The situation painted across the U.S. surgeon general’s 53-page advisory in December was dire.
Compared with 2019, emergency room visits for suicide attempts rose 51 percent for adolescent girls in early 2021. Among boys, there was a four percentage point increase. Depression and anxiety doubled during the coronavirus pandemic, with 25 percent of youths experiencing depressive symptoms and 20 percent suffering anxiety symptoms, according to the report and article published in the Washington Post.
Suicide attempts rose 51 percent for adolescent girls in early 2021. Depression and anxiety doubled during the coronavirus pandemic, with 25 percent of youths experiencing depressive symptoms and 20 percent suffering anxiety symptoms
U.S. Surgeon General December Report
In December 2021, there were three suicides in the small town in Southern Oregon where The Lemonade Project is headquartered. Had it been three teenage COVID deaths, it would have made national headlines. The suicides were just a whisper and most of the community was unaware.
The U.S. Surgeon General Vivek said, “Mental health challenges in children, adolescents, and young adults are real, and they are widespread. But most importantly, they are treatable, and often preventable.”
So, what are we doing in our communities to prevent youth suicides and address mental health issues? The Lemonade Project and our partner Grace & Kindness Foundation have solutions that we’d love to share. We’re looking for willing youth organizations to discuss and assist with implementation.
Call or email Andrea directly at 541-944-2591, andrea@spotlightmkg.com, or CONTACT US.
