A cry for help…

According to new data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the mental health of the nation’s youth declined during the COVID-19 pandemic, with 44 % of high school students saying “they persistently felt sad or hopeless during the past year.”

“These data echo a cry for help,” said CDC Acting Principal Deputy Director Debra Houry, M.D., M.P.H. “The COVID-19 pandemic has created traumatic stressors that have the potential to further erode students’ mental wellbeing. Our research shows that surrounding youth with the proper support can reverse these trends and help our youth now and in the future.”

In Hamilton County, our 2020 survey of 125 junior and senior-high students showed significant increases in “depressive symptoms” and other mental health measures compared to 2018.

“School connectedness is a key to addressing youth adversities at all times – especially during times of severe disruptions,” said Kathleen A. Ethier, PhD, Director of CDC’s Division of Adolescent and School Health. “Students need our support now more than ever, whether by making sure that their schools are inclusive and safe or by providing opportunities to engage in their communities and be mentored by supportive adults.”

( “New CDC data illuminate youth mental health threats during the COVID-19 pandemic” 3/31/2022)

Patrick Crouse