A new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is shedding a light on the state of teen mental health in the United States.
While the annual Youth Risk Behavior Survey shows some heartbreaking realities, it’s important to remember that once we identify where the greatest need is, we can better address it.
According to the report, poor mental health and suicidal thoughts and behaviors have increased from 2011 to 2021:
- In 2021, 42% of high school students felt so sad or hopeless almost every day for at least two weeks in a row that they stopped doing their usual activities.
- 29% of high school students experienced poor mental health during a 30-day period.
- 22% of high school students seriously considered attempting suicide that year.
- 18% of high school students made a suicide plan during that year.
Statistics like these have prompted Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona’s (BCBSAZ) new goal of engaging 525,000 Arizonans in improving behavioral health, which includes mental health, by 2025.
“These statistics about our youth make me choke up, and we have seen similar numbers in Arizona in recent years,” Dr. Cara Christ, Chief Medical Officer at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona (BCBSAZ) said. “When you think about kids and adolescents, they typically exude more liveliness and hope than any other age group but, instead, some of the data shows otherwise. That’s why Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona is so passionate about supporting behavioral health.”
While there are many different underlying causes of poor mental health in teens, Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and bullying can play a part.
ACEs in Arizona
The CDC describes ACEs as potentially traumatic events that occur in childhood that could impact health and well-being. In our state, recent Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) data shows the most prevalent ACEs among children up to 17 years old are divorce or separated parents (25.3%) and lacking basics like food or housing (13.4%).
Bullying in Arizona
According to ADHS, nearly all high school grade levels reported an increase in electronic bullying in 2021. The bullying patterns in Arizona closely follow the national trends.
In 2021, 15% of U.S. high school students were bullied on school property and 16% were electronically bullied, including through texting, Instagram, Facebook, or other social media.
Bullying can cause feelings of rejection, exclusion, isolation, and low self-esteem, and some individuals can develop mental health conditions like depression and anxiety as a result.
If you are a parent, child, or work in a school, visit this link for resources: ADHS - MustStopBullying.org (azdhs.gov)
Open the conversation
ACEs, bullying, and the overall topic of mental health may not be something you’ve ever talked about openly with your kids. Similarly, it may be a touchy subject for them to bring up.
Here are some things you can say and ask to open the dialogue:
- Do you want to talk?
- I am here to listen.
- I care about you.
- What can I do to help you?
- I am always here for you.
ADHS also has tips on how kids can start the conversation with their parents or guardians: ADHS - Youth Stigma Reduction (azdhs.gov)
BCBSAZ recognizes how important it is to support youth mental health. Mental health is a flagship focus for the BCBSAZ Foundation for Community & Health Advancement. The Foundation committed $2 million to mental health in 2022, and continues to make strides toward its $5 million commitment to address a wide range of mental health issues over the next two years.