DID YOU KNOW? May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and mental health is a topic that deserves some focus in the context of positive youth development.
In the U.S., approximately 9.8% of children aged 3-17 are diagnosed with ADHD, 9.4% with anxiety disorders, 8.9% with behavioral problems, and 4.4% with depression. In 2018-2019, 18.8% of youth aged 12-17 seriously considered attempting suicide, and 8.9% attempted suicide (CDC: Data and Statistics on Children’s Mental Health).
It's our job as positive, caring adults to be supportive and have conversations with the youth in our lives about their mental health. The following graphic shows ways that youth can reduce stress in their daily life, but remember, if a youth in your life is struggling to cope with the difficulties of day-to-day life, it may be time to seek professional help.
If you or a loved one is experiencing emotional distress or suicidal crisis, call the 24-hour National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 (1-800-273-TALK). If someone's life is in immediate danger, call 911.
Original source can be found here.
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