Annie E. Casey Foundation’s Post

We are honored to have our founder, Mary Alvord, Ph.D., featured in this NPR article discussing the latest CDC Youth Risk Behavior Survey. Dive into the conversation about youth mental health and suicide prevention. #NPR #YouthWellness #MentalHealthMatters Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/ecXkb7EM

Recently, the CDC found that between 2021 and 2023, youth mental health has slightly improved. And while this is good news and definitely a step in the right direction, there's a lot more work to be done here. For example, the survey's data showed that more than 1 in every 6 adolescents report seriously thinking about suicide, making a plan for suicide or attempting suicide. But here is the better news: "When we look at the persistent sadness and hopelessness, we go from 42% down to 40%, which I realize is a small decrease, but it's statistically significant," says Kathleen Ethier, director of the CDC's Division of Adolescent and School Health. She clearly believes we're far from being "out of the woods", but she does think that it's worth noting and celebrating the improvements that we've seen in the decrease of hopelessness and substance abuse in teens. What do you think is working, and what could we do better? #MentalHealth #YouthMentalHealthBehavioralHealth

Great piece today in POLITICO on the mental health crisis among American children and adolescents. Really appreciate that they call out that the need is profound, but the cause is undetermined. Like so many things in mental health, it's likely multi-factorial. Grateful for all the attention to child mental health, but when I am teaching public mental health next week, most of the newest interventions are being scaled up before the evidence base is strong. Does feel like we are moving into a new era of mental health treatment, where we recognize that it will require culture change to make society better for the next generation. https://lnkd.in/gQeZrsji

Alarming survey results from the Department of Public Health highlight a concerning rise in sadness, hopelessness, and suicidal thoughts among Connecticut high school students, while access to vital mental health support has reached an all-time low. This urgent call to action demands immediate attention and increased resources to address the escalating mental health crisis among our youth. Let's prioritize their well-being by advocating for better access to mental health services and support. #MentalHealthAwareness #EndTheStigma #Wellness #SelfCare #Mindfulness #MentalHealthMatters #StressManagement #AnxietySupport #DepressionAwareness #WorkplaceWellness #socialmedia #linkedin

Our kids are not okay. According to a recent survey by Politico, 1,400 clinicians identified three top drivers of mental health issues in kids: social media, social isolation, and external events outside their control. These events can range from school shootings to climate change to political instability. Clinicians also cited other contributing factors, such as a lack of independence skills, missing developmental milestones due to the pandemic, pressure to look or be perfect, and family instability. #mentalhealth #mentalhealthmatters #counseling #socialisolation https://lnkd.in/ehq3rYdX

Mental health is nothing to ignore, we have to actually address the issues without complacency with a real pathway forward. The workforce of properly trained professionals and providers are key. This also means training courts, lawyers, and colleges to come up with tangible realistic expectations. Foucusing on the issues rather than the agendas is overdue! #mentalillness Michael Gray, JD, MUP hello for good, #youthmentalhealth https://lnkd.in/gZ-SSu4J

The latest report from the CDC on youth mental health offers both a sobering reality check and a glimmer of hope. While we've seen some modest improvements in mental health outcomes among high school students between 2021 and 2023, the broader crisis remains concerning. As leaders invested in the future of youth healthcare, these findings underscore the importance of long-term investment in mental health resources. Schools, families, and communities have begun to mobilize around the mental well-being of young people, and the early signs of success point to the effectiveness of these interventions. However, the data also highlights the need for a comprehensive approach that addresses not only mental health services but also the underlying social conditions that contribute to distress, such as safety in schools and community support. #MentalHealth #YouthMentalHealth #YouthHealthcare

The mental health of our youth is important for all of us. This recent data from Axios shows a few states that are seeing an improvement in pandemic levels of mental health. But is that the whole story? What did you find most interesting? How can we help our youth continue to improve their mental health?

It's heartening to see some states report decreases in youth mental health issues for the first time in several years, as reported in this article from Axios. When I was at Children's Hospital Colorado, we became the first organization in the U.S. to declare a pediatric mental health emergency during the pandemic. This declaration brought increased focus and resources to youth mental health in Colorado. The recent progress is a testament to the commitment made by the state to tackle this issue head-on. By prioritizing mental health and providing the necessary support, we’re seeing many states make positive strides towards better mental health outcomes for our youth. Let's continue to support and invest in the mental well-being of our young people. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/gmnkn5y7 #MentalHealth #YouthWellbeing #PandemicRecovery #Colorado #MentalHealthMatters

The mental health crisis among youth is at an all-time high, with alarming statistics underscoring the urgency for comprehensive solutions. Explore how we are working together with The Jed Foundation (JED) to develop a District Comprehensive Approach (DCA) to mental health and suicide prevention in our schools. It’s time to prioritize our students' emotional well-being and ensure they have the support they need to thrive. 🔗 Read more: https://lnkd.in/gb_sXJDs #YouthMentalHealth #AASA #JEDCares