Why Mental Health Matters
Historically and currently, the topic of mental health was/is typically avoided and shunned, hence the current stigma around mental health we see today across many cultures. There are existing viewpoints in which those who speak on mental health concerns are “weak”, that emotions should be avoided, that people should just “toughen up” when experiencing stressors. Much of these traditional mindsets have been internalized across generations consciously and unconsciously– just look at our society today. We also exist in a time where nearly all aspects of one’s day creates further disconnection with oneself and from others, from economic uncertainty, the proliferation and impact of social media, increasing political and social unrest, anti-LGBTQIA+ laws and rhetoric, and exposure to gun violence and police shootings.
An alarming number of teens are suicidal, depressed, and/or experiencing sexual violence, according to the recent 2023 Center for Disease Control’s (CDC) data.
What the Youth Risk Behavior Survey Found
Nearly 60% of girls said they felt so sad or hopeless for at least two consecutive weeks that they stopped doing their usual activities, a significant increase since the 36% recorded in 2011. Among boys, nearly 30% reported such feelings. Nearly 70% of LGBTQIA+ students reported persistent sadness.
Thirty percent of girls seriously considered suicide—double the number from 10 years prior. The proportion of boys (14%) seriously considering suicide stayed about the same as in 2011.
An all-time high of 13% of girl students attempted suicide one or more times in 2021, as did 7% of boys. Even higher proportions of marginalized high schoolers attempted suicide: LGBTQIA+ (22%), American Indian/Alaskan Native (16%), and Black (14%) students.
Nearly 1 in 5 girls reported past-year sexual violence—a 20% increase since the CDC first started monitoring this measure in 2017. Also on the rise: 14% of teen girls reported they had been forced to have sex in their lifetime. Forced sex and sexual violence are linked to substance use, mental health problems, and suicide risk, according to the report.
Where the Hope Lives
The staggering data can easily cause feelings of defeat, but there is hope. In the midst of this data, there are rebellious stories against defeat, scarcity mindsets, and fear, which instills inspiration and hope for the future, no matter how big or small.
There are countless stories of complete strangers saving people’s lives from life threatening situations. There is progress on women representation and protection of women’s rights in Malta, Scotland, including sports in England and Germany. There is progress on LGTBQIA+ rights in Greece, Singapore, and in Tokyo. Mental health app “Hub of Hope” gains increased awareness, the only mental health app of its kind that brings NHS, Samaritans, Mind and more than 3,000 registered national and local voluntary, grassroots, private and third sector mental health support services together in one place. There is an increase of networks offering 24/7 mental health crisis centers around the globe. A 21-year old got creative and upcycled her late grandfather’s shirts into cute tops to keep him close to her heart. A teen coped with tragedy by organizing a book drive for sick children living with cancer, and has collected and donated about 15,000 books to local hospitals. Some animal species were removed from the extinction list and are bouncing back (bison, pelicans, and beavers). There is progress in cancer research (cervical and prostate cancers). More positive news is actually making the news (considering how mainstream media tends to be overwhelmingly negative) which can support the improvement of our well being.
