girls seriously considered attempting suicide and are a suicide risk. As many as 52 percent of LGBTQ+ students experienced poor mental health. More than one in five attempted to take their lives in the last year. Additionally, the report highlighted the rise in adolescent well-being and health, risky sexual behavior, bullying, and substance abuse in schools.