In a recent article released by The Washington Post, they discussed the rising suicide rates among youth as they have been reported before the pandemic and addresses how the pandemic has exacerbated the ongoing issues.
This post will reference statements made about this post and comments made by the Surgeon General. For reference, you can read the original article in its entirety here:
As a society, we are not doing enough to address the mental health challenges of our people and especially our youth. Many children and teens in care lack the support they need to address their individual mental health needs and at no fault of their own. They will experience emotional hardship as the result of any trauma that has led to their displacement from their home as well as the trauma that ensues from being displaced.
In recent years mental health has evolved in the eyes of people across the nation, with the significance of depression and anxiety being more widely noticed and accepted.
For youth experiencing depression, anxiety, or any other mental health condition it has deprived them from social supports that are conducive of healthy growth and development. And while we may have all physically adapted to the changes, the mental health problems among this group have gotten worse according to statements made in “A Youth Mental Health Crisis was Already Brewing. The Pandemic Made It Worse, Surgeon General Says” by The Washington Post as linked above.
It is important to have outlets and support to help during the hard times and to celebrate the good times with as well. Mental health is not an inconvenience or a luxury, it is necessary to nurture the body and mind through whatever happens in life. We can all do our part to support this ideation by upholding a sense of love and compassion to people of any age or identity. Communicate appreciation and acceptance of one another. Nobody can do it alone and they shouldn’t be expected to, especially youth.
During the holidays, depression can be more severe and contentious for many people out there. We should all take steps to ensure that ourselves and those around us are aware that there is help if we need it and how to access it.
This topic may be concerning and frustrating to think about, but no amount of inaction can ever lead to a solution. Mental health should always be taken seriously and handled with the utmost care. Every measure possible should be taken to prevent self-harm, re-traumatization, or a life altering decision to be made. According to the Suicide Prevention Lifeline website, suicide is the second most common cause of death for youths, more information can be found linked below.
If you or someone you care about is struggling with suicidal ideations reach out to the National Suicide Prevention hotline by phone or text. Your life is valuable, and you are enough. And although it may not feel like it at times, your situation can improve with the proper support.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline:
800-273-8255 (TALK)
To text with a crisis counselor, message the Crisis Text Line at:
741741
Additionally, you can visit the Suicide Prevention Lifeline website for youth here:
And for the LGBTQ+ community here:
Comments