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In 2021, more than 4 in 10 (42%) students felt persistently sad or hopeless and nearly one-third (29%) experienced poor mental health.
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In 2021, more than 1 in 5 (22%) students seriously considered attempting suicide and 1 in 10 (10%) attempted suicide.
Persistent Depression
57% of Girls
29% of Boys
69% of LGBTQ+ Kids
Attempted Suicides
13% of Highs School Girls
20% of LGBTQ+ Teens
Seriously Considering Suicide
30% of High School Girls
45% of LGBTQ+ Teens
Pandemic Effects Still Impacting Kids
Almost 45% of high school students experienced persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness during the pandemic and 20% seriously considered suicide.
American School Counselor Association
Recommends a ratio of 250-to-1.
Part of the challenge is to overcome teens’ fear that if they tell a trustworthy adult about a friend’s struggles, the friend will be angry, said Vanessa Prosper, PhD, a counseling psychologist and associate professor of the practice of counseling, developmental, and educational psychology at Boston College and a clinical coordinator at Boston Latin School. To overcome this, teens need to hear messages about how people experiencing suicidal ideation may not always make the best decisions for themselves. “We say that we understand that you don’t want your friend to be upset, but when you’re in great distress and crisis, your mind is foggy,” Prosper said. “We tell teens, once your friend gets treatment, they’ll probably thank you. Would you rather have your friend alive but mad at you, or your friend really in harm’s way?”
Children’s Mental Health
Being mentally healthy during childhood means reaching developmental and emotional milestones and learning healthy social skills and how to cope when there are problems. Mentally healthy children have a positive quality of life and can function well at home, in school, and in their communities.
Mental disorders among children are described as serious changes in the way children typically learn, behave, or handle their emotions, which cause distress and problems getting through the day. Many children occasionally experience fears and worries or display disruptive behaviors. If symptoms are serious and persistent and interfere with school, home, or play activities, the child may be diagnosed with a mental disorder.
Helping children cope with stress and worries
Mental health is not simply the absence of a mental disorder. Children who don’t have a mental disorder might differ in how well they are doing, and children who have the same diagnosed mental disorder might differ in their strengths and weaknesses in how they are developing and coping, and in their quality of life. Mental health as a continuum and the identification of specific mental disorders are both ways to understand how well children are doing.
What are common childhood mental disorders?
Among the more common mental disorders that can be diagnosed in childhood are attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), anxiety (fears or worries), and behavior disorders.
Other childhood disorders and concerns that affect how children learn, behave, or handle their emotions can include learning and developmental disabilities, autism, and risk factors like substance use and self-harm.
What are the symptoms of childhood mental disorders?
Symptoms of mental disorders change over time as a child grows, and may include difficulties with how a child plays, learns, speaks, and acts, or how the child handles their emotions. Symptoms often start in early childhood, although some disorders may develop during the teenage years. The diagnosis is often made in the school years and sometimes earlier; however, some children with a mental disorder may not be recognized or diagnosed as having one.
Can childhood mental disorders be treated?
Childhood mental disorders can be treated and managed. There are many treatment options based on the best and most current medical evidence. Parents and doctors should work closely with everyone involved in the child’s treatment—teachers, coaches, therapists, and other family members. Taking advantage of all the resources available will help parents, health professionals, and educators guide the child towards success. Early diagnosis and appropriate services for children and their families can make a difference in the lives of children with mental disorders.